We’ve all been there: you’re helping your parents clean out their basement or attic, and they insist on giving you things they no longer need. While some items might be treasures, others are, well, not so much. Based on current lifestyle trends, data from decluttering experts, and research into what items truly add value to our lives, we’ve compiled a list of 13 items you can confidently leave behind. Let’s dive into the list.
1. Your Old Schoolwork
Your parents may have kept every single paper you ever brought home from school, but trust us, you don’t need to keep them all. Sure, there might be a few standout pieces you’re proud of, or sentimental items like handwritten letters or childhood drawings, but the vast majority can be recycled.
For example, do you really need that book report on “To Kill a Mockingbird” from 8th grade? Probably not. Instead of keeping every single piece of paper, consider digitizing them. You can scan them and keep them in a digital folder on your computer or in the cloud. This way, you’ll save physical space and still have access to those memories if you want to look back.
2. Encyclopedias
In the pre-internet era, a set of encyclopedias was a prized possession. Nowadays, with information at our fingertips, physical encyclopedias are redundant. They take up space and, let’s be honest, when was the last time you actually opened one?
Before you toss them, though, check if your encyclopedias have any value. Some older or rare sets may be worth something to collectors. If they’re not valuable, consider donating them to a local library or school, or recycling them if they’re in poor condition.
3. Old Electronics
Old electronics like VCRs, cassette players, and outdated computers are likely gathering dust at your parents’ house. While it’s nostalgic to see these relics from the past, they’re not practical in our digital age.
Instead of letting them take up space, consider recycling these items through an e-waste program. Many electronics retailers offer such programs, and it’s a more environmentally friendly option than tossing them in the trash. If the items are still in working condition, you might also consider donating them to a school or community center that could use them.
4. Old Trophies and Medals
Your parents are proud of your achievements, so it’s likely they’ve kept every trophy and medal you’ve ever won. But ask yourself: do these items still carry meaning for you? If the answer is no, it’s okay to let them go.
Many organizations accept donated trophies and repurpose them for other events. If you’re not sure where to donate, check with local schools, sports clubs, or try an online search. As for medals, some organizations collect them to donate to children battling illnesses as a form of encouragement.
5. VHS Tapes
Unless you still have a working VCR (and if you do, refer to point 3), there’s no reason to keep old VHS tapes. They take up space, and the quality is likely deteriorating.
If you have home movies on VHS that you’d like to keep, consider having them digitized. There are many services that can convert VHS tapes to DVDs or digital files. As for commercially produced tapes (like old movies or TV shows), check if they’re available on a streaming service or for purchase on DVD before you toss them.
6. China Sets
While china sets can be beautiful, they’re often impractical. They’re typically only used for special occasions, and the rest of the time, they’re stored away, taking up valuable space.
If you don’t see yourself using a china set, consider selling it. There’s a market for vintage china, and you might be surprised at what you can get for it. If selling isn’t an option, consider donating it to a thrift store or giving it to someone who will use and appreciate it.
7. Old Textbooks
Let’s face it, the chances of you needing your old college textbooks are slim. They’re likely outdated, and the information in them is probably available online.
You might be able to sell old textbooks online, especially if they’re still being used in current courses. If selling isn’t an option, consider donating them. Many libraries accept textbook donations, and there are organizations that send textbooks to students in need in developing countries.
8. CDs and Cassettes
With the advent of digital music, CDs and cassettes have become obsolete. They take up space, and the quality often deteriorates over time.
If you have albums that you love, check if they’re available on a streaming service or for digital purchase. If they are, there’s no need to keep the physical copy. If you have a large collection, consider selling them. There’s a market for vintage music, and you might be surprised at what you can get for it.
9. Outdated Clothes
Your mom might have kept your prom dress or your dad’s old suits, but if you’re not going to wear them, they’re just taking up space.
Consider donating old clothes to a local thrift store or charity. If the items are vintage or designer, you might be able to sell them online. If they’re not in wearable condition, many fabric recycling programs will accept them.
10. Old Magazines
Old magazines can pile up quickly. Unless they have sentimental value (like a magazine published the week you were born), they can be recycled.
Before you toss them, though, do a quick internet search to see if they’re worth anything. Some older or rare editions can be valuable to collectors. If they’re not, recycle them or donate them to a local library, school, or nursing home.
11. Old Furniture
If your parents are downsizing, they might want to give you old furniture. But unless you need it or it has sentimental value, it’s okay to say no.
Furniture takes up a lot of space, and if it’s not to your taste or doesn’t fit in your home, it can feel like a burden. Consider selling or donating unwanted furniture. Many charities will even pick up larger items.
12. Old Appliances
Old appliances can be bulky and inefficient. If you have newer, more energy-efficient models, there’s no need to keep old ones.
If the appliances are still in working condition, consider selling or donating them. If they’re not, many cities have recycling programs that will take them.
13. Unwanted Gifts
It’s the thought that counts, right? But if you’ve been given gifts that you don’t want or need, it’s okay to let them go.
Consider regifting items, or sell them online. If that’s not an option, many charities will gladly accept new items. Just remember: it’s the thought behind the gift that’s important, not the gift itself.
