As British households prepare for the 'September reset', experts have urged people to declutter their homes, highlighting that an estimated £10bn worth of unused items are gathering dust across the country. Good Housekeeping has compiled a list of 10 items that should be prioritised for removal.
Among the items to discard are odd socks, which often accumulate without being worn. The experts also warn against keeping scratched takeaway containers, as they can harbour bacteria and leach chemicals. Sunscreens past their expiration date should be thrown away, as they may no longer provide effective protection.
Hot water bottles also have a limited lifespan; users should check for cracks and look for the manufacturing date stamped on the bottle, adding two years to determine expiry. Knitwear showing signs of moth damage should be discarded to prevent infestation.
School bags should be emptied of old rubbish, inverted, shaken, and vacuumed to remove crumbs. Half-used shampoo and skincare bottles in the bathroom can be donated or thrown out. Worn-out tea towels can be repurposed for cleaning tasks, while boots with worn heels should be repaired or binned. Finally, unused water bottles should be passed on or disposed of.
