7 Household Items to Toss, Now

The snows may not be fully melted, but the first signs of spring are closing in—and with them comes the impulse
to clean and de-clutter in the annual rite we call spring cleaning.

But while some items get tossed without a second thought, consumer blogger Jacob Hurwith urges us to dig deeper, suggesting 10 things we really need to get rid of:

Old shoes – It may be comforting to see those 27 pairs of shoes in your closet, but deep down you know that at least half of them will never be worn again. They have no purpose or sentimental value. Pitch them.

Unmatched and outgrown clothing – If there are odd gloves or socks cluttering the drawers, give up hope that mates will appear. Pitch them, and give your kids' outgrown clothes to charity or to a family with younger kids.

Wire coat hangers – If you've amassed a collection from the dry cleaners, take them back to the store. It will make room in your closets for plastic or wooden hangers that really do keep clothes looking presentable.

Old Tupperware – Plastic Tupperware can break down after years of use in microwave or dishwasher, releasing chemicals into your food. Replace them with glass containers or inexpensive disposable plastic to be thrown away after a couple of runs through the dishwasher.

Old pillows – Pillows older than two years have probably lost their oomph and purpose. Test yours by folding them in half. If they pretty much stay folded, it's time to replace them with new ones – and well-used mattresses should be replaced after seven or eight years.

Dated technology – We all have those old cords lying in the back of the closet, a dated printer we hope works again or a computer that barely runs. It's time to get rid of them. Tip: Try bringing old tech to an electronics store in town. You may get a credit.

Old makeup – Makeup, like food, can expire or lose potency. Cream products typically expire within six months to a year after purchase, dermatologists tell us, and mascara often only lasts three months before becoming a bacteria threat.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.