As moms, we tend to hold on to things for sentimental reasons, or just because we think we might need them “one day”. While it’s natural to want to preserve memories and be prepared for all eventualities, this habit can lead to clutter, chaos, and unnecessary stress.
It’s time to reassess what we’re holding onto and why, and decide what might be better off discarded or donated. Here are 18 things that many moms regret keeping.
1. Outgrown Clothes and Shoes
Children grow so quickly that they hardly get a chance to wear out their clothes and shoes before they’ve outgrown them. Many moms tend to hold on to these items, either for sentimental reasons or in case they might come in handy for a younger sibling or a friend’s child.
However, unless you have immediate plans for these clothes, they’re just occupying valuable space in your home. Instead, consider donating them to a charity or selling them online. Not only will you free up space, but you’ll also be helping someone in need.
2. Old Toys
Just like clothes, children outgrow their toys as well. And while it’s understandable to want to hold onto a few special toys for sentimental reasons, keeping all of them can quickly lead to clutter. Instead, consider keeping only the most cherished toys and donate the rest. Remember, your child’s love for a toy is not measured by how long you keep it in storage, but by the joy they experienced while playing with it.
3. Outdated Electronics
From old mobile phones to obsolete gaming consoles, we all have a few electronic devices lying around that we’ve not used in years. While it might seem wasteful to throw them away, keeping them around isn’t doing us any favors either. They’re just taking up space and gathering dust. Instead, consider recycling them or trading them in for discounts on new devices.
4. Unused Kitchen Appliances
We all have kitchen appliances that we thought would make our lives easier, but ended up gathering dust in the back of a cupboard. Maybe it’s a juicer that’s too much of a hassle to clean, or a bread maker that you used once and then forgot about. Rather than let them continue to take up space, consider selling or donating them. You’ll be surprised at how much more spacious and organized your kitchen feels without them.
5. Excess Decorations
Holiday decorations can bring a lot of joy and festivity into our homes, but they can also take up a lot of space the rest of the year. If you find yourself dreading the thought of hauling out your decorations each year, it might be time to reassess how many you really need. Consider keeping only your most cherished decorations, and donating the rest. It will make setting up and taking down decorations a much simpler task, and your home will feel much less cluttered.
6. Old Makeup and Skincare Products
Cosmetics and skincare products have a limited shelf life, and using them beyond their expiration dates can lead to skin irritations or infections. If you have products that you haven’t used in over a year, it’s probably time to toss them. Remember, it’s not worth risking your health to hold onto a lipstick or a moisturizer that you never use anyway.
7. Old Magazines and Newspapers
It’s easy to let magazines and newspapers pile up, with the intention of reading them “one day”. But most of the time, that day never comes, and all they do is collect dust and take up space. Instead of holding onto them, consider recycling them or donating them to a local school or library. You’ll feel a lot lighter without them.
8. Unfinished Projects
We all have projects that we started with great enthusiasm, only to lose interest or run out of time. Whether it’s a half-knit scarf, an incomplete scrapbook, or a DIY project that you never got around to finishing, these unfinished projects can weigh us down and make us feel guilty. If you’re not going to finish them, it’s better to let them go. Donate the materials to a local school or craft group, and free yourself from the burden of these unfinished tasks.
9. Old Greeting Cards
While it’s lovely to receive cards, keeping all of them can quickly lead to clutter. Unless a card has a special sentimental value, consider recycling it once you’ve enjoyed it. Remember, it’s the thought behind the card that counts, not the card itself.
10. Old Textbooks and School Notes
Whether it’s from your own school days or your children’s, old textbooks and notes can take up a lot of space. Unless they’re of historical or sentimental value, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need them again. Consider recycling them, or donating them to a local school or library. You’ll free up a lot of space and feel a lot lighter without them.
11. Old Receipts and Bills
Unless it’s for warranty purposes or tax deductions, there’s no need to hold onto old receipts and bills. They can quickly pile up and create clutter, and most of the time they’re not even legible after a few years. Consider setting up a system to digitize important receipts and bills, and recycle the rest. It’s a much more efficient and space-saving way to keep track of your expenses.
12. Old Prescription Medication
Old prescription medication can be dangerous if taken by mistake, and it’s not good for the environment to throw them in the trash. Instead, take them to a local pharmacy or hospital for safe disposal. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference to your safety and the environment.
13. Old Paint Cans
Paint cans can leak or explode if not stored properly, and they can take up a lot of space. If you’re not going to use the paint again, consider donating it to a local school, theater group or community project. They’ll be grateful for the donation, and you’ll free up valuable space in your home.
14. Old Calendars and Planners
Old calendars and planners can take up a lot of space, and it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need to refer back to them. Consider recycling them, or if they’re of sentimental value, create a digital archive of important dates and events. It’s a much more space-efficient way to preserve memories.
15. Broken or Unused Jewelry
Broken or unused jewelry can take up a lot of space, and it’s unlikely that you’ll ever wear it again. Consider donating it to a charity that can repair and sell it, or sell it for scrap. You’ll free up space and possibly make a little money too.
16. Old Craft Supplies
Craft supplies can quickly pile up and create clutter, especially if you’re not using them regularly. Consider donating them to a local school or craft group, and only keep the supplies that you use regularly. You’ll free up a lot of space and feel a lot lighter without them.
17. Old Bedding and Towels
Bedding and towels can take up a lot of space, especially if you’re holding onto them “just in case”. If they’re worn out or you’re not using them, consider donating them to a local animal shelter. They’ll be grateful for the donation, and you’ll free up a lot of space.
18. Empty Boxes and Containers
While it’s good to reuse and recycle, keeping every single box and container “just in case” can quickly lead to clutter. Unless you have a specific use for them, consider breaking them down and recycling them. You’ll free up a lot of space and feel a lot lighter without them.