Tips from Shira Gill: 10 things to ditch for the new year
Vivian Johnson Photography for Shira Gill
The New Year is your reset button—a chance to clear out what’s weighing you down and make space for what really matters. If you’re tired of staring at clutter that nags at you every time you open a drawer or walk past a pile, now’s the time to act. Let’s stop overthinking, start editing, and reclaim your home (and your sanity) in the process.
Here are 10 things to ditch—and actionable tips to let them go responsibly. No guilt, no trash bags stuffed with regrets—just a smarter, lighter start to the year.
1. Clothes That Make You Feel Meh
Why ditch them? If it doesn’t feel good when you put it on, it’s not worth keeping. Clothes that are ill-fitting, outdated, or just don’t align with your current lifestyle can take up valuable closet space and make getting dressed feel uninspired.
Disposal tip: Donate gently worn items to a local thrift shop or shelter, post in your local Buy Nothing group, or try resale platforms like Poshmark or ThredUp to give them a second life.
2. Excessive Amounts of Tea
Why ditch them? We’ve all been there—an avalanche of tea tins and bags, half of which are expired or flavors you’ll never drink. The "just in case" tea stash is more overwhelming than comforting. And good news—we’re not facing a tea shortage so curate your collection and exhale.
How to rehome/recycle: Compost expired tea leaves (without the bag if it’s plastic!) and donate unopened, in-date boxes to a local shelter or community pantry. Bonus: more pantry space for snacks you actually enjoy.
3. Sad Old Socks
Why ditch them? Socks with holes, missing pairs, or inexplicably stretched-out elastic are not making your life better. Instead of hoarding them in hopes their mates will miraculously reappear, let’s be real: it’s time to move on.
How to repurpose/recycle: Use old socks for dusting (they’re like little mittens for your hands!) or as rags.
4. Worn-Out Sheets and Towels
Why ditch them? If your linens feel like sandpaper or have seen one too many dye jobs gone wrong, it’s time to upgrade. Threadbare towels and sheets are just taking up space better used for something…well, softer.
How to repurpose/recycle: Donate usable ones to animal shelters where they can become pet bedding. For stained or torn items, Ridwell’s textile recycling program ensures they’re given a new purpose.
5. Office Supplies That Haven't Seen the Light of Day
Why ditch them? Dried-up markers, pens that stopped working in 2005, and a mountain of paper clips just clutter up your workspace. Say goodbye to office supplies you don’t need or use and free up those desk drawers!
How to recycle: Keep an eye on Ridwell featured categories and donate usable supplies to local schools, libraries, or nonprofits in need.
6. Mysterious Electronics and Cords
Why ditch them? We all have those random “mystery objects” lying around: random cords, unidentifiable chargers, outdated laptops, or parts to something long forgotten. If you don’t know what it is, where it came from, or what it’s for, chances are you don’t need it. That drawer of random chargers and outdated tech? It’s not your legacy, it’s e-waste. Let’s reclaim the space for something…useful.
How to recycle: For that large stack of old, outdated tech, Google “e-waste near me” to find your local drop off center. Ridwell also partners with e-waste recyclers to properly dispose of small electronics and cords as a swappable featured category. Gather your collection, feel a sense of accomplishment, and enjoy your newly decluttered cabinets and drawers. No more cord spaghetti!
7. Expired Pantry Items
Why ditch them? Spices from 2010 and expired canned goods are not the makings of a great dinner party. Keeping them around just adds unnecessary clutter—and maybe a little regret.
How to recycle/rehome: Compost expired dry goods if appropriate. For unopened, non-expired items, donate to a local food bank and pat yourself on the back.
8. Items with Missing Parts
Why ditch them? It’s time to say sayonara to toys, puzzles, games, and electronics that no longer work or have missing pieces.
How to recycle: Ridwell’s device category can often accommodate broken plastic or electronic toys, ensuring they’re disposed of responsibly or you can donate to your local creative reuse center. Let go of the guilt and make room for the toys that actually get played with.
9. Gifts You Don’t Love
Why ditch them? Hanging onto a gift out of guilt serves no one. If it doesn’t fit your style, home, or life, it’s likely just taking up valuable space. Letting go doesn’t mean rejecting the sentiment behind the gift—it means embracing the idea that someone else might genuinely love and use it.
How to rehome: Consider regifting thoughtfully, or donating through your local neighborhood group, parent group, or Buy Nothing group.
10. Unused Beauty Products
Why ditch them? From half-empty lotions to that eyeshadow palette you swore you’d use (but didn’t), expired and unloved beauty products take up valuable space. If you haven’t reached for it in the past six months, it’s time to let it go.
Disposal tip: Check if the product packaging can be recycled through programs like Terracycle, Google for local drop-off points, and avoid pouring liquids down the drain—they can harm the environment.
A Fresh Start for You and the Planet
Clearing out the unnecessary isn’t just about freeing up physical space—it’s about lightening your mental load and starting fresh. So grab your bag(s), tackle the list, and set yourself up for a simpler, more sustainable New Year. Here’s to fresh spaces, clearer minds, and a lighter, brighter 2025!
About Shira
Shira Gill is a world-renowned organizing expert and the bestselling author of three books: Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled. She’s a sought-after expert for media outlets and has been featured by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, People, Forbes, goop, Architectural Digest, Oprah Daily, Vogue, and The New York Times. Her popular newsletter The Life Edit has subscribers from all 50 states and 140 countries.
Connect with Shira:
www.shiragill.com
Books:
Organized Living
