You might not realize it, but there are probably quite a few things you’re holding onto that won’t last forever. These items could end up broken, outdated, or simply tossed out sooner than you think.
Knowing which belongings are likely to be discarded or broken can help you decide what’s really worth keeping. This can save you time, space, and even frustration down the road as you sort through your collections.
Brittle Comic Books
If you’ve got old comics, chances are some pages feel crunchy or look yellowed. Paper breaks down over time, especially newsprint and cheaper paper, making your comics brittle.
Reading them carefully is key because flipping too fast could cause tears or even loose pages.
Even if they look good, brittleness can still be there, so storing them properly and handling gently helps a lot to keep them intact.
Expired Magazines from the 90s
If you’re holding onto magazines from the 90s, chances are they’re outdated and yellowing. The content and ads no longer match today’s world, making them less useful.
You might think about recycling them or donating to places like nursing homes or libraries that welcome old magazines. Scrapbooking is another option if you want to keep specific articles or covers.
Otherwise, these magazines usually end up taking space before they’re eventually tossed or broken down. Keep only what really matters to you.
Old Perfume Bottles
If you’ve got a bunch of old perfume bottles, chances are they’re just taking up space. Most are made of glass, which can be recycled easily.
Some people reuse them as tiny flower vases or DIY fragrance diffusers. But if they’re cheap or empty, recycling is often the simplest option.
Just remember, leftover perfume isn’t great to keep around—it can be toxic. So tossing the bottles responsibly might be the best move.
Loose LEGO Pieces
You might have piles of loose LEGO pieces scattered around. They can be a headache to organize and often end up forgotten.
Without the instructions or sets, these pieces lose their value. It’s hard to rebuild anything specific, so they often get tossed.
If you want to keep them, try sorting by color or type. Otherwise, they’re likely to get broken up or thrown out over time.
Worn Out Funko Pop Figures
If you’ve been collecting Funko Pops for a while, some of your figures might start to show wear. Paint chips, broken parts, or loose joints can make them less appealing.
You might keep them out of box, but damaged ones often lose value. Some collectors throw these out or donate them if repairs aren’t worth it.
Holding onto worn-out figures can take up space and clutter your collection. It’s okay to part with those that no longer look good or hold meaning for you.
Empty Cereal Boxes
If you’re holding onto empty cereal boxes, they probably won’t last forever. Most of the time, they end up tossed or recycled once the cereal is gone.
You can carefully open the box from the ends and save it if you want to keep it neat. Otherwise, recycling is usually the best bet since they’re mostly cardboard and paper.
Some people get creative, turning boxes into organizers or crafts. But if not, don’t be surprised if these stack up only to be broken down soon after.
Damaged Vinyl Records
If you’re holding onto scratched or warped vinyl, chances are they won’t sound great anymore. Even small drops or dust buildup can cause lasting damage to the grooves.
You might think about repurposing old records, but most seriously damaged ones end up broken or tossed. Take care when handling your collection to avoid wear that can’t be fixed.
At some point, you’ll need to decide if holding onto damaged vinyl is worth the space or if it’s time to let it go.
Cracked Pyrex Bowls
If your Pyrex bowl has a crack, it’s best to stop using it for cooking or baking. Cracks can spread quickly when exposed to heat changes, and the bowl could break or shatter unexpectedly.
Putting a hot Pyrex bowl on a cold or wet surface makes cracking more likely. Even a small chip or crack can make the bowl unsafe because it may not handle heat well anymore.
Using cracked Pyrex puts you at risk for accidents, so it’s a good idea to replace the bowl instead of trying to fix it.
Torn Tattoo Flash Sheets
If you’ve got old tattoo flash sheets lying around, chances are they’re falling apart. These sheets often get torn or worn out from years of handling.
You might think about keeping them as art or memories, but many shops toss damaged sheets since they can’t be easily reused.
Unless you’ve got a special reason, torn flash sheets usually end up broken up or thrown away. They’re designed to be used, not stored forever.
Broken Amazon Echo Gen 1
If you have an old Amazon Echo Gen 1 that’s broken, it might be time to let it go. These devices aren’t easy to repair, especially if parts have fallen out or stopped working.
You can try using it as a Bluetooth speaker if some functions still work. Otherwise, consider recycling the hardware to avoid clutter. Holding onto a non-functional Echo won’t add value to your collection.
Faded Movie Posters
If you have old movie posters, chances are they’re faded or damaged. Over time, paper and ink break down, especially if posters weren’t stored properly.
You might feel like holding onto them for nostalgia or decoration. But faded posters often lose value and may end up being tossed or recycled by collectors or sellers.
To keep yours in better shape, try storing them away from sunlight and moisture. Otherwise, those once vibrant images won’t last forever.
Dead Bug Specimens
If you have a collection of dead bugs, they might not last forever. Without proper storage, specimens can get damaged or decay.
Plastic containers often react with chemicals used to preserve insects, so glass jars are better for keeping them safe.
Labeling is easy to overlook, but it’s important if you want to keep track of where and when you found your bugs.
Sometimes, dead insects don’t hold much value unless you’re into serious entomology, so consider if your collection is worth the effort.
Cat Whiskers
If you’ve been saving cat whiskers, chances are they’ll eventually get tossed or lost. Whiskers naturally fall out over time, much like hair or eyelashes, so collecting them isn’t unusual.
Some people keep them for sentimental reasons or small craft projects, but they don’t last forever. You might find yourself throwing them out or letting them break down without meaning to.
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