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30 Things You Need to Get Rid of in 2019

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We’re not one to fall for the whole “new year, new you” concept. But this time of year does provide a good opportunity to look back at what has made us happy over the last few months and what things aren’t really working. And fortunately, there’s no need to totally overhaul your life to enjoy more feelings of joy, calmness and productivity. Here, 30 totally achievable things to get rid of this year.

old bridesmaids dresses hanging in closet
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1.

Bridesmaid Dresses

We get it—you paid a small fortune for that seafoam green number. But despite what your best friend said, you are never actually going to wear it again. Donate or re-sell.

silver click pen on open book
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2.

Pens That Don’t Work

Why, oh why, are these still cluttering up your desk? Invest in some stylish new ones instead.

woman lying in bed checking messages on mobile phone
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3.

Checking Your Phone Right Before Bed...

… And as soon as you wake up. Trust us, you’ll sleep so much better after kicking this habit to the curb. (And you’re definitely not missing anything.)

usb charging cables for smartphone and tablet
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4.

Miscellaneous Plugs and Chargers

There is zero reason to be holding on to your phone charger from six years ago. Going forward, label all your wires or use washi tape to keep track of what’s what.

clear your dvr saved shows
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5.

Your DVR List

Seeing that never-ending list of Modern Family episodes pile up is surprisingly stressful. Watch them or delete.

old sunscreen bottle
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6.

Old Sunscreen

Turns out that sunblock actually deteriorates over time, meaning that what you thought was protecting you from wrinkles and melanoma could actually be doing nothing at all. Play it safe and invest in a new bottle—here are five that are super lightweight.

woman tying hair in pony tail
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7.

Stretched Out Hair Ties

They damage your locks and barely work. Invest in a hair ring instead.

chinese take out food in boxes
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8.

Takeout Menus

These days, every delivery joint worth its salt has a menu online.

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9.

Baby Clothes

Ninety-nine percent sure you’re done having kids? Save a few of the cutest pieces and donate the rest to a family in need.

white unmade bed
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10.

Your Mattress

If it’s more than seven years old, that is. Here’s how to pick a new one in five easy steps.  

leftover freezer food
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11.

Leftovers in the Freezer

You made those meatballs how long ago? Here's how long your food really lasts in the freezer.

old birthday cards
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12.

Old Birthday Cards

Keep the ones with sentimental value and get rid of the rest.

empty plastic food boxes 1
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13.

Tupperware Without Lids

Free up that precious real estate in your kitchen and get on with your life.

woman on smartphone
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14.

Your Instagram Addiction

Look, we love the ’Gram, too. But if you’re spending more time taking the perfect photo of your meal than actually enjoying your food, then it may be time for a smartphone restaurant ban.

cd shelf
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15.

CDs

You’re allowed to keep one nostalgic Alanis album. That’s it.

hanging towel on shower wire with old dirty grey wall
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16.

Threadbare Towels

Donate them to an animal shelter who can use them for bedding.

woman alseep next to smart phone
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17.

The Snooze Button

Those extra minutes in bed can actually leave you feeling more tired, not less.

a pile of crumpled plastic bags
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18.

Plastic Bags

Sure, keep a few of them for the bathroom trash can or walking the dog, but take the remaining 3,000 to the recycling center.

medicine cabinet
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19.

Expired Medication

Just check the FDA’s guidelines before tossing.

glass of soda
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20.

Soda

Yep, even the diet kind. Give it up this year and your teeth will thank you later. Oh, and you might even live longer.

old halloween costumes
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21.

Old Costumes

Are you really going to dress up as Lara Croft again? Next.

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23.

Expired Pantry Items

Go through your canned goods, spices and baking supplies and toss anything that’s beyond safe consumption.  

woman holding out smartphone
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24.

Phone Numbers You Don’t Recognize

Like “Amy’s friend John” or “Lady from grocery store.”

books on a table
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25.

College Textbooks

You will never, ever use them.

wicker laundry basket filled with laundry
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26.

Old Bedsheets

Like towels, most animal shelters will happily accept these.

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27.

Eyeglasses with the Wrong Prescription

Donate them to someone who needs them.

batteries
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28.

Dead Batteries

Don’t tell us we’re the only ones with a drawer of these.

old makeup
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29.

Old Makeup

Using expired products can lead to breakouts and infections. Here’s a handy guide for how long your makeup really lasts.

clothes under thebed
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30.

Junk from Underneath Your Bed

It’s terrible for your bedroom’s feng shui. Spend just five minutes each night putting clothes and papers away. Voilà: Instant zen.


Alexia Dellner profile shot v2

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor focusing primarily on family, wellness and travel
  • Has more than 10 years experience writing and editing
  • Studied journalism at the University of Westminster in London, UK