The 11 Household Items You Need To Throw Out For a Clean & Healthy 2020

We've already discussed how cleaning can make us happier and the best landlord-approved detox tips, and now we're committed to decluttering our place for good. No matter how hard we try, everyone ends up with things in their home that don't necessarily serve a purpose anymore or are simply broken. No doubt you've been putting it off (same), but now's the best time to get rid of things that have been hanging around and accumulating mess. Who knows, you might even be able to make a few bucks from your old stuff. These are the items we're leaving in 2019 because tidy is the new black.

1. Plastic bottles

If you're still relying on plastic drink bottles to replenish your fluids throughout the day it's time to get yourself a reusable and non-toxic version to sip on. Just like your trusty keep cup, you should carry your bottle around every day in your bag and fill it up as you need.

2. Air fresheners

This one shocked us too. Some air fresheners and room deodorisers actually contain nasty chemicals and phthalates that can affect your health over time. The best way to fill your room with a candle (shop ours here) or an essential oil diffuser to keep the air in your home clean and fresh.

3. Expired sunscreen

If you notice that the sunscreen you've been keeping in your drawer since last summer has expired, opt for a new bottle to play it safe. Sun safety is one of the most important daily rituals to incorporate and you want to be sure that what you're putting on your skin is actually working.

4. Your toothbrush

How long have you been using your toothbrush? Probably too long. It's easy to overlook the toothbrush when thinking about detoxifying but over time it can accumulate nasty bacteria that you most definitely do not want in your mouth. Aim for replacing it every three months.

5. Junk drawer

It's time. If you haven't used that spare button and still haven't figured out what door that extra key opens then consider tossing it all away. We have a habit of hoarding things that might be useful later, but after a while they just become junk.

6. Old receipts

It's important to hold onto certain receipts that you might need at tax time, but your grocery receipt from last year probably doesn't fall into that category. As well as that, some receipts are also covered in the toxical chemical BPA which we already know is bad news.

7. Clothes you don't wear

Begin the year with purpose by going through your wardrobe with a fine-tooth comb to uncover any pieces you haven't work in the last year. If you utter the words "I might wear it one day" it's definitely time to donate it or even sell it to someone who will find a use for it.

8. Expired foods

We don't need to tell you why expired foods are on this list. Kitchen cupboards are one of the more daunting tidy tasks and therefore are put off until you move house. If you do a regular check-in of any cereals, jars and other foods that have expired you'll make life easier for yourself in the long run.

9. Plastic containers

In 2020 there are so many sustainable options for storing your food. Glass and stainless steel are your best bet, and they won't scratch or crack over time like plastic containers of the past do.

10. Old magazines

Look, we're the first to admit that we have a stash of our favourite mags on a rotating reading list. They're great for tear outs to add to your moodboard and are a stylish addition to your coffee table. The problem begins when you have stacks and stacks from years gone by that you have no intention of revisiting. Hit up your local preschool or design college to see if they could take them off your hands to use for crafting.

11. Electronics

It can be hard to know what to do with outdated or broken electronics. A quick google search let us know that there is various e-waste drop off locations around and you can even book in a time for the local council to come by and take them off your hands. Easier than you thought, right?

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