You probably have a few things lying around that are broken beyond repair, but for some reason, you just can’t seem to let go. It’s easy to hold onto these items, thinking they might still be useful or that you’ll fix them someday.
Knowing which broken things are actually worth keeping and which ones just take up space can help you save time, money, and stress in the long run. Identifying those items can make your living space feel lighter and more organized without sacrificing anything important.
That cracked smartphone screen you avoid fixing
You probably keep using that cracked phone screen because it still shows your apps. But cracks can worsen and even affect touch sensitivity over time. If you aren’t ready to replace it, a screen protector can help keep dust and moisture out for a while. Just remember, delaying repair might cost more later.
In some cases, especially with curved or OLED screens, fixing can be pricey. If it’s a major crack, weigh if the repair is worth it or if it’s time for a new phone.
The old laptop that won’t boot anymore
If your old laptop won’t turn on, it’s probably beyond simple fixes. You might try unplugging it, removing the battery, or checking the power adapter, but often the problem is more complex.
Even if it doesn’t boot, some parts like the hard drive or screen could still be useful. Otherwise, it’s usually better to recycle it than keep it gathering dust.
Rusty kitchen knives you never sharpen
You probably have a few kitchen knives lying around that you never bother to sharpen. Over time, they get rusty and dull, making them harder to use and unsafe.
Rust can be removed, but if you’ve ignored sharpening for too long, the blade might be too damaged to fix properly.
Keeping these knives just clutters your kitchen and slows you down. It’s better to replace them than waste time with tools past their prime.
Worn-out running shoes you keep hoping will recover
You know those running shoes you’ve held onto past their prime? They’ve likely lost their cushioning and support, even if they still look okay.
Worn-out soles can make you slip or trip, and damaged fabric won’t protect your feet properly. Keeping them might lead to discomfort or injury.
It’s better to swap them out before problems start. Your feet will thank you.
That leaky umbrella stuck open or closed
You know the one that either won’t close no matter how hard you try or refuses to stay open when you need it. It’s probably beyond fixing if the joints and ribs don’t work properly.
Trying to force it usually just makes things worse. If the handle won’t retract or the umbrella leaks constantly, it’s time to ditch it. Holding on means more hassle than help.
Broken eyeglasses with scratched lenses
If your glasses have deep scratches on the lenses, you might think they’re still usable. But scratches can blur your vision and cause eye strain.
You can try gentle fixes like toothpaste or baking soda to reduce minor scratches. However, these only work on light damage and might not restore your lenses fully.
Once scratches affect your vision, it’s usually better to replace the lenses or the glasses. Using scratched glasses can do more harm than good in the long run.
Torn winter jacket missing zippers
If your winter jacket is missing zippers, it’s tough to keep it functional. You might be tempted to hold on, hoping to fix it later.
Replacing a zipper is possible, but it can be tricky and costly, especially for bulky coats. Sometimes, the repair cost is close to buying a new jacket.
If the jacket is badly torn with other damage, it’s probably time to let it go instead of keeping something that won’t keep you warm or dry.
Non-working printer gathering dust
You probably keep that old printer hoping it’ll work again someday. But if it’s constantly showing errors or can’t connect, it’s likely beyond fixing.
Dust and residue build up inside, which can clog parts and cause more problems.
Instead of holding onto a broken printer, consider recycling or donating it. It clears space and keeps you from stressing over tech that just won’t cooperate.
Chipped ceramic mugs you refuse to throw
You probably keep that chipped mug because it feels familiar or has memories attached. It’s tempting to fix it, but sometimes the chip is too big or sharp to safely smooth out.
If you wanted, you could try epoxy or glue, but many chipped mugs end up looking worse or aren’t food-safe after repairs. Sometimes it’s better to let go and find a new favorite mug instead.
The wall clock that’s permanently stopped
You probably have a wall clock that just won’t move no matter what. Sometimes the hands get stuck or the mechanism inside breaks down beyond fixing.
If the clock is old, parts might be corroded or worn out. New batteries or adjusting the hands won’t help if the motor itself is shot.
At some point, it’s okay to admit the clock’s done. Holding onto it won’t bring time back, but it might just collect dust on your wall.
Old headphones with one dead ear
If one side of your headphones stopped working, it might be tempting to hold on to them. Sometimes it’s just a loose wire you could fix, but often the damage is inside the cable or speaker.
Fixing them usually requires soldering skills and the right tools, which many don’t have.
If you’ve tried everything and still get sound in only one ear, it’s probably time to let them go. Holding on to broken headphones can just clutter up your space.
Dried-out pens you keep for sentimental reasons
You probably have a pen or two that no longer writes but means a lot to you. It might be from a special event or a gift from someone important.
Even if the ink has run dry, you hold onto it because it reminds you of a moment or a person. While it’s useless for writing, it carries value beyond function.
Keeping it is more about memory than practicality. Sometimes, that’s reason enough to hang on.
