Why You Should Get Rid of “Nice Garbage”….and What Even Is It?

Think empty containers, packaging, gift bags, ribbon, and other items saved for a future purpose that may never come.

If you’ve ever hung onto a sturdy gift bag, an empty candle jar, or a stack of pretty boxes “just in case,” you’re familiar with what organizers call nice garbage.

One writer decided to tackle this often-overlooked form of clutter and discovered just how much space it was taking up. “Nice garbage” are items that technically belong in the trash or recycling but feel too useful, attractive, or expensive to throw away. Think empty containers, packaging, gift bags, ribbon, and other items saved for a future purpose that may never come.

As the writer decluttered, she found these items stashed throughout her home, from cabinets and drawers to office and bedroom storage spaces. The experience helped her realize that keeping things solely because they might be useful someday can quickly lead to overcrowded storage areas.