Get Rid of It! 7 Things You Should Finally Dispose of During Your Spring Clean

That mysterious drawer full of charging cables for devices that haven’t existed since 2015? The collection of Micro-USB, Mini-USB, and oddly shaped chargers for old Nokia phones? Keep just one universal charging cable per device and get rid of the rest. If you ever do need a vintage charger, chances are someone who missed this listicle can lend you one.

The Bookshelf

Admittedly, a full bookshelf looks impressive and is also a great flex – look here: a well-read person lives here. But do you really think you'll ever read Foucault’s Pendulum again? I mean, that brick of a book was barely endurable the first time around—who willingly puts themselves through that twice?

So, be generous with your clear-out and, if you like, fill the space with new reads. It might go against the whole decluttering idea, but at least it brings some fresh inspiration

Smelly Stuff

They’re among the most uninspired gifts out there—a mix of «I forgot about you» and «You’re house smells…funny»: scented candles, soap sets, and all that other pointless clutter. Most of the time, they end up stashed somewhere in the bathroom, only to be forgotten.

So, here’s your wake-up call: You are never going to light that passion fruit-scented candle. Bin it.

The Breadmaker

Bought during the collective lockdown baking craze, it's now gathering dust in the darkest corner of your kitchen. Be honest: after your third loaf with the texture of a brick, you gave up.

The good news? You can still get a few quid for it on the second-hand market.

The Herb & Spices Cupboard

Speaking of food: The saffron you bought for that one Spanish recipe? That rock-hard herb mix from 2018 that you need to soften up with a chisel? Or the mountain crystal salt you picked up in a moment of esoteric weakness?

Say goodbye and thanks—but let it go.

Birthday & Post Cards

Much like the cable drawer, my birthday, holiday, and greeting card stash is overflowing. In our digital age, it’s always lovely when someone takes the time to put a few words on paper—but do you really need to keep all 100 greeting cards from the past 20 years?

Sure, some of them probably have sentimental value, but let’s be honest—the Vancouver postcard from Deborah can probably go.

Give Up And Move?

If you’ve realised by points 1–6 that pretty much everything needs to go, it might be time for a complete fresh start. Over on the Ron Orp property portal, new four walls are waiting for you.

Nothing declutters quite as effectively as moving house—and sometimes, it’s easier to change flats than to tidy up. It’s a radical approach, but that’s how fresh starts work. Good luck