12 Things To Throw Away Before January Ends

Let's face it: we all want to hang on to familiar, comforting things. But hanging on to useless objects that take up precious space and clutter up your home is a bit counterproductive, don't you think?

We won't even quote Marie Kondo's ethos on keeping things that spark joy (Does a ketchup packet spark joy?) so we list down here the dozen things at home you should absolutely get rid of before February rolls in. 

1. Plastic takeout containers.

If you intend to recycle these for your baon the next day, then go ahead and keep it. Otherwise, toss, or wash it well and give it to someone who needs it (some eco bazaars and organic markets encourage shoppers to bring their own containers for their food purchases, for example).

2. Expired makeup.

Did we mention that you can break out in a rash if you use foundation that's past its prime? Ditto for the metallic-disco-ball eyeshadow you haven't used in a year. Which brings us to...

3. Expired medicine. 

IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno

Yes, that includes your child's cough syrup that has been sitting in your ref since 2016. Don't forget to mix them in with dirt or used coffee grounds so that curious kids or pets won't accidentally get to them in the trash. 

READ: 5 Ways To Dispose Unused Medication

4. Fast food condiment packets.

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Like you're going to use that packet of months-old siopao sauce tomorrow. Toss these out and clear space in your fridge for healthier (real) food. 

READ: How to: Cleaning The Refrigerator

5. Evening gowns and bulky jackets.

These might cost a pretty penny, but it's unlikely that you'll be wearing that peach bridesmaid's gown from 1998 anytime soon. Another reason to purge old evening clothes is that these items take up so much closet space (especially gowns that have to be stored in a box). Give them to friends who need them, put up a garage sale, or sell to a store that rents out evening wear. 

READ: Garage Sale Basics 

6. Clothes that don't fit. 

The truth may hurt, but you will never be able to squeeze into those jeggings again (aside from the fact that jeggings aren't a trend these days). Donate the clothes to someone who can wiggle into them. 

READ: How to: Maintaining an Organized Closet

7. Crumbling shoes and bags.

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

Leather tends to deteriorate, and glue comes undone when you don't use shoes and bags for an extended period of time. 

8. Old receipts. 

Unless you are keeping electricity bills in hope of getting a rebate (the electric company will have your whole history in its database anyway), bills and receipts don't spark joy, period. Better yet, apply for paperless billing and save Mother Earth in the process.

9. Broken and outdated appliances. 

If it won't run and can't be fixed, toss it. If you think it's a collectible of some sort that you should keep, post a photo in a Facebook group to ask for a collective opinion. If it's not a collectible, there might be someone out there who would still want it.  

10. Baby clothes that have been outgrown. 

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

These items would only have been worn for a couple of months, max. Gift these to a friend with a newborn, or donate to a charity. You could, however, save the "firsts", like a christening gown or first pair of shoes, which you can frame or bronze as keepsakes (see above).

11. Incomplete toy sets.

How many toy brick sets does your child have lying around, neglected? Put these all in a bin and donate to the nearest public day care center. 

12. Newspapers and old calendars.

These are potential fire hazards. Bring the newspapers to a recycling center or junkshop (which buy these per kilo), or donate the papers to a friend who is having their house repainted. And this year, commit to read your (real) news online.

This article has been updated from the post "5 Things To Throw Away Today."