It Expired… When???

What is the oldest item you have ever decluttered?

This week I found items that expired not only from before I graduated high school, but from 1982 which was almost a decade BEFORE I WAS BORN. No, this wasn’t in my own home… that would be even crazier. But it just goes to show how sometimes decluttering can go by the wayside!

There are lots of theories about expiration dates. Some folks toss things the moment they expire. Others keep things forever (ahem… I see you 1999 Tylenol). I like to call this your “Expiration Threshold”.

What is your threshold?

Does it change between categories?

Personally, I am more rigid with expiration dates when it comes to my daughter. If it is a medicine or something topical for her, I am pretty strict. I also care a lot about sunscreen expiration dates because, while yes I used to fake tan, I now care about my skin and the consequences!

But as for shelf stable items, I am pretty flexible within a couple years if the packaging is in good shape. And spices… I don’t toss them unless they’ve lost all their flavor!

If you’re struggling where to start on your decluttering journey, perhaps it would be great to start in a medicine cabinet… or a shelf in your pantry. Set your parameters. And simply toss and keep based on DATE not on FEELINGS.

I’d love to hear about what you find or what you have found!

Send me an email at hello@alliborganizing.com or a DM on Instagram

Until next time…

A bottle that expired in 1982!