Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we still manage to turn our homes into real repositories for things we don’t really need. This makes our homes look messy and disorganized. Not to mention it takes quite a lot of time to go through all of the unnecessary things and decide which stay and which go.
One way to make the situation less challenging and time-consuming is to look for items that are single-use. These can easily be replaced by multi-purpose items. Another thing to consider when deciding what to get rid of is their impact on the environment, as well as the financial implications of keeping certain objects in your home.
That being said, check out some of the things we think should no longer have a place in one’s home. If you own one of the items on our list, maybe it’s time to stop sacrificing important space and get rid of them as soon as possible.
A popcorn maker
A popcorn maker might seem like the perfect item to have relaxed, movie nights. But let’s be realistic! How many movie nights do you think you’ll actually enjoy in the course of a month? Not that many, if we are to be honest.
This appliance occupies important space on the counter, space which might be given a better use. Instead of keeping a popcorn maker, just use a microwave. Modern popcorn bags can be put in the microwave, and this whole process requires minimum cleanup.
An indoor grill
You might be a fan of grilling, but an indoor grill is not the best solution. That’s because it is bulky, it occupies too much space on the counter and it is quite laborious to clean.
If you like grilling but do it from time to time, it’s better to opt for a versatile cast-iron skillet. It is far more practical in terms of counter space and cleanup needs.
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A garment steamer
A garment steamer might seem like the perfect solution for wrinkled clothes. But most of them are not as efficient as a normal iron. Not to mention that irons have steaming function, therefore acquiring another item just for steaming is not that practical.
If you have to deal with difficult wrinkles, you can go for the old-fashioned method of hanging your clothes in a steamy bathroom after showering. The effect will pretty much be the same with that of a steamer.
Matching sets of dishes
Everyone likes to have matching sets of dishes; most people do, anyway. But aesthetic appeal aside, when it comes to their functionality, coordinated dishes are not really necessary. In fact, as many designers attest, it is actually a nice personality touch to have mismatched dishes at the table, as they can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Another important aspect of not being obsessed with coordinated dishes is that if one breaks, you don’t need to worry about replacing the whole set. Still think you need these things in your house?
Single-use coffee pod machine
Single-use coffee pods might be practical but in terms of environmental impact, they are anything but. Not the mention the long-term costs that such a purchase implies. To have an idea of their not so eco-friendly role, approximately 50 to 60 million used coffee pods are thrown or recycled on a daily basis; and these are the numbers for US! You can imagine the bigger picture on a global level.
Instead of contributing to plastic waste and spending your money on pre-filled pods, opt for reusable filters like a French press or a pour-over coffee maker. You can control your own coffee strength and flavor, they cost less and are far more eco-friendly.
Paper towels
If we were to be real about paper towels, the fact is that we’re overusing them. They seem like a practical and quick cleaning solution. But in the long term, the costs and environmental implications are far greater than their practicality. In numbers, around 6,500,00 tons of paper towels are directed to landfills annually. One ton of paper towels, implies the pollution of 20,000 gallons of water.
Instead of contributing to waste and pollution, opt for reusable dish towels and microfiber cloths. They can not only do their work properly but they are also eco-friendly because you don’t need to use any harsh chemicals. Did we mention cost-effective?
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Room-specific vacuum cleaners
Do you also have more than one vacuum cleaner? Maybe a robot vacuum cleaner and a handheld one? Instead of investing in multiple cleaning items, opt for a high-quality vacuum cleaner that does most of the work …effectively. Oftentimes, specific vacuum cleaners cannot perform a thorough cleaning of the carpets and rugs, and you still need to use another device for that. It’s a waste of money to have multiple vacuum cleaners, not to mention a waste of storage space.
High-end toaster oven
A toaster oven? Is that really necessary? Not really, as many traditional ovens can also do what such an equipment is supposed to do when it comes to toasting bread. More than that, you can also use a microwave to reheat your toast or bagel, just like a toaster oven might do. Ovens have all sorts of settings including the ones that a dedicated toaster oven might have. So, prioritize your kitchen space and get rid of unnecessary items such as a toaster oven.
Single-use water bottles
Everyone knows the impact that plastic waste has on the environment. Single-use plastic bottles have a huge contribution to waste and pollution. Make a change for the better and opt for reusable watter bottles. There are various types on the market to suit everyone’s needs and requirements, not to mention they are very efficient in maintaining your beverages cold or hot for long period of time, due to being insulated.
In addition, buying a qualitative reusable bottle can also help you save money in the long run. It’s a win-win!
Clothing ironing board
An ironing board can take up important space, space that many of us don’t have. Luckily there’s a better way to iron you clothes without an ironing board occupying valuable space. Heat-resistant ironing blankets! They are foldable, can be stored anywhere, and do not represent such a big investment.
If you’re not ironing on a daily basis, having an ironing blanket placed on a flat surface can work wonders.
Electric can opener
Electric can openers can prove to be quite handy, especially for those who do not have enough strength. But in most cases, most people can do very well with a manual can opener. It is just as practical and far less expensive than an electric one. They come in various sizes they do not need electricity and can open just about any type of can.
Cable television package
Traditional cable television packages usually include a lot of channels that you never really get to watch. On the other hand, streaming services can provide a more personalized set of channels and is much more cost-effective. You can select only certain channels that you are interested in watching, instead of having a multitude of programs, pay for all of them and watch about 25% of the entire package. Not to mention that streaming services can be accessed from various devices, which is a big bonus in terms of flexibility and viewer control.
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