All of us, just before the start of the new year, take stock of the past year and clear out the clutter, so that the new year finds us renewed and free from unnecessary thoughts. We should do the same with our home and everything that “burdens” it. Professional organizer Marilena Patera, through her Instagram account, gives us some useful tips to get rid of objects that are in our home, but are no longer useful and only take up space and dust.

1. Clothes that haven't been worn in the past year
12 months is a reasonable amount of time to decide whether or not to wear something. If you haven't worn it all year and you had the opportunity to do so within those months, then yes, you can get rid of it.

2. Metal clothes hanger
No matter how small the space they take up, they are not functional at all and can easily damage both clothes and your wardrobe. Their thin, sturdy shape will damage clothes at shoulder height over time, while the wire hook can easily scratch your wardrobe rails. Prefer thin, velvet-covered hangers.

3. Expired foods
We've all experienced this many times. A good cleaning of your cupboards will save you from unpleasant surprises later. Check for expired spices, drinks or other foods and take the opportunity to throw out those that are expiring soon so you can use them sooner.

5. Strong towels
They are usually associated with a bad smell, as they retain moisture and odors. Statistics say that towels should be replaced every five years. When was the last time you replaced your towels?