11 Things You Should Definitely Get Rid of After You Turn 40
One of the best things I noticed after I turned 40 is that I felt more confident than ever in my personal tastes. This newfound perspective is a major boon to any decluttering undertaking — which is another thing that seems to happen more often these days. I’m embracing the need to simplify. This decade is a busy one, whether you’re taking care of school-age children or aging parents (or both!). Plus, you’re handling all the responsibilities that come with a full career and household. Paring down excess helps cut down on unnecessary “noise” in the environment, making a more peaceful environment at home.
Another thing that makes the over-40 season an ideal time to declutter is that there’s been a significant amount of time for things to accumulate. Between relationship changes, moves, and/or job evolutions, you probably have a good deal of stuff that you’re no longer using in your daily life. Getting it out of your living space and life gives you not only more physical room, but also more mental and emotional room. As I’ve learned from experience, only good can come from making space for what’s on the horizon.
Here are some things you can likely declutter without regret after you turn 40.
1. “Going out tops” from college
“Going out tops” (do the youths even wear them anymore?!) are so easy. Fancy-ish shirts that can be paired with jeans make for an easy outfit when you need to get a little bit dressed up. But the tops you have from college or your prime going-out years probably aren’t making it into rotation too often, whether it’s because styles have changed or you have changed (or both!). Letting these go gives you more space in your closet for the clothes that fit your current lifestyle and your current body.
2. DVDs and CDs
You may have spent years amassing a collection of your favorite movies and music. But be honest: Do you even have a DVD player? If not, buying or renting things digitally means less clutter and less to clean. Create space by getting rid of these outmoded forms of entertainment. (The exceptions: You’re a Blu-Ray devotee, or you have DVDs your kids might watch in the car.) Just make sure you’re not accidentally tossing DVDs or CDs with personal movies or photos!
3. Cookware you haven’t used in the last decade
Don’t clog your kitchen storage space with cookware or baking items that you never use. If you suddenly become a person who makes Madeleine cookies, you can buy another Madeleine pan. Keeping your kitchen stocked with only what you regularly use will make the whole space more efficient and functional — and reduce stress levels.
4. Personal care items you don’t use
It’s easy to amass an array of personal care items that you just never use. Take a look in your bathroom cabinets and drawers, and pull out anything that you don’t use, that’s expired, and that’s been open longer than “Period After Opening” (or PAO amount of time). Also get rid of all those perfume, makeup, and cosmetics samples you’ve been holding on to. Next, clear out your hotel samples. You’ll be amazed at how much space you’ll free up and how much calmer it’ll feel.
5. Unused outerwear
Outerwear often involves a larger expenditure than regular clothing, which can make it difficult to part with. But if you have pieces like coats that you haven’t worn for years, you probably won’t anytime soon. Clear them out of your closet and donate to some shelters. You’ll create a wardrobe that contains only things you actually wear and release unused pieces to people who will enjoy them.
6. Supplies from former hobbies
By the time you’ve passed age 40, you’ve tried lots of things. And some pursuits may no longer interest you, which is fine! But don’t let the old things hold you back. Clear out supplies for hobbies that you no longer spend time on. Let go of the guilt of unfinished projects, appreciate the learning and joy you experienced from the past, and make room (physically and psychologically) for whatever’s next.
7. Inherited items you don’t love
I was the person in the family who inherited many items from my older relatives. Some of them I’d never part with, like my grandparents’ dining room table or my great-grandmother’s writing desk. But the passage of time means gaining perspective; you might realize that many of the things you’ve kept you don’t actually like or want. It’s okay to let them go. In fact, keeping less makes those items more special than ever.
8. Decor you’re storing
Once you’ve reached your fifth decade, you’ve probably lived in multiple places, which might mean you’ve carted around some furniture and decor that isn’t being used in your current space. With the possible exception of holiday items (but don’t discount thinning them out as well!), decor that you’re storing needs to go. Your home shouldn’t be used as a storage unit.
9. Miscellaneous cords
You might have a box of cords you’re afraid to throw out, but chances are, if you don’t know what the cord is for, you won’t need it. And if you do end up needing it down the road, it’ll be readily available online. Keep only the cords you recognize, consider labeling them, and don’t let new cords become mystery cords.
10. Manuals
You may no longer even own all the items you have manuals for; even if you do, you can look up the manuals online. Get rid of this paper clutter for good by tossing each and every owner’s manual you still have in the recycling bin.
11. Books you don’t love
My favorite thing about being over 40 is knowing what I like and what I don’t like. If you’re a book-lover, consider whittling down your collection to one that reflects what has truly impacted you over the years. Letting go of the rest means being surrounded with the books you truly love and making room for what’s to come.
This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: 11 Things to Get Rid of After 40
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