It’s that time of year again. The sun’s peeking out, the air smells like potential (and pollen), and suddenly everyone’s in the mood to clean something. Closets. Garages. That weird kitchen drawer full of takeout menus and batteries that may or may not work.
But what about your branded merchandise?
Yep—we’re going there.
Because while your team might be sprucing up the office plants or reorganising the snack cupboard, your collection of products is probably long overdue for a little spring refresh. You know the shelf. The one with three types of stress balls, six leftover mugs from a 2019 conference, and a pile of keychains that no one can explain.
Let’s sort it out, shall we?
What to keep: the genuinely useful, not-just-for-show stuff
Start by rescuing the items that actually earn their keep—the ones your team, clients, or customers actually use.
We’re talking about things like solid reusable bottles (the ones that keep coffee hot and don’t leak on your laptop). Tote bags that don’t look like giveaways, nice notebooks with pages that don’t bleed through. Pens that glide instead of scratch. Small things that quietly become part of someone’s day—and sneak your logo along for the ride.
If you’d happily use it yourself, it’s a keeper. If your colleague has already “accidentally” taken it home, it’s a keeper with fans.
What to toss: the ghosts of promo past
Now, brace yourself. It’s time to say goodbye.
If it hasn’t moved in a year, no one wants it. Stress balls? Most people are stressed enough already. Flimsy keychains? Into the donation pile they go. Pens that work for five seconds, mugs with painfully awkward puns, drawstring bags that rip if you even think about putting shoes in them—it’s time.
But tossing doesn’t have to mean trash. A lot of outdated or overstocked merch can find a second life. Donate usable items to local charities, schools, or community centres—they often need basics like notebooks, bottles, and bags. Recycling programs might be able to handle worn-out textiles or plastics (just check your local guidelines first). And if all else fails, get creative: can that old tote be repurposed into packing material? Could those mugs hold office plants instead of sad memories?
It’s not about waste. It’s about making space for better—and being mindful while you do it.
Why it matters (and why you’ll thank yourself later)
Branded products are more than “just stuff.” They’re tiny brand ambassadors. And like any good representative, they should make a good impression.
A thoughtful gift doesn’t need to shout. It just needs to be useful, nice to look at, and not fall apart on the first use. When people like your product, they tend to like your brand a little more too. It’s that simple.
So go ahead—dig into that dusty cabinet, open those forgotten boxes, and give your branded items the spring cleaning they deserve. Keep the great ones, donate or recycle the rest, and make space for fresh ideas that actually fit the season (and the people you’re giving them to).
A little clear-out goes a long way. Your brand will feel better. And honestly? So will you.