9 Things That Have No Business In Your Home And 9 You Should Invest In

Your home should be your sanctuary, not a storage facility for items that drain your energy and space. I’ve spent years helping people transform their living spaces, and I’ve noticed patterns in what truly enhances a home versus what just creates clutter.

Today, I’m sharing my definitive list of what to toss and what to treasure for a happier, more functional living space.

1. Stacks of Unread Magazines

Remember subscribing to those magazines with grand intentions of leisurely Sunday reading? Yet there they sit, collecting dust and guilt in equal measure.

These paper towers create visual noise and attract dust while reminding you of unfinished business. I suggest keeping only the current month’s issues and recycling the rest.

For articles you truly want to save, snap photos or use apps like Pocket to store digital versions instead of hoarding physical copies.

2. Mismatched Food Storage Containers

Opening your kitchen cabinet shouldn’t trigger an avalanche of plastic lids and containers. That chaotic collection of mismatched storage pieces creates daily frustration and wastes precious time.

The orphaned lids without containers and stained vessels from takeout meals past serve no purpose. Take an hour this weekend to match pairs and ruthlessly discard the singles and damaged items.

Your future self will thank you when packing leftovers becomes a simple task rather than a archaeological dig.

3. Broken Appliances You’ll “Fix Someday”

That blender with the cracked base or the vacuum missing crucial parts isn’t suddenly going to repair itself. Broken appliances occupy valuable space while serving as constant reminders of unfinished projects.

Be honest about your repair intentions. If it’s been sitting broken for more than three months, it’s time to say goodbye. Either schedule repairs this week or release these items from your home.

Many cities offer electronics recycling programs, so you can dispose of them responsibly without the lingering guilt.

4. Wire Hangers from the Dry Cleaner

Those flimsy wire contraptions from the dry cleaner are actually clothing saboteurs in disguise! They create shoulder bumps in delicate garments and can even rust, transferring stains to your favorite pieces.

Many dry cleaners will gladly take them back for reuse. I recommend investing in uniform, quality hangers instead – your closet will instantly look more organized, and your clothes will thank you.

As a bonus, matching hangers create visual calm in your closet, making outfit selection less stressful each morning.

5. Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets

The avocado slicer, banana hanger, and egg separator that seemed so clever in the store are now just cluttering your drawers. These single-purpose tools take up valuable kitchen real estate while rarely earning their keep.

Multi-functional tools serve you better in the long run. A good chef’s knife can handle most produce prep tasks that specialized gadgets promise to simplify.

Keep only what you genuinely use weekly, and donate the rest to someone who might appreciate that strawberry huller more than you do.

6. Outdated Electronics and Their Cords

The drawer full of random chargers for devices you no longer own is essentially a time capsule of technological progress. Those old flip phones, obsolete digital cameras, and their mysterious cables aren’t coming back into fashion.

Electronics evolve quickly, making older versions functionally obsolete. Many communities offer electronics recycling events where you can responsibly dispose of these items.

For each new device that enters your home, make it a habit to properly dispose of its predecessor and any unique accessories.

7. Gifts You Keep Out of Guilt

Aunt Martha’s porcelain figurine collection doesn’t deserve prime shelf space just because she’d be disappointed if you didn’t display it. Keeping unwanted gifts creates a home filled with other people’s taste rather than your own.

The gift-giver wanted to bring you joy, not burden you with obligation. Take a photo if it holds sentimental value, then donate it where someone else might genuinely appreciate it.

Remember, you can honor relationships without keeping every physical token from them.

8. Mystery Keys

That jangling collection of unidentified keys in your junk drawer isn’t a treasure map waiting to be solved – it’s clutter with a side of false hope. If you haven’t identified what these keys open in the past year, you likely never will.

Keys to former homes, old padlocks, or forgotten storage units just create mental noise. Keep only the keys you regularly use, properly labeled for quick identification.

For peace of mind, recycle the metal mysteries at your local hardware store and enjoy the lighter keyring.

9. Instruction Manuals for Everything

That three-inch thick binder of product manuals for everything from your toaster to your TV remote is officially obsolete. Nearly every manual is available online now, making these paper versions unnecessary space-hoggers.

Before tossing them, take five minutes to search for digital versions of manuals for items you still own. Save these PDFs in a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage.

You’ll free up physical space while actually making the information more accessible when you truly need it.

10. Proper Mattress and Pillows

You spend roughly a third of your life sleeping, yet many people hesitate to invest in quality bedding. A supportive mattress and proper pillows can dramatically improve sleep quality, energy levels, and even chronic pain.

Memory foam, hybrid, or traditional spring – the best choice depends on your sleep position and preferences. The same goes for pillows, which should support your neck’s natural alignment.

Consider this an investment in your health and productivity, not just a bedroom expense.

11. Programmable Thermostat

Smart thermostats pay for themselves through energy savings while adding serious convenience to your daily life. Modern options learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting to save energy when you’re away or sleeping.

Installation is surprisingly simple for most homes, often requiring just 30 minutes and basic tools. Many utility companies even offer rebates that make these devices nearly free.

Beyond the financial benefits, the comfort of walking into a perfectly tempered home without wasting energy is one of those small luxuries that improves daily life.

12. Water Filter System

Clean water is non-negotiable for health, and a good filtration system eliminates concerns about tap water quality. Whether you choose a pitcher, faucet attachment, or under-sink system depends on your space and needs.

Beyond potential health benefits, filtered water generally tastes better, encouraging proper hydration. You’ll also dramatically reduce plastic waste from bottled water, saving money long-term.

Look for filters certified to remove contaminants specific to your local water supply for targeted protection rather than marketing promises.

13. Quality Food Storage Containers

Glass storage containers with secure lids transform leftover management from frustrating to effortless. Unlike plastic, glass won’t stain, retain odors, or leach chemicals into your food, especially when reheating.

The initial investment quickly pays off through food preservation. Seeing your leftovers clearly displayed in glass containers makes you more likely to actually eat them before they spoil.

Look for sets with various sizes that nest for storage, with lids that can withstand both freezer and microwave use for maximum versatility.

14. Proper Lighting Solutions

Strategic lighting transforms your home’s functionality and mood more effectively than almost any other upgrade. Layer lighting with overhead fixtures, task lighting, and accent lamps to create flexible environments for different activities.

Smart bulbs allow you to adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day, supporting your body’s natural rhythms. Warm light in evenings promotes relaxation and better sleep quality.

Energy-efficient LED options have dropped dramatically in price while offering better color rendering than early versions, making this upgrade both practical and impactful.

15. Durable Bath Towels

Few daily experiences compare to wrapping yourself in a plush, absorbent towel after showering. Quality bath linens elevate this routine moment into a small luxury while actually lasting years longer than cheaper alternatives.

Look for 100% cotton with higher GSM (grams per square meter) numbers, typically 500-700 for bath towels. Egyptian or Turkish cotton varieties offer exceptional absorbency and softness.

Proper care extends their life significantly – avoid fabric softeners which reduce absorbency, and give them occasional vinegar washes to restore fluffiness.

16. Multi-Purpose Furniture

Furniture that serves multiple functions maximizes your space without sacrificing style or comfort. Storage ottomans, expandable dining tables, and sofa beds with storage drawers offer practical solutions for various living situations.

These versatile pieces particularly shine in smaller homes or apartments where every square foot matters. They allow you to entertain guests, store seasonal items, or create temporary workspaces without dedicated rooms.

Focus on quality construction with solid materials rather than particleboard to ensure these hardworking pieces can handle their multiple roles.

17. Indoor Plants

Living plants bring literal life into your home while improving air quality and boosting mood. Research shows even looking at plants can reduce stress levels and increase feelings of wellbeing.

Start with hardy varieties like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants if you’re worried about maintenance. These resilient options forgive irregular watering and thrive in various light conditions.

Beyond their health benefits, plants add texture, color, and organic shapes that soften architectural lines and make spaces feel more complete and intentionally designed.

18. Quality Vacuum Cleaner

A powerful, reliable vacuum transforms cleaning from a frustrating chore into an efficient task. The right machine for your specific flooring and lifestyle will save countless hours of repeated cleaning with inferior tools.

Consider factors beyond just suction power – battery life for cordless models, filtration quality for allergy sufferers, and attachment versatility for different surfaces. The best vacuum is one that’s easy enough to use that you actually will use it regularly.

Modern options with HEPA filters capture microscopic particles that cheaper models recirculate, significantly improving indoor air quality.