THERE are few experiences more satisfying than throwing away junk you don’t need. A clean home is a peaceful home.

No, that shiny Apple box will never be useful, and it’s better off recycled than sitting in the back of your closet. And, you’re never going to peruse those old issues of Cosmopolitan. Just let them go.

Pare your life down to the essentials. Here are 19 things you should throw away.

Wire hangers

The cheap wire hangers your shirts are on when you get them back from the dry cleaners are bad for your clothes. They’ll warp the fabric and sprinkle them with rust. Buy wooden, felt, or firm plastic hangers instead.

Worn out shoes

Are they broken? Throw them out. Still good but you haven’t worn them in forever? Donate.

Empty alcohol bottles

You’re not in college anymore, and those bottles of fancy bourbon are not a trophy collection, unless you live in a frat house.

Clothing you’ve

never worn

Donate. Someone less fortunate than you could be wearing them. The same goes for children’s clothing and Halloween costumes that can’t be used.

Old toys

Toys can be expensive. If they’re not broken but no one in your family will use them, donate them — whether it’s to charity or relatives with young children.

Lonesome socks

Instead of keeping a basket of single socks, it’s better to just let them go.

Expired makeup

It will mess up your face. Toss them out. The same goes for unused makeup samples.

Your toothbrush

You should be replacing your toothbrush every few months, once the bristles are frayed.

Expired medication

No, you don’t need those Motrin capsules “just in case.” They expired in 2015. Instructions need to be followed in disposing of expired drugs.

Stuff in your fridge

You need to clean out your fridge regularly, because you can’t just leave food not fresh any more in there.

Old grocery bags

Also toss out your plastic shopping bag collection. Isn’t it much better to carry your own cloth shopping bag to the supermarket?

Old business cards

No one will ever need your business card for a company you worked for five years ago, or for a position you previously held at your company.

Old socks and underwear

If they have more holes than they should have, toss them out and buy new ones.

Dish-cleaning sponges

Your dish sponges are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Wash them often, and replace them every couple of weeks.

Old magazines

Maybe Rivka Galchen’s profile of theoretical physicist David Deutsch has lasting value, but it’s not the kind of value that accrues by sitting on your coffee table for three years.

Water filters

Water filter cartridges should be replaced every few months, depending on the model, or when you notice your water tastes funny.

CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes

It’s 2019. Rip them to a hard drive and save some space on your shelves.

Old phone chargers

You’ll never need to charge your 2004 Motorola Razr. We live in the smartphone era now.

Old bills and receipts

If anything is actually important, scan it or take a photo and keep it in an organized folder on your computer.

(SD-Agencies)