10 Home Items You Need to Trash Before Your 30s

If you're over 30, congratulations – your decanter is in the mail!

The truth is, as we get older, there are some new things to welcome on the home front and some old things you just have to leave behind.

Here are 10 items you don’t want to carry with you in your adult life:

1. Cheap, wire clothes hangers

Swap the flimsy wire hangers for something sturdier.

Quality plastic or solid metal hangers will keep your clothes looking their best, while wooden ones add a touch of luxury and promote minimalism.

Trust us, your clothes (and closet!) will thank you.

2. A collection of shot glasses 

While a couple of shot glasses are handy for a surprise Old Fashioned, a whole collection might be overkill.

Think Marie Kondo: Do those souvenir shot glasses really "spark joy"? If not, consider giving them a new home (or a toast-worthy send-off!).

Even sentimental pieces can be displayed elsewhere. Free up that cabinet space for things you use more often.

3. College textbooks

While some things from your college years deserve a place on your shelf, 10-pound textbooks might not be one of them.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping a few choice books from undergrad, especially if you’re working in the field you studied. But, really: What are the chances you’ll crack open that Psych101 textbook from freshman year?

Consider passing them on to a fellow student who could use them, freeing up space for your current reading adventures!

4. Clothes that don’t fit

Your closet shouldn't be a museum of last year’s fashion trends!

Give it a refresh once or twice a year by playing dress-up (with your own clothes!). Try things on, see how they fit, and check for any holes, stains, or tears.

5. Mismatched plastic cups

You may think that the 64oz Pokemon 2000 cup you got when you were six is “vintage” and nostalgic but in reality, no self-respecting thirty-something should be using one of these.

While those souvenir cups have their charm, elevate your every day with a set of stainless steel tumblers. Perfect for enjoying a refreshing bev or mixing up cocktails for friends, these beauties will be your go-to for any occasion.

6. Old, unused bedding

Are you hanging on to that extra-long twin sheet set in case you decide to invest in a dorm-style bed someday?

Chances are, any old bedding you’re not currently using in your rotation will just accumulate dust and take up space. If it’s clean and in good shape, put it in the donate pile.

7. Mismatched towels 

Nothing says “adulthood” like a matching set of robust, fluffy towels.

There’s a time and a place for a couple of rogue beach towels, but if you have old, ratty towels and washcloths cramping up your bathroom storage, get rid of them and opt for a couple of better-quality ones instead.

8. A bunch of novelty mugs in the kitchen

We get it. There’s something oddly nostalgic about sipping your morning coffee from a mug you picked up on a trip in the early 2000s.

But you probably don’t need multiple novelty mugs taking up space in your kitchen cabinets.

Choose the mugs that mean the most to you, and store only what you use in your kitchen. If you have extras, consider using them as pencil cups or planters for small plants — they’ll get way more love on your nightstand or desk than in the back of the cabinet.

9. Old, unused tech

Are you going to use that old Chromebook from college or sink into the couch with your multiple seasons of “Breaking Bad” DVDs when you can just stream it?

Now is the perfect time to say goodbye to any and all outdated technology or entertainment, including DVDs, CDs, laptops, old cell phones, and dusty printers.

If you haven’t used something in the last 6-8 months and don’t plan to (or, of course, if it doesn’t work), go ahead and donate.

• Donate: Give outdated tech or unused media a new life! Local charities, libraries, and schools might appreciate them.

• Resell: Tech in good condition can find a second home (and earn you some cash) through online marketplaces.

Free up the space! By decluttering, you'll create room for new hobbies or expand your growing vinyl collection.

10. Mismatched food containers

I get it. Those takeout containers you get from your favorite Thai restaurant are perfect for your leftover spaghetti.

Oh and don’t forget about the sour cream containers you keep stashed with your pots and pans that you use to hold sauces and such…

Oh right! Those cool-whip containers are perfect for a quick bowl of cereal…

See where I’m getting at?

Plastic food storage containers can be cheap and convenient. But mismatched, stained, or warped containers are a sign to take the leap and invest in some quality containers to make your meal planning dreams come true.

A set of glass food containers with locking lids or deli containers will be easier to clean and will last you far longer than the ones that came with your takeout order.

And if you want even more tips + exclusive home finds delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to Apartment Essentials! Every Saturday we share practical advice, styling inspo, and budget-friendly deals to make your space Pinterest-worthy.

We promise it's the perfect weekend pick-me-up for new grads, young adults, and folks revamping their first "grown-up" apartment.