When we start decluttering, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of tossing things out. But not everything is meant to be thrown away right away. Some items hold value or usefulness that isn’t always obvious at first glance.
Knowing what to hold onto can save us from future regret and help keep our spaces organized without losing important things. Let’s explore six things experts agree we should never rush to toss.
Handmade gifts from loved ones
We should never rush to toss handmade gifts from those who care about us. These items often hold more meaning than anything bought in a store.
Even simple crafts show time and thought put into them. They connect us to important moments and people in our lives.
Keeping these gifts honors the effort behind them. They remind us of bonds that are worth holding onto.
Family heirlooms and sentimental keepsakes
We often find it hard to part with family heirlooms because they carry stories and memories we value deeply. These items don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful; sometimes the smallest keepsake holds the most sentimental weight.
Before we decide to toss anything, it’s helpful to check with relatives. These treasures connect us to our past and to each other in ways that go beyond their physical form. Holding onto them can help preserve family history and shared memories.
Leftover paint for future touch-ups
We all know how handy leftover paint can be for fixing small scuffs and scratches. Keeping a bit of paint after a project saves us from hunting down the exact color later.
To make the paint last, it’s best to seal the can tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, like garages or sheds.
When we store paint properly, it stays usable for months or even years. That way, we’re ready for any quick touch-ups without buying new paint every time.
Zippered plastic bags for reuse
We often toss zippered plastic bags after one use, but experts say we can safely reuse them a few times. The key is to clean them gently with warm, soapy water and let them dry completely.
We should avoid reusing bags that held raw meat, fish, or dairy to prevent contamination. Dry foods like bread or snacks are best for reuse.
When a bag gets too worn or stained, it’s time to recycle it. This simple practice helps us save money and reduce waste without risking food safety.
Important paperwork and documents
We should never rush to toss important paperwork. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and tax documents are essential for many legal and financial matters.
Keeping adoption papers, custody agreements, or home deeds safe is just as important. These documents can be hard to replace and often needed unexpectedly.
Even in a digital world, we still need to keep some physical records. Holding onto these papers protects our peace of mind and helps us stay organized over time.
Favorite books with personal meaning
We often hold on to books that have touched us deeply. It might be a childhood favorite or one that helped us through a tough time. These books carry more than words; they carry memories and emotions.
Some of us keep first editions or books passed down from family. They remind us of people we care about and moments that shaped us. Letting go of these can feel like losing a piece of our story.
Books with personal meaning invite us to revisit important lessons and feelings. They are worth keeping, no matter how much space we think we need.