I am often asked this question and since there isn’t one thing, I have a top ten list… The first 5 last week, the remainder this week.

6. Career Clothes Post Retirement. Seriously?  One would think the day after retiring those clothes would go straight to donation, especially the high heels.  I help many retirees and am amazed that a gentleman will hang onto 30 dress shirts when now he lives in T shirts or golf shirts.  Women?  You will never wear that suit again, trust me, and those high heels are simply dangerous.  You wouldn’t want to spend your retirement in a leg cast.  Pass them forward if they are in wearable shape.  It’s time for comfort!

7. Income Tax Returns. I highly doubt the IRS is coming after your 1978 return.  Check with your accountant.  Enough said.

8. Reusable Bags. I know, recycle, reduce, reuse.  I understand the whole green thing.  But, keep a few in your car and use the others for donation bags, or perhaps you bring dinner to a friend using these cloth reusables… but pulleeeze stop stuffing them in your pantry!

9. Tools, nuts, bolts and… yeah. Hang some artwork, need a hammer and picture hanging supplies. Basic necessary tools, ok.  Your grandfather’s, father’s and now your tools just to store?  Not a good idea.  Choose a nice toolbox at a home improvement store and fit the necessities into that one box.  Nothing more.  Your garage will love you, so will your spouse.

10. Kitchen Gadgets.  O! I could tell some stories.  I can identify pretty much any weird shaped thing I pull out of a kitchen drawer.  Many of us are of the generation of in-home parties, and buyer’s remorse or guilt ended up in our drawers, moved from house to house.  Well no more! Keep what you use and only what you use!