It may seem like you just moved into your new home or apartment yesterday. But in a flash, five years have passed and you’re out of storage and feeling overwhelmed. Most of us know it doesn’t take long for our belongings to pile up.
“By year five, the ‘endless storage’ honeymoon is over,” says Ann Lightfoot, cofounder, DDH Home Organizing & Move Management. “Your stuff has multiplied, your square footage hasn’t, and you now know how you actually live in your space.”
But now is the ideal time for a thoughtful edit. “Taking stock after five years gives us a chance to see what's actually taking up space, what we're still using, and what we've simply gotten used to storing,” says Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban OrgaNYze. “Our careers, families, routines, and interests can change dramatically, but the things we've accumulated don't automatically change with us.”
Decluttering also enhances good design. “To me, a beautifully designed home isn't about how much you can fit into it. It's about being intentional with what you choose to keep,” says Kerrie Kelly, NKBA, FASID, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, and NKBA 2026 National Board Chair. “Editing isn't about deprivation; it's about making room for what you actually love and use.”
If you don’t know where to begin, start small. “Edit by category rather than trying to tackle the entire house in a weekend,” says Kelly. “Start with one drawer, one cabinet, or one closet. Take everything out, clean the space, and put back only what deserves to be there. It's amazing how quickly those small decisions transform the way a home feels. Empty space is a luxury, too!”
Ahead, here’s what design and organizational experts say you should get rid of if you’ve been in your home five years or more.
Accumulated Tote Bags, Water Bottles, and Branded Swag
“Five years of conferences, events, fundraisers, and corporate gifting can leave you with an impressive collection of tote bags, reusable water bottles, and branded merchandise you never actually set out to own,” says Kinsella. Keep what you genuinely like and use, and pass along the extras.
Manuals and Cords for Things You No Longer Own
Most manuals live online now, and that tangle of chargers likely powers nothing in your house. Recycle them responsibly, says Lightfoot.
Faded, Threadbare Linens
“Threadbare towels, mismatched sheets, and extra bedding you never reach for take up valuable storage space,” says Kelly. “Keep a thoughtfully curated collection of beautiful, functional linens and recycle the worn-out ones where possible.”
Long-Forgotten Fitness Equipment
“If your spin shoes haven't been touched since lockdown and the exercise bike has become ‘the chair’ in your bedroom, you may be dedicating valuable space to a workout routine that's no longer part of your life,” says Kinsella. Sell or donate equipment you no longer use so you have room for the activities you truly enjoy now.
The “Someday” Project Pile
Craft kits, furniture you planned to refinish, the bread maker and so on: “If someday hasn’t arrived in five years, give yourself permission to let it go, guilt-free,” says Lightfoot.
Decorative Accessories You've Stopped Noticing
“Those little objects that have been sitting on a shelf for years can become visual clutter,” says Kelly. “I love a meaningful collection, but every piece should earn its place. Sometimes removing three things makes the one beautiful object remaining look even better.”
Mismatched Decor from Your Old Place
“That rug or wall art you swore would work ‘somewhere’ has spent five years leaning against a wall. It’s time to release it to a home where it fits,” says Lightfoot.
Leftover Paint, Tile, and Building Materials
Hang on to a small labeled paint sample for touch-ups—and maybe one tile. But the rest, including the dried-up products or the five half-empty cans in the garage or basement, can go to your town’s hazardous waste drop-off, says Lightfoot.
Kitchen Gadgets That Promised to Change Your Life
This is a no-judgment zone: “If the avocado slicer, specialty pan, or oversized appliance hasn't made an appearance in years, it probably doesn't deserve prime real estate in your kitchen,” says Kelly. Ditto for duplicate kitchen tools.
Wellness Tools You're No Longer Using
“Whether it's a juicer, red light mask, or massage tool, we've all had that new wellness routine we're completely committed to for a few weeks before life gets busy and the habit quietly falls away,” says Kinsella. “The problem is that the gadget doesn't disappear when the enthusiasm does, and five years later, you may have an entire cabinet devoted to routines that lasted a month.” It’s fine to try something new to learn it wasn't for you, but you don't have to keep storing the equipment forever.
Furniture That No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle
Maybe it's an extra accent chair that collects clothes or a side table that's always in the way. Just because something fits physically doesn't mean it belongs. Give your rooms space to breathe and your furniture room to shine, says Kelly.
Expired Products
Purge the old sunscreen, crusty nail polish, expired makeup, shampoo you don’t like, and half-used cleaners that have piled up in your bathroom. Toss them safely and enjoy the instant breathing room, says Lightfoot.
Unopened Boxes from Your Move
“If you've lived in your home for five years and still have boxes you never unpacked, it's a pretty good indication that you haven't needed most of what's inside on a regular basis,” says Kinsella. “Open the box, decide what's worth keeping, and find those belongings a proper home so you're not continuing to live around a move that’s already happened.”
