We’ve all been there; holding on to items that have a sentimental value to us, even though they may not be worth their weight in clutter. But how do we discern what’s worth keeping and what’s not? This list has been compiled based on real-world trends, data, research, and, of course, a little bit of common sense. These 14 items, while they may tug at your heartstrings, may not be worth the space they occupy in your home or life.
1. Old Textbooks
You might hold onto textbooks from your school or college years thinking they might come in handy someday. However, information in textbooks tends to become outdated quickly, making them less useful over time. Not to mention, the internet provides a vast array of up-to-date information, often for free.
The emotional attachment to these books may stem from the memories of the time when the learning happened. But, rather than keeping bulky textbooks, consider keeping a notebook or a digital document with key learnings or important notes. This way, you preserve the knowledge and the sentiment without the clutter. Donate or sell your old textbooks to someone who might need them more.
2. Childhood Artwork
Many parents find it hard to part with their children’s artwork. It’s understandable, as these pieces often hold precious memories. However, as years go by, the volume of these artworks can become overwhelming, taking up more space than they’re worth.
Instead of keeping every single piece of artwork, consider selecting a few that best represent your child’s creativity and growth. You can also digitize these pieces by taking photos or scanning them. Services like Artkive can professionally photograph the artwork and compile them into a book, effectively reducing clutter and preserving memories.
3. Old Electronics
It’s easy to hold onto old electronics, thinking they might be of use someday. However, technology advances rapidly, and old electronics often become obsolete. Storing them can take up valuable space and contribute to clutter.
Consider selling or recycling your old electronics. Numerous programs, like Best Buy’s recycling program, accept old electronics. For valuable, vintage electronics, consider selling them on platforms like eBay. However, ensure to wipe all personal data before parting with your devices.
4. Expired Makeup and Skincare Products
Many people keep old makeup and skincare products for sentimental reasons. Maybe it’s the first lipstick you bought or a cream that a loved one gifted. However, these items have a shelf life and can harbor bacteria over time, posing risks to your skin.
Throw away any product that smells off, has changed color or texture, or is past its expiry date. If the container is beautiful and brings joy, consider cleaning it out and repurposing it as a decorative item or a container for small items.
5. Unfinished Projects
We all have those projects we started with gusto but never finished. Whether it’s a half-knitted sweater, an incomplete scrapbook, or an abandoned model car, these incomplete projects can create clutter and evoke feelings of guilt.
Evaluate whether you still have interest and time to finish these projects. If not, it might be time to let them go. Donate the materials to someone who might use them, or sell them online. Letting go of unfinished projects not only frees up space but also lifts a mental burden.
6. Old Greeting Cards
Birthdays, holidays, and special occasions often come with greeting cards. While these cards can hold sentimental value, they can accumulate into clutter over time.
Consider digitizing these cards by taking photos or scanning them. Keep only those that hold significant emotional value. You can also repurpose cards into craft projects or donate them to organizations like St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, which recycles them into new cards.
7. Outgrown Children’s Clothing
It’s natural to hold onto your children’s outgrown clothing for sentimental reasons. However, these items can take up a significant amount of storage space.
Consider keeping only a few special outfits and donate or sell the rest. You can also repurpose them into keepsake items such as quilts or teddy bears. Services like Project Repat can turn these clothes into beautiful memory quilts.
8. Old Magazines
Magazines can pile up quickly, taking up space and collecting dust. Even if a particular issue holds sentimental value, it’s not practical to keep every copy.
Consider clipping out the articles or images that you find valuable and compiling them into a scrapbook or digital file. Recycle the rest of the magazine or donate them to local libraries, schools, or waiting rooms.
9. Broken Jewelry
Broken jewelry might hold sentimental value, but if it’s not wearable or repairable, it’s not worth keeping.
Consider having the gemstones or metal recycled into a new piece. Many jewelers, like Brilliant Earth, offer recycling services that can help you create a new keepsake from the old.
10. Old Calendars and Planners
Old calendars and planners might hold sentimental value, but they take up space and rarely get looked at again.
Consider scanning the pages that hold important memories or information and then recycle the rest. Going forward, you might want to switch to digital planners and calendars that don’t take up physical space.
11. Expired Food Products
You might hold onto certain food products because they were brought from a special trip or gifted by a loved one. However, expired food products can pose health risks and take up pantry space.
It’s best to toss these out and remember to consume such items before their expiry date. Take a picture or keep the packaging if it holds sentimental value.
12. Old Spectacles
It’s common to hold onto old spectacles. However, they usually don’t serve a purpose once your prescription changes.
Consider donating your old glasses to organizations like Lions Club International. They collect used eyeglasses and distribute them to people in need in developing countries.
13. Outdated Travel Souvenirs
While travel souvenirs serve as a reminder of wonderful experiences, over time, they can turn into clutter.
Consider keeping only those souvenirs that truly bring you joy or have a practical use. Photograph the rest before letting them go. This way, you can keep the memories without the clutter.
14. Duplicates of Sentimental Items
Sometimes, we end up with duplicates of sentimental items, such as photos or similar mementos. These duplicates can take up unnecessary space.
Consider keeping only one of each item that holds emotional value. Digitize photos and share them with family members. This way, everyone gets to keep the memories without the physical clutter.
Letting go of sentimental clutter can be a difficult task. However, by keeping only the items that truly spark joy and serve a purpose, you can create a more organized and harmonious living space.
