Decluttering can make a huge difference to how calm and organised our homes feel, and for many of us, getting rid of things we no longer need is a priority. But some items are worth thinking twice about before adding them to the bin or donation pile.
Some of the best household items to reuse are things you might instinctively get rid of during a clear-out. From practical storage solutions to everyday objects that have alternative uses in the home, holding on to a select few items could actually save you money – and help you stay organised in the long run.
The trick is knowing the difference between useful belongings and clutter you're keeping 'just in case' – which happens to be one of the easiest decluttering mistakes we can make.
These 8 household items are worth keeping, say professional organisers
To help us find genuinely useful second purposes for items in the home, I asked professional organisers which household items to reuse. The eight items below might make you reconsider what you throw away during your next decluttering session.
1. Old toothbrushes
Just like there are cupboard essentials that double up as cleaning agents, our old toothbrushes can become a handy addition to our cleaning kit.
"They're brilliant for cleaning awkward or hard-to-reach spaces," says Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co. "Rather than throwing one away when you replace your toothbrush, keep it for cleaning around taps, small gaps, around hinges, grout lines or in other areas where a cloth or larger cleaning brush can't easily reach."
2. Tech and gift boxes
Deciding what to do with the box after we buy a new phone or receive a lovely gift is tricky, and nine times out of ten they end up getting thrown out. But they're actually a great way to organise chaotic drawers, and can save you spending money on drawer organisers.
"Rather than buying lots of small storage boxes, the boxes can be placed inside drawers to create compartments for things such as cables, stationery, small electronics or other loose items," Shannon suggests. "Their rigidity means they don't collapse or move around as easily as softer storage solutions."
3. A favourite chipped mug
It's a little heartbreaking when our favourite mug gets chipped or cracked. But we don't have to toss it straight in the bin, says professional organiser Rebecca Crayford.
"Use it on a desk for pens, in a craft area for paintbrushes or pencils, or on a dressing table for make-up brushes," she suggests.
"It works particularly well for a mug you really love or one that has sentimental value – you get to carry on enjoying it rather than leaving it unused at the back of a cupboard."
4. Wash bags and cosmetic bags
It's easy to accumulate a collection of wash bags and cosmetic bags, especially when they're part of a gift set. I've got a full drawer of empty ones at home, but Rebecca says they could be put to better use.
"They're great for storing odd items," she says. "One could hold spare chargers and cables, another a small sewing kit, travel toiletries or shoe-cleaning supplies. Keeping everything for one task together also means you can grab the whole bag when you need it."
5. Empty candle jars
It's always such a shame to throw a pretty candle in the bin once it's been used, but we're usually not sure what else to do with it. APDO member Maria Delia, founder of Dare to Declutter, recommends keeping old candles for storage purposes.
"I use them for things such as cotton pads, hair accessories, makeup brushes or small toiletries," she says. "They can also look much nicer than buying lots of plastic storage containers, particularly in a bathroom or bedroom." Reusing a fabulous candle jar is an easy way to make your bathroom look expensive on a budget.
Use our recommended method for removing wax efficiently when repurposing candle jars.
6. Old pillowcases
Old pillowcases can have a second lease of life when they no longer feel fresh enough to use. Maria recommends using these to organise a wardrobe, among other things. "They make brilliant breathable storage bags for handbags, shoes, seasonal clothing and delicate Christmas decorations."
"I also like using them to keep a matching set of bedding together," she adds. "Simply fold the duvet cover, sheets and extra pillowcase and pop them inside one of the other matching pillowcases. This way your airing cupboard stays organised as there is no need to pull out everything to find the matching set; it’s all in one neat little parcel."
7. Tea towels
Ever wondered what to do when tea towels are past their best? Maria shares a great tip on putting them to use – and it results in a mould-free washing machine seal.
"Once a wash has finished, I use an old tea towel to wipe around and dry the rubber door seal," she says. "Leaving moisture sitting in the seal can contribute to mould and unpleasant smells, so having an old towel within easy reach makes it much more likely that you’ll actually do it. "
8. Kitchen bowls
Just because a serving bowl or dish isn't being used for its original purpose in the kitchen doesn't mean it should be thrown out. Instead, have a think about where else it could be put to use.
"A lovely bowl can become a home for keys and sunglasses in the hallway, while a smaller dish could hold jewellery on a bedside table or hair accessories on a dressing table," says Rebecca Crayford. "And because it's something you already like, it can look lovely as well as being useful."
Professional declutterers often had the same advice when it came to what household items to reuse: try and find a purpose that is genuinely useful for you and your home. Also consider the household waste you can recycle in the garden. If you can't reuse items, then it's OK to let them go. Remember to donate or recycle where possible.
