9 Things You Need to Get Out of Your House in 2017

POPSUGAR Photography /Lisette Mejia
POPSUGAR Photography /Lisette Mejia

In an ideal scenario, our homes are our sanctuaries, a place where we can escape the chaos and disorder of the outside world. But in reality, we're often weighed down by belongings and decor that no longer have much use or sentimental value. This creates a heavy, dissatisfied atmosphere — but it's an easy situation to change.

Following Marie Kondo's wildly popular purging plan can be life-changing, so we've made the process even easier by honing in on nine items to get rid of in 2017.


01
Certain Childhood Mementos
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Certain Childhood Mementos

Hold on to certain items from childhood, but don't feel the need to keep every single thing. You'll always have the memories, even if you don't keep each belonging.

02
Reminders of an Ex
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Reminders of an Ex

It almost goes without saying that any reminders of past heartbreaks should be put out of sight, if not discarded entirely. If you aren't totally ready to let go, box up painful mementos and stick them in an attic or basement for the time being.

03
Old Periodicals
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Old Periodicals

It's easy to feel bogged down when there's all manner of old magazines and newspapers cluttering the home. Get rid of any periodical you've read and loved, and bring in new, inspiring material.

04
Hand-Me-Downs You Don't Adore
POPSUGAR Photography | Emily Bolles

Hand-Me-Downs You Don't Adore

Give yourself permission to keep only things you really love in your home. If you're financially able to, donate or sell hand-me-down furniture and find replacements which fit your taste.

05
Hobby Items You've Abandoned
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Hobby Items You've Abandoned

We all have had interests come and go. Free up space in your home by discarding the paraphernalia from hobbies you've abandoned. Then you have space to pursue whatever new interests come along.

06
Books You Read Long Ago
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Books You Read Long Ago

Books make beautiful decor, but consider parting ways with those you read long ago and will likely never open again. The newly found free space may just inspire you to find a new favorite book.

07
Out-of-Date Technology and Cords
POPSUGAR Photography | Lisette Mejia

Out-of-Date Technology and Cords

Keep the tech items and corresponding cords or adaptors you use currently, and consider donating everything else. That way, you'll never again waste time looking for the exact piece you need.

08
Certain Mementos
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Certain Mementos

We all love a walk down memory lane, but consider paring down your collection of mementos to the pieces which matter most. We're much more likely to peruse a manageable stack of photos than wade through a bag full of disorganized snaps.

09
Clothes and Shoes You No Longer Wear
POPSUGAR Photography | Grace Hitchcock

Clothes and Shoes You No Longer Wear

It's totally normal to hold onto clothing and shoes on the off chance the style may come back or that they'll fit again someday. But by letting go of items you haven't worn in a long time, you're freeing up space for the clothes you do love and wear — and possibly something new too.