UK households urged to declutter 10 things from their home during September

As British households prepare to reset after a long summer,experts have shared which items they should prioritise getting rid of.

In many ways, September feels like the start of a new year as kids go back to school and the days shorten – so much so, it’s even been dubbed the ‘September reset’. And one major part of kicking back into a routine is clearing all of the clutter you’ve accumulated out of your home.

Of course, this is far easier said than done, especially if you’re staring at a mountain of worn-out clothes and random trinkets. Luckily, experts from Good Housekeeping have compiled a list of 10 things you should throw out first.

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Odd socks

While some people are happy to walk around with mismatched socks, for many of us, it can ruin an otherwise great outfit. For that reason, it’s best to just throw them away rather than have them take up space.

Scratched plastic containers

If you’re fond of the odd takeaway, you likely have a build-up old containers – perfect for a packed lunch. However, Good Housekeeping warns that they’re best thrown out once they become scratched, as they can harbour bacterial growth and leech chemicals.

Expired sunscreen

Many people don’t realise, but sunscreens actually have an expiration date, which is usually printed on the container. After this period, the cream may no longer be effective, putting you at risk of sun damage.

Expired hot water bottles

This is another one that may surprise people, but hot water bottles can expire too. You should check your bottle carefully for any cracks or fissures before using it to keep your feet warm.

Good Housekeeping also recommends looking for the date it was manufactured. This usually appears as a "daisy wheel" stamped on its body, with the number in the centre indicating the year of manufacture and dots in the petals showing the month. Then add two years to this date to work out its potential expiry date.

Moth-damaged knitwear

As the weather cools down, you’ll likely be reaching for your knitwear. However, be careful that it isn’t showing signs of moth damage before popping it in your drawers, as they will need to be thrown away.

Insides of school bags

School bags are notorious for collecting all sorts of crumpled notebooks, old report cards and forgotten lunch items. Luckily, September is the perfect time to get round to removing all of the old rubbish.

Once you’ve emptied it, Good Housekeeping recommends inverting the bag and shaking it over a bin to get rid of crumbs, “then use the vacuum with the crevice attachment for any lingering residue.” They add that you should wash and dry the bag according to the care label.

Shower caddy

This part of your bathroom is prone to collecting bottles of half-used shampoo and skincare products. If there are any bottles you aren’t using, you should either throw them out or donate them to family or friends.

Damaged tea towels

These unsightly tea towels are best removed from the kitchen. Instead, Good Housekeeping recommends keeping them around in the back of a car or in a gardening house as a cleaning tool.

Worn-out boots

Walking around in boots with worn-out heels can be painful. They should either be taken to the cobbler for repairs or thrown away.

Water bottles

This is another item that you tend to accumulate without realising it. If you haven’t used a particular water bottle in a long time you should either throw it away or pass on to family or friends.