Most of us are guilty of hoarding unnecessary household items, but a professional home organiser has revealed the specific clutter she believes everyone should throw away immediately. Gulnaz Abdrakhmanova, a self-described 'practical minimalist', uses her Instagram platform @practical.minimalist to help people simplify their living spaces and storage solutions.
The Top Ten Items to Eliminate for Good
The 49-year-old expert recently posted a definitive list of ten things she refuses to keep in her own home, aiming to guide others towards a life with less mess and more tranquillity. Her core philosophy is to remove anything not used daily, advocating for smarter purchases and a focus on peace over possessions.
Abdrakhmanova starts with a bold rule: she has no 'just in case' items or spare duplicates of anything. "If it hasn't been used in years, it's not helping your real life," she explains. This translates to a strict limit on linens and crockery—just two sets of sheets per bed and only enough dishes for her family's immediate needs.
She is also firmly against owning multiples of the same thing. "One good item is better than five average ones," she states, adding that this approach means "less to manage, less to clean." Furthermore, she advises against buying items for a hypothetical future. "My home serves who I am today, not who I might be someday," she clarifies.
From Broken Gadgets to Trendy Decor
The organiser is ruthless with non-functional belongings. She never keeps broken or half-working items, labelling them as 'mental clutter' that serves no purpose. Her approach to home aesthetics is equally intentional; she avoids fleeting trendy decor in favour of timeless, calming pieces that reduce visual noise.
For those who rely on storage bins to hide excess stuff, Abdrakhmanova offers a stark warning. "Storage without intention just hides the problem," she declares. "Decluttering comes first." This principle extends to her children's playthings, noting that "fewer toys mean calmer kids and easier cleanup." She also recommends parting with ill-fitting clothes and unnecessary paperwork.
The Five-Question Rule for Smarter Shopping
Beyond purging, Abdrakhmanova shared her meticulous method for bringing new items into the home. Before any purchase, she asks herself five key questions. First, she determines if she genuinely needs it, how frequently it will be used, and whether it will improve her life. She then conducts a frank budget assessment. "If it only fits on a credit card… it probably doesn't fit in your budget," she cautions.
Her final advice is to buy fewer items, but of better quality, viewing each acquisition as an investment with potential resale or heirloom value. Lastly, she considers the ongoing responsibility, acknowledging every object requires space, cleaning, and maintenance. To combat impulse buys, she insists on a one-to-two-day cooling-off period, observing that "most impulses fade."
