I mean, don’t get us wrong: We understand that not every season allows us the privilege to clean or buy higher-quality items, but there comes a point where your space should reflect the man you’re becoming–not the guy you used to be. You don’t need a condo out of Architectural Digest. You just need a space that doesn’t feel like a college dorm caught in a time warp. This isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about feeling good in your own skin–and your own space.
Here are 18 things you might have in your apartment that you need to get rid of, one step at a time.
1. Tattered Clothes
A tattered shirt might be comfortable to sleep in, but it shouldn’t be hanging in your closet like it’s still in rotation. Keep one or two for chores or sentimental value, but otherwise, it’s time to let go. Holes, pilling, stretched necklines–none of it belongs in a space you want to take pride in. You don’t have to replace it all at once, just commit to slowly leveling up your wardrobe. Your future self will thank you.
2. Outdated Decor
Grandma’s floral-patterned sofa might hold a lot of sentimental value, but if it’s falling apart or clashing with everything else, it might be time to retire it–or reupholster it. The goal isn’t to wipe out personality, but to be intentional about what stays. If something’s in your apartment just because it always has been, you might be overdue for an upgrade.
3. Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture was all the rage in the ’90s, but at this stage, your place deserves more substance. It doesn’t mean you need handcrafted walnut shelves–just opt for sturdy materials that say, “I care about where I live.” Even budget-friendly stores carry better options nowadays. A little texture and weight go a long way in making a space feel grown-up.
4. Low-Quality Items
Cheaper items break down fast, clutter your space, and cost more in the long run. That folding chair you bought for “just a few weeks” has been with you for years now, hasn’t it? When something breaks or wears out, ask yourself if the replacement could be a slight step up. Progress doesn’t have to be expensive–it just has to be intentional.
5. Bare Windows
An apartment without window treatments can feel cold and unfinished. Whether it’s blinds, curtains, or something minimalist, add some kind of coverage. It gives you privacy, softens harsh light, and makes the room look thoughtfully put together. You don’t need designer drapes–just clean, neutral ones that say, “Someone lives here, and they like it.”
6. Unfinished Projects
That shelf you never mounted? The artwork still leaning against the wall? It’s time. Having projects halfway done sends a signal–even to yourself–that you’re not fully committed to your space. Pick one unfinished task each weekend and knock it out. You’ll be surprised how quickly your place (and mindset) shift.
7. Empty Liquor Bottles
Sure, that whiskey was expensive and the bottle looks cool–but your apartment isn’t a bar or a frat house. Empty bottles as decor feel stuck in your early 20s. If it holds meaning, great–repurpose it as a vase or recycle it thoughtfully. Otherwise, let it go. Your space doesn’t need trophies for drinking.
8. Old College Posters
Look, we all loved that Tarantino movie. But a wrinkled, thumbtack-pinned poster of it doesn’t hit the same at 33. Nostalgia has its place, but there are better ways to show personality. If you’re still into movies or bands, frame the posters–or find more mature artwork that speaks to where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
9. Mismatched Dinnerware
A random mug here, a chipped plate there–it’s fine when you’re starting out. It can even be charming. But if your cabinet still looks like a garage sale exploded inside it, it’s time for a matching set. Just four plates, bowls, and glasses can make hosting a meal–or just eating takeout–feel more dignified. Cohesive doesn’t have to mean expensive. It just means considered.
10. Harsh Overhead Lighting
If the only light in your apartment is that blinding ceiling bulb that makes everything look like a waiting room–please, fix that. Invest in a couple of lamps or swap in a warmer bulb. Good lighting changes everything. It sets the tone, makes you look better on video calls, and honestly, just makes your home feel more peaceful.
11. Cluttered Cords and Wires
A tangle of cables behind your TV or under your desk isn’t just an eyesore–it’s stress-inducing. And not to mention, it might be a safety hazard. Use cord organizers or even cheap cable sleeves to tame the chaos. Little tweaks like this tell your brain that things are under control–even if life outside your apartment isn’t.
12. Cheap Bedding
We spend a third of our life sleeping. That $20 polyester sheet set with the scratchy pillowcases isn’t cutting it anymore. Upgrade doesn’t mean luxury–it just means breathable cotton, a decent thread count, and pillows that haven’t collapsed into sad pancakes. You’ll sleep better, and anyone who visits will notice the care.
13. Worn-Out Towels
If your bath towel can exfoliate your skin and dry your dishes, it’s time for a refresh. You deserve towels that actually dry you off without scraping you raw. Keep a few good ones in rotation and retire the rest to rag duty. They don’t have to be hotel-grade–just soft, clean, and not unraveling at the seams.
14. Stained or Broken Rugs
A rug can tie a room together–or make it feel completely neglected. If yours is stained beyond saving or curling at the edges like it’s trying to escape, it’s time for a replacement. Rugs ground your space and add warmth. You can find solid, affordable ones online that instantly upgrade a room without draining your wallet.
15. Excessive Collectibles
No shame in having a few action figures, Funko Pops, or memorabilia that matter to you. But if every surface is cluttered with collectibles, it stops feeling intentional and starts feeling chaotic. Curate, don’t hoard. Pick your favorites, display them with pride, and let the rest go–or store them neatly out of sight.
16. Dirty Dishes in the Sink
We all get behind sometimes–but letting dishes pile up into a science experiment is something you should outgrow. A clean sink instantly makes your whole apartment feel fresher. Make it a habit: Rinse and stack in the dishwasher or hand wash as you go. Five minutes of effort beats 45 minutes of dread later.
17. That One Sad, Dying Plant
We get it–you wanted to be a plant guy. But if the leaves are crispy and the soil looks like a dry desert, it’s time to admit defeat. A dead or dying plant drags the energy of the room down. Replace it with a low-maintenance one like a snake plant or pothos. Or go faux–no shame in that.
18. Mattress on the Floor
You might have started with just the mattress and a dream, but at this point, your bed deserves a frame. It’s better for your back, your sleep hygiene, and your dignity. You can find simple, affordable frames that don’t squeak or wobble. Getting your bed off the floor says, “I live here,” not “I just crashed here.”
19. Your Ex’s Stuff (That You’re Still Holding Onto)
We’re not saying you have to Marie Kondo every memory–but if her hoodie, her shampoo, or that photo strip from 2017 is still lying around, ask yourself why it’s still there. Sometimes it’s emotional, sometimes it’s just procrastination. Either way, it’s quietly taking up space–physically and mentally. If you’re ready to move forward, create a clean slate. Donate, toss, return–whatever helps you reclaim your apartment (and your peace) as fully yours.
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