25 Things to Get Rid of in Your Fifties

Marie Kondo made us all take a good look at the stuff we have compiled over the years and decide if it "serves us." If you haven't used or worn something in three years, what are you saving it for?

You (or your kids) are eventually going to have to go through the result of the little by little that becomes a lot from your years of collecting. I can tell you from personal experience that it's very emotional and overwhelming to downsize so getting a head start on it now will save you so much time and trouble when you have to do it.

I've compiled a list to help you get a head start on the clearing.

Plastic cups from when the kids were little

If they have teeth marks and loads of BPA, toss 'em.

Ratty sheets and pillow cases

If you used it for trick or treating or took it to the beach in 2001, pack it up and take it out.

Towels

Those old towels that you would be embarrassed if a guest pulled out of the linen closet. However, animal shelters gladly take these.

Stuffed Animals

If they are from your childhood, keep one. Maybe. If they are your kids' have them collect or donate.

Expired, cracked old makeup

It's not good for your skin when it starts to crack and clump.

Cookbooks

Unless you wrote it or dog-ear the pages because you love it, toss it. You have the internet now.

DVDs of movies you don’t love and ALL VCR TAPES

If you live in a very rural area with spotty service, you get a pass. Otherwise, pack up the Sound of Music and The Notebook and donate them to retirement homes.

Old spices

Check for expiration dates. They usually have about a two-year shelf-life.

A mattress with indents.

Your back and your sleep cycle will thank you immensely.

Empty wine bottles

These are not decorative candle holders, you are not in your college apartment anymore.

They should also not serve as wine rack fillers if you can't seem to keep wine in the house. Recycle them.

Expired Sunscreen

If it's past a year old, it loses its ability to protect you anyway.

Cookware

If you can see any scratch or rust, it’s gotta go. This is dangerous for your health. Go to Home Goods and find some safer pieces without PFOAs or PTFe.

Outdated Flour & Sugar

If it's opened it doesn't keep forever.

Small Kitchen Appliances

If you haven't’ made your own ice cream or pressed paninis in 10 years.

Three-fold plastic chaise lounge (beach chairs)

No elaboration needed.

Wooden Tennis racquets and old tennis balls

Replace them with pickleball paddles and balls!

Containers without Lids

And switch to glass for your food storage.

Hotel Toiletries

These are cheap and full of toxic chemicals.

Old Perfume and Lotions

These will get rancid after while.

Wire hangers

Plastic hangers are 10/ $2 and won't put dents in your clothes.

Old paint

Fill the can with clean cat litter before you throw it out. Don't pour it down a drain.

Mystery keys

Try what you think they might fit, but it the don't let you into anything, keeping them around they will just confuse you.

Board games with missing pieces

Don't donate these either, just toss them in the garbage.

Food you aren’t going to eat

If you have given up a food group don’t keep the stuff around. Gluten? Toss the spaghetti. Sugar? All the sugar laden condiments: ketchup, jelly, regular peanut putter. There are sugar-free alternatives with natural sweeteners and they are delicious!

Plus all of these: corn syrup, canola and vegetable oil, canned foods with

anything with dyes, drinks with sugar including juice and soda.

Artificial Sugar Substitutes

Keep these: Stevia, Monk Fruit, Swerve

Toss these: Sweet-n-low which is saccharin (the pink packet), Equal or nutrasweet (the blue packet), and Splenda, sucralose, (the yellow packet.)

Clothes

Go with the five year rule. Do a little googling or ask your Facebook friends for where to donate them.

If you don't want to take it with you when you downsize toss it. As someone who is packing up 50 years in one house, you can't start too early.

If it doesn't serve you or bring you joy, let it go, let it go...!