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7 Things You Can Declutter From Your Linen Closet in the Next 5 Minutes

Even though I've only lived in my current apartment for a year and a half, my linen closet has somehow collected an inordinate amount of pillowcases. When I finally tackled a linen closet clean-out a couple weeks ago, I counted about a dozen spare pillowcases—and I don't even have a guest bedroom! I know I'm not the only one who's probably holding onto linen closet clutter. Maybe your linen closet Kryptonite is old bath towels or stained dishcloths or kids' bedding your not-so-little ones outgrew years ago. Whatever the source of the clutter, this list of items to purge will help you eliminate what you don't need, so you can make space for the linens you actually use.

RELATED: 3 Ways to Organize a Linen Closet, According to the Pros at Horderly

Old Bath Towels

Sure, most of us like to keep a tattered old bath towel on hand for messy cleaning tasks or for when the dog walks in with muddy paws, but you probably don't need 10. Keep a couple, then call your local animal shelter (or other animal rescue groups) to see if they might want the rest.

If your white bath towels are starting to look dingy but are otherwise in good condition, follow these steps to refresh them rather than throw them away.

RELATED: Why You Should Only Ever Buy White Bath Towels

Outgrown Bedding

Maybe you're still hanging onto crib sheets even after your child has graduated to a "big kid bed," or maybe you're keeping those full-size sheets "just in case" after upgrading to a king-size mattress. It's time to let them go. If they're still in good condition, give the sheets a wash and check with a local shelter or non-profit to see if they are interested in the donation.

Holiday Linens You Never Use

That tablecloth you got for Christmas five years ago and have yet to use? Donate it to Goodwill, or list it for free on Craigslist.

Mismatched Bed Sheets

It's a mystery how it happens, but when you dig through the linen closet stash, you may find a spare blue top sheet without a matching set or one lone euro sham pillowcase that doesn't fit a single pillow you own. Add those to the donation pile.

Expired Toiletries

In addition to bedding and bath towels, many households use their linen closet to store extra bathroom essentials. Now's the time to check those expiration dates and toss out any old bottles of body lotion or sunscreen.

Moth-Eaten Blankets

When well cared for, blankets, especially those that are handcrafted, become family heirlooms that can last for decades. But if moths have made a meal of your spare blankets, it may be time to toss them.

To help protect the rest of your linens, invest in a set of cedar and lavender balls ($6, containerstore.com), which certainly smell better than moth balls.

Unnecessary Cleaning Products

If your linen closet is also your utility closet, don't forget to take stock of your cleaning supplies. Keep in mind that disinfecting products typically have an expiration date, after which they aren't as effective. Follow the disposal directions on the label.