8 Items in Your Basement You Can Toss Right Now (and Not Even Miss)

Old Toys and Baby Gear

"As my sellers embark on the journey of packing to move, what ensues is typically a massive decluttering," shares real estate agent and home organizer, Emily DeForge. "I enjoy helping my clients purge the things that don’t serve them to make room for new things in their lives and homes," says DeForge—though she knows that some items can be easier to get rid of than others.

When it comes to toys and baby gear, if they’re not family heirlooms, collectibles, or in excellent condition for donation, they’re probably just taking up space. "I’m a mom, so I understand why a client might have a highchair from 1995 sitting in their basement," explains DeForge. "[But] your memories aren’t stored in the stuff."

Out-of-Use Holiday Décor

We may have some sentimental attachment to seasonal decorations, but broken ornaments, frayed garlands, and those strands of light that haven't worked in years have got to go.

"Ask yourself these questions," suggests Seaver. "Do you love it? Will you use it next year? Does it align with your current taste? Is it in good condition? If the answer to those questions is no, there’s no reason to hang on to them." Free up that space for holiday décor that functions properly and is aligned with your current tastes.

Old Paint Cans

"Whether you're holding onto touch-up paint or unsure of disposal options, it’s time to take action,” says Seaver.

Paint doesn’t last forever, and keeping old cans around can be both a safety hazard and a waste of space. Take a photo of the label, file it away for reference (in case you ever do need some for touch-ups!), and safely dispose of the old paint.

Incomplete DIY Projects

We’ve all had big dreams of refinishing furniture, building a dollhouse, or picking up a new craft—but if your project has been sitting untouched for years, it might be time to admit it likely won't get completed.

These half-finished projects can leave you feeling guilty whenever you walk by them. Clearing them out can be liberating and make room for new, realistic goals.

Cardboard Boxes

It’s certainly prudent to store a few well-preserved, high-quality moving boxes if you have a dedicated space for them. (You might even want to keep the boxes of any expensive electronics in case you need to move them.) But that doesn’t mean every crate and box is useful. In fact, many are likely just taking up space. Seaver suggests folding or nesting what you can, then recycling or donating the rest.

Unused Sports and Exercise Equipment

"Sports equipment is pretty bulky, so if it’s broken or you never use it, go ahead and get rid of it," encourages Seaver. There’s no shame in letting go of your treadmill that has been moonlighting as a clothes rack or your stationary bike that has collected more dust than miles—such equipment can take up a ton of space.

Selling or donating your lightly used exercise and sporting gear can give someone else the opportunity to use it, and also give you back your basement floor.

Outdated Electronics

From mysterious cords to DVD players that haven't been used since the dawn of streaming, outdated electronics are pure clutter. Rarely compatible with modern technology and often expensive to repair, these items can likely be replaced if you aren't using or collecting them. (Storing them “just in case” often turns into years of wasted space.)

"I can’t tell you how many clients have a basement or attic full of old TVs and video game systems," says DeForge. "They will never be useful again, and I always encourage them to find a recycling center and dispose of them properly."

Any Mystery Boxes

If you aren't sure what's in a box—or don't think you've unpacked it since you've moved in—you likely don't need what's inside. DeForge recommends briefly opening any mystery boxes, taking a quick glance to make sure nothing is currently useful, irreplaceable, or sentimental, and then donating or tossing whatever you don't want or need. “If you haven’t thought of it or needed it in years, it’s almost certainly not one of your prized possessions,” says DeForge.