I’ve noticed that when it comes to saving things, I often hang on to items that others would have tossed without a second thought. It’s easy to accumulate clutter without realizing that some of these saved items might not really serve a purpose anymore. Figuring out what to keep and what to let go of can be trickier than it seems.
Understanding which items you’re saving that most people would already have thrown away helps you create more space and reduce stress. It’s all about learning to recognize what genuinely adds value to your life versus what just takes up room. This article will help you see some common examples from a fresh perspective.
Old takeout menus
I can’t seem to throw away old takeout menus. They remind me of fun nights with friends or lazy weekends when ordering in was the best plan.
Sometimes, I keep them just to remember what dishes I loved or to find a hidden gem I want to try again.
Even if the restaurant is long gone, those menus hold little snapshots of good times and delicious meals. For more nostalgia, check out these forgotten menu items.
Worn-out flower vases
I’ve saved plenty of flower vases that look a bit worn or chipped. Instead of tossing them, I find new uses like storing pens or small kitchen utensils.
Sometimes I paint or decorate them to give a fresh look. It’s surprising how old vases can brighten up a space with just a little creativity.
If you want ideas, there are plenty of ways to repurpose old vases that anyone can try at home. I like giving these forgotten items new life instead of throwing them away.
Expired coupons and gift cards
I admit I hold onto expired coupons longer than I probably should. Some stores actually accept them if they’re only a little past the date, so I always call to check before tossing mine. It’s worth seeing if your favorite shops do the same.
Gift cards can be tricky too. I’ve found that even expired ones can sometimes be repurposed or used creatively, instead of just thrown away. It’s nice to find a way to still get some value from them.
For more on expired coupons, check out this list of places that may still take them.
Used USB drives with unknown data
I used to keep old USB drives I found or inherited, thinking the data might be useful someday. But I learned that plugging in unknown USBs can put your device and data at serious risk. It’s better to avoid connecting strange drives at all.
Sometimes people want to see what’s on a found USB, hoping to return it, but hackers use this curiosity to spread malware. I’ve stopped saving those and instead safely dispose of them to keep my devices secure. For more on this, check out why you should never plug in unknown USB drives from the UBC Cybersecurity team.
Random spare buttons from old clothes
I’ve kept a box of random spare buttons from old clothes for years. They’re so easy to toss, but I find them surprisingly useful.
Sometimes, I use them to repair lost buttons, but other times, I turn them into small crafts or decorations.
It’s a simple way to give these tiny bits a second life. If you want ideas on how to reuse them, check out creative button projects like these brilliant ways to reuse old buttons.
Unopened single socks
I’ve kept plenty of single socks that lost their partners over time. Instead of tossing them, I find creative ways to use them around the house.
They’re great for dusting, protecting fragile items, or even making simple DIY projects. If you want ideas, you can check out some useful tips for repurposing single socks here. It’s a small thing, but it keeps those lonely socks from going to waste.
Outdated phone chargers
I’ve kept a bunch of old phone chargers, even though many people toss them quickly. Some still work for less common devices or can serve as backups.
Sometimes, those outdated chargers come in handy for travel or emergencies. I also find it useful to repurpose the cables for other electronics.
If chargers no longer function, I make sure to recycle them properly instead of throwing them in the trash. Learn more about responsible ways to handle old phone chargers here.