45 Must-Not-Have Items for Women Over 40 in Their Homes

Life after 40 is a golden chance for self-reflection and exploration. It’s the perfect moment to discover new hobbies and passions that light a fire in you. However, with all the stuff piling up in your home over the years, it might be tough to kick off a new chapter in your life. 

Let’s take a look at the 45 things no woman over 40 should ever have in her home.

Discolored Towels 

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Swap out any towels that have seen better days with fresh, vibrant ones for a bathroom update.

Uncomfortable Shoes

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Let go of the heels that hurt, no matter how chic they are, and choose footwear that feels as good as it looks.

Stinky Shoes

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Don’t let stinky shoes linger; replace them to maintain both cleanliness and comfort.

Souvenir Shot Glasses

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Trim down your shot glass collection to those that truly hold sentimental worth, letting go of the rest.

Old Bridesmaid Dresses

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Transform those once-worn bridesmaid dresses into playful dress-up clothes for kids, clearing space and preserving memories.

Ill-fitting Bras

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It’s time to part with any bras that aren’t the right fit, whether too tight, loose, or worn out.

The ‘one day they might fit’ jeans

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If you’re holding onto jeans that no longer fit, consider donating them and keep the ones that celebrate your body as it is now.

Multiple Remote Controls

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It’s time to streamline your living room by replacing various remotes with a single, all-in-one device.

A Piggy Bank

Piggy bank on table with some coins on the table
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A classy coin purse can replace your old piggy bank, offering style without the clutter.

Unused Perfume Bottles 

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If you’ve settled on a favorite perfume, it might be time to clear out those decorative but unused bottles.

A Futon

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Replace the college-era futon with something more mature, like a stylish plant or a unique piece of art.

Plastic Wine Glasses

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Even a simple wine deserves to be enjoyed in a quality glass. Replace those plastic wine glasses with more sophisticated options to complement your evolving wine collection.

A Dust Ruffle

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Get rid of the dust ruffle and find a new, organized home for the items hiding under your bed.

Dolls that Seem More Spooky Than Sweet

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If old dolls start to feel eerie or unsettling, it might be time to remove them from your space.

Old Trophies

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Instead of keeping old participation trophies, photograph them for memories and declutter your space.

Old Ketchup Packets

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Clear out those old, smelly ketchup packets and treat yourself to a fresh bottle for a cleaner, more enjoyable use.

Frameless Posters

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Frame your cherished posters to elevate your decor and move beyond college dorm aesthetics.

Ancient Paint Cans

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Discard old paint cans, like that unused chartreuse from 1999, to free up space and update your color palette.

Broken Umbrellas

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Despite any sentimental value, broken umbrellas should be replaced with ones that can weather the storm.

Old, Smelly Tupperware

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Replace Tupperware that’s smelly, cracked, or discolored from microwave use to ensure food safety and storage efficiency.

Unused CDs

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If your CDs are collecting dust, consider replacing them with something more contemporary and practical.

Old Gardening Gloves

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Replace worn-out gardening gloves to protect your hands and refresh your gardening gear.

Plastic Chairs

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Show off your backyard’s potential by upgrading from plastic chairs to something more chic and inviting.

Takeout Containers

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Clear out those piled-up takeout menus, opt for online versions, and definitely hold onto the useful coupons.

Business Cards

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Digitize important business contacts and recycle the cards you no longer need for a clutter-free wallet.

Unused Old Phones

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Donate your unused old phones to charities or organizations that can give them a new life.

Wire Hangers

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Replace wire hangers that damage clothes with sturdier wood or fabric ones, and repurpose the old ones for crafts.

Expired Makeup

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Regularly replace your old makeup items with brand new ones to avoid bacteria build-up and nasty skin issues, keeping in mind the varying shelf lives.

Random Buttons

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Unless you’re planning a craft project or display them in a jar, stray buttons from old clothing should be decluttered.

Old Holiday and Birthday Cards

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It’s okay to part with old greeting cards—even those sentimental ones—to make space for new memories.

Craft Material From an Old Hobby

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If a past hobby is no longer a passion, consider passing on its supplies to someone who will use them and make room for new interests.

Neglected Gym Equipment

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Consider donating gym equipment you no longer use to create more space and encourage a clutter-free environment.

Expired Spices 

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Refresh your spice rack by replacing ground spices every two to three years and whole spices every four.

Pans that Still Have Rust and Residue

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Discard any old, crusty cookware with new pieces, especially if it’s not getting clean anymore (yikes!)

Once-loved Paperbacks

Illustration of a book on a table in a library
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Books you’ve read and won’t revisit can be donated, bringing joy to others while decluttering your shelves.

Unidentified Cords and Cables

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If you’re unsure what those cords and cables are for, it’s safe to say they can be discarded or donated.

Old Artworks by Your Child

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Keep special pieces of your child’s art that make you smile, and photograph the rest to reduce clutter.

Dead Flowers

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Once flowers have withered beyond revival, it’s time to compost them and perhaps try a more resilient houseplant.

Wrinkled Bed Sheets

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Invest in an iron to keep your sheets looking neat, enhancing the overall appearance of your bedroom.

Fake Plants

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Consider replacing fake plants with real ones to add a natural and responsible touch to your home decor.

Sentimental Collections for Your Grandkids

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Consider if your cherished collections will be valued by your grandkids or if they might feel burdened.

Laundry Day Clothes

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Replace your worn-out ‘laundry day’ clothes with items that you’d be happier wearing any day of the week.

Red Party Cups

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Opt for more sophisticated, shatter-proof cups instead of red party cups for a mature and stylish look.

Damaging Hair Ties

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Switch to hair ties that are kinder to your hair, like yoga bands or scrunchies, especially if current ones cause damage.

Cluttered Surfaces

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Organize your space to avoid cluttered surfaces, which can appear messy despite your system of organized chaos.

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