8 Things You Should Let Go Of After 60

At 60, you want to make sure you have space. Space in closets, cabinets, and even in the mind. Minimalism is optional—what matters is asking yourself, 'Is this still useful to me?' Here are a few things you might want to reconsider keeping.

Old Tupperware With Missing Lids

You know the drawer. The one packed with mismatched containers, stained from whatever spilled before smartphones were a thing. At this point, it’s just clutter. Clear out the mismatched bits, recycle the rest, and hang on to the few you actually use. A few glass ones with tight lids are a game-changer.

Books You’ll Never Read Again

Keeping books that meant something once is fine. But if the only time that hardcover left the shelf was during your last bookshelf dusting, it might be time to donate it. Libraries and shelters, even second-hand stores, always welcome a good read.

That Old Stationary Bike

If it’s doubling as a coat rack and has been stuck in the corner since 2008, it’s not motivation but guilt on wheels. You can trade it in for something you'll actually use, like a walking group or a pickleball paddle.

Clothes That Don’t Fit

Closets shouldn’t be time capsules, so donate those never-worn items that guilt-trip you. Keep what feels good on your current body, not your 1991 high school reunion size. Dress for now, not for nostalgia.

Old Makeup and Toiletries

There’s no reason to hang on to eyeshadow that expired long ago. Makeup goes bad. Creams lose potency. That dried-up mascara could cause an eye infection. Swap it for fresh essentials. Your skin will thank you.

Instruction Manuals for Appliances You Don’t Own

You moved on from that microwave two apartments ago. Yet somehow, the manual is still in your file cabinet. Most appliance instructions are online now anyway, so there’s really no need to hang on to those outdated guides.

Holiday Decorations You Haven’t Used in Years

If you’re no longer putting up the 7-foot tree or stringing lights on the roof, that’s okay. But those dusty tinsel and half-burned lights are taking up room in the attic for no good reason. You might glance at them during the holidays, but deep inside, you know they’re not getting used.

Outdated Tech Cables and Chargers

Remember that good ‘ol BlackBerry back in the day? Yeah, neither does your current phone. All those random wires and ancient chargers belong in the past. Only keep what you know you need—USB-C, Lightning, maybe one HDMI.

High Heels That Kill Your Feet

Unless you’re still strutting runways or dance floors, chances are those sky-high heels are not doing your knees or back any favors. Comfort is the new fashion flex. Trade them in for shoes your feet won’t curse.

Wedding China You Never Use

It was gorgeous—and still is. But if you’re still saving it for "someday" that never came, maybe it’s time to stop. You can either gift it to a younger family member or donate it to a charity auction, but it doesn’t deserve to sit boxed up for another twenty years.

Expired Pantry Items

Canned yams from 2016? That weird chutney you bought in a phase? Check those expiration dates and be ruthless. The average American tosses over 20 pounds of food per month, a lot of it from forgotten pantry corners.

Greeting Cards From 30 Years Ago

Sure, keep the ones that still tug at your heartstrings. But most cards—even the sweet ones—lose their meaning over time. Unless it’s got a heartfelt message or a note from someone special, it’s okay to recycle it. Sentiment doesn’t always need a paper trail.

Furniture You’re Always Avoiding

That stiff loveseat no one sits on, and that wobbly side table you keep meaning to fix–If a piece of furniture is just filling space, it’s not really serving you. Replace it with something comfy or functional, or leave the space open.

Ancient Cookbooks

We live in the golden age of online recipes. Unless you still flip through that old Betty Crocker for comfort or tradition, those grease-stained pages might not be earning their shelf space. One good binder can hold all your go-to recipes now.

Souvenirs That Don’t Spark Anything

That shot glass from Cancun? The snow globe from Niagara Falls? If it doesn’t bring a smile or a memory, it’s just dust with a backstory. Keep the keepsakes that matter, and let the rest go. Your shelf space is prime real estate now—not a holding zone for forgotten fridge magnets.

Fitness DVDs and VHS Tapes

Those workout tapes have served their time unless you’re still rocking a VCR and jazzercise in neon. And yes, we’re looking at you, an unopened Pilates box set. If you’ve switched to YouTube or smart TVs, it’s safe to say the tapes can finally stretch their way into the donation bin.

The “Someday” Craft Supplies

You were going to learn to knit. Or scrapbook. Or make stained glass. But if those supplies have sat untouched longer than your last passport renewal, be real about it. Give those materials to someone who’ll use them. Let hobbies bring joy, not pressure.