13 Things to Throw out in July, According to Organizers

Make room for stylish summer footwear, including sandals and flip-flops, that you’ll actually want to wear all season long. Get rid of any styles that you no longer have use for.

“As we hit the midpoint of the year, it’s a natural time to be honest about which pairs are actually being worn, which still fit and feel good, and which are simply taking up space,” says Victoria Tran of Sorted Professional Organizing. “Donate gently used shoes that are still in good condition, and toss or recycle pairs that are worn out, uncomfortable, or beyond repair.”

Before you fire up the grill for summer BBQs, check your supplies. “Toss anything that’s broken, worn out, or no longer usable, and get rid of those random food containers and serving pieces that have somehow accumulated over the years that don’t have a top or bottom match,” suggests Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel & Company. This simple task will make finding your outdoor entertaining essentials a breeze.

Examine your beach towels to make sure they’re in good condition. “If they are too thin or are ripped and frayed, it’s time to let them go,” says Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized! “Many donation centers will accept most textiles because they can sell the unusable items by the pound.”

You can also check with your local pet shelter, which can use them for clean-up or keeping pets comfortable.

It’s easy for plastic grocery store bags to pile up, but organizer Ashley Hines says to pay more attention to your stash. “While a small supply is useful for sending guests home with leftovers, pet care, or household tasks, these bags tend to accumulate quickly, often received in multiples, and quietly become clutter,” says Hines, founder of Thee Tailored Life. “Loop or tie them so they take up less space and store them in a designated container, then recycle the excess once it’s full. This ensures you keep only what we can realistically use.”

While it’s important to stay hydrated during the summer, you only need to keep a few reusable water bottles in rotation. “Trash or recycle bottles that are cracked, permanently stained, retain odors, or have mold hiding in hard-to-clean components,” Williams advises.

Love to entertain? You might have a stash of untouched party supplies buried in the back of a cabinet. “Party supplies can easily be edited as you prepare to host or attend summer celebrations. Sort through leftover disposable tableware, decorations, and novelty items,” Tran says. She advises holding on to items you still plan to use and donating any unopened supplies.

Are there pieces you didn’t wear last summer? Is there an item you just don’t love anymore? “If it didn’t make it out of your closet last summer, there is a high chance it probably doesn’t reflect your current style,” Jones says. She recommends creating a Pinterest board just for your summer style. That way, you have a clear vision of what doesn’t fit so you can easily declutter.

Don’t overlook the pile of homework and art that accumulated during the school year. “Before the new school year sneaks up, sort through backpacks, folders, and the stack that’s been sitting on the counter,” Rosenthal says. “Save the meaningful pieces and categortize by year and child and let the rest go.”

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With outdoor entertaining comes lots of food storage containers. You’re bound to have some in your cabinet that you never reach for. “Summer leftovers, BBQs and picnics mean you’re using food containers constantly,” says Lam. “Take five minutes to match up lids, and toss any warped pieces.”

If you have too many, or they are just mismatched, find out if a local school or senior center will accept them. You can also try to find clever new uses for them, like storing crayons and pencils!