Hoarding is something many people do, often without realizing it. You might find yourself keeping items that seem useful or sentimental but end up just taking up space. When it comes to kids, their interests and needs are very different from adults, which can make some things you hold onto less appealing to them.
This article helps you identify 12 common items you hoard that kids simply won’t want or use. Understanding this can make it easier to declutter and create space for things that truly matter to your family. It’s about recognizing what’s worth keeping and what’s just adding to the clutter.
Cracked Picture Frames
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You might hold onto cracked picture frames because they carry memories or sentimental value. But kids usually won’t want these damaged items. They prefer clean, undamaged frames to display their photos or art.
If the frame still has meaning, consider repairing it or replacing the glass. Otherwise, donating or recycling cracked frames can clear space without losing the memories.
Empty Plastic Containers
You might find lots of empty plastic containers around your home, like yogurt tubs or old food boxes. They seem handy for storing small items or leftovers.
Kids often don’t see the value in keeping these, as they prefer new, clear storage bins. While you may want to save every container “just in case,” they usually take up space without being used.
Consider decluttering by keeping only the containers that are truly useful or in good condition. This helps keep your space organized and easier for everyone to use.
Old School Supplies
You might hang on to old school supplies like vintage notebooks or pencil toppers. These items remind you of simpler times, but kids today usually prefer fresh, new gear.
Trapper Keepers and themed notebooks once made you feel cool. Now, kids look for tech gadgets or trendy backpacks instead.
Holding onto these supplies can feel nostalgic, but chances are your kids won’t want to use them or keep them around.
Random Socks Without Pairs
You probably have a collection of random socks without pairs piling up. They seem to multiply no matter how often you try to organize them.
Kids usually don’t want these mismatched socks, as they prefer pairs. You can try repurposing them for crafts or donate if someone else might use them. Holding onto these odds and ends mostly just adds clutter.
Expired Coupons
You might hang on to expired coupons thinking they’ll still come in handy. But kids usually don’t see the value in saving something they can’t use.
Expired coupons take up space and can add to the clutter. It’s better to toss them regularly so your coupon stash stays fresh and useful.
Worn Out Stuffed Animals
You might hold onto stuffed animals because they remind you of childhood comfort and memories. But worn out toys often lose their appeal for kids today.
Your child may see them as old or less fun compared to new, shiny toys. Letting go can free up space and make room for items they actually want.
Remember, keeping every stuffed animal isn’t required to preserve those happy memories. You can keep a few special ones and still declutter.
Broken Toys
You might hold on to broken toys thinking your kids will fix them or want to play with them again. In reality, most children lose interest quickly when toys don’t work properly.
Keeping these toys can create clutter without any real value. Tossing broken items while your kids are at school often goes unnoticed and frees up space for toys they actually use.
Bent Paper Clips
You might have a bunch of bent paper clips lying around because they once held papers together. Over time, they can lose their shape and usefulness.
Kids usually don’t see the value in keeping these misshapen clips. To them, they’re just small, useless metal pieces.
Instead of holding onto bent paper clips, consider recycling or tossing them. It frees up space and keeps your supplies tidy.
Pens That Don’t Write
You might have pens that look cool but never seem to write when you need them. These could be dried-out markers, empty ink pens, or erasable pens without any ink left.
Kids usually won’t care about saving these. They want pens that work right away. Your stash of non-functioning pens is likely to stay unused.
Random Puzzle Pieces
You might keep that one missing puzzle piece, hoping to finish the picture someday. But kids usually don’t see the value in a single piece on its own.
To them, a lone piece is more frustrating than fun. They want the entire puzzle, not bits and pieces.
If you want to save puzzle pieces, make sure you have enough to create a complete set. Otherwise, those single pieces are likely to be ignored.
Dried Out Markers
You might hold onto dried out markers thinking they still have some use left. Kids, however, usually lose interest once the color starts fading.
If you want to salvage them, try soaking the tip in a bit of water for a few hours. This can sometimes revive the ink enough for light use.
Another idea is to gather these markers for crafts like making watercolor effects by mixing their color with water. Your kids might enjoy the new way to use them.
Empty Boxes
You might find yourself holding onto empty boxes from old electronics or toys. At the time, they seem useful or sentimental, but kids rarely see value in them.
Your child will likely want to toss these out quickly. Instead of clutter, focus on items that have a clear use or meaning for them.
If you do keep boxes, try limiting it to a few that truly matter to you or your child.