Decluttering can be freeing, creating space and bringing a sense of order to your environment. When the cleaning urge hits, many of us can’t rest until we successfully purge our space. However, in the quest for minimalism, it’s all too easy to discard items you might deeply regret letting go of later when you aren’t in a cleaning craze anymore.
Decluttering experts say that you must first ask yourself if you love the item and why you even got it in the first place. You should also ponder how often you use the items and if you’d buy them again. If it still fits your current lifestyle, it should probably stay.
So, before you start filling up those donation boxes or trash bags, take a moment to consider these items that you might want to hang on to.
1. Family Heirlooms
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Family heirlooms are more than just objects; they are tangible connections to your past. These items—whether they are pieces of jewelry, furniture, or old photographs—carry stories and memories that can’t be replaced. Don’t throw away your grandpa’s classical guitar with the whole garage trash.
Clutter expert Marie Kondo suggests asking yourself, “Does it spark joy?” when considering what to keep. If an heirloom brings you joy and connects you to your heritage, it deserves a permanent place in your home.
2. Things You Love Deeply
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Items you have a deep emotional attachment to can be hard to part with—and for good reason. These could be gifts from loved ones, souvenirs from trips, or anything else that holds sentimental value. Unlike what Cupid said, don’t let it go if you love it deeply. It may never come back.
Evicting these things from your life may leave you feeling emptier than anticipated. Remember, the emotional comfort these items bring can often outweigh the physical space they occupy.
3. Potentially Expensive Stuff
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Be careful not to toss out items that could be worth a lot of money, either now or in the future. This could range from collectibles and antiques to high-quality electronics and designer clothing.
Some items appreciate over time. Before discarding, do a quick search online to see if what you’re holding might actually be a hidden treasure. You may even ask someone who knows about it if you suspect it may cost a pretty penny in the future.
4. Loose Parts Whose Origin You May Not Know
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We’ve all stumbled upon random screws, buttons, or cables that seem to have no immediate use. While it can be tempting to throw them away, these seemingly trivial items are often crucial parts of something else you own. Keep them; you’ll thank yourself later.
These loose parts can be the key to repairing or completing something important later on. A small labeled container can help keep these parts in order without causing clutter.
5. Seasonal Things
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Holiday decorations, winter coats, and summer sports equipment might seem like clutter during their off-season, but their absence will be sorely felt when their time comes around again. Do you really want to buy a Christmas tree every year only to throw it away before New Year’s?
Declutter expert Peter Walsh advises asking, “Will I need this again soon?” Seasonal items often have a cyclical value, making them essential to keep, even if they seem useless temporarily.
6. Stuff That Makes You Happy
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Items that bring you joy and satisfaction—whether they’re books, hobbies, or decor—should not be hastily discarded. These things contribute significantly to your overall well-being and happiness. Decluttering should not be a punishment but rather a way to create a space that truly brings you happiness and peace.
Don’t let anyone tell you that your collection of superhero figurines is pointless or that you don’t need all those art supplies. If these things make you happy, then they have value and should be kept. (Just keep them organized.)
7. Tools and Equipment
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You may not use your toolbox every day, but when something needs fixing, it’s a lifesaver. The same goes for kitchen gadgets, craft supplies, and other specialized equipment. These items have a specific purpose that may not be relevant to your daily life, but you’ll regret getting rid of them when you need them.
If space is an issue, consider decluttering in categories rather than randomly throwing things away. This will help ensure that important tools and equipment are not mistakenly discarded.
8. Items with Potential
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It’s easy to see old furniture, clothes, or other items and think they have no use anymore. However, with a little creativity and DIY skills, these “trash” items can be transformed into something new and functional. Plus, upcycling is good for the environment, too.
Before tossing out seemingly useless items, consider their potential and think about how they could be repurposed. You might surprise yourself with what you can create.
9. Items That Can Be Repurposed
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Sometimes, objects can outlive their original purpose but still have some life left in them. For example, an old t-shirt can become a cleaning rag or a stained piece of fabric can be cut into pieces and used as coasters.
Before throwing away items that may seem unusable, consider if they can serve another purpose first. This helps reduce waste and can save you money by eliminating the need to buy new items.
10. Things You Might Need When Guests Come Over
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Are you looking at your collection of towels and slippers and wondering how they’ll ever be useful? It’s always good to have extra bedding, towels, and other essentials on hand for when guests come over. Consider keeping these items even if they don’t get used often.
Also, remember that decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything in your home. It’s about creating a space that is functional and comfortable. Keep the things that serve a purpose in your life, even if occasionally.
11. Iconic Clothing
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We all have those standout pieces in our wardrobe that we may not wear often but were head-turners back in the day. Whether it’s a fabulous dress, a tailored suit, or a vintage jacket, think twice before tossing clothes that have iconic status in your personal style history.
High-quality or designer clothes can often be resold for a good price or repurposed within your wardrobe in the future. You may even use it for your 80s-themed high school reunion and make others gawk in wonder.
12. Things Whose Only Mistake is Lack of Space
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Sometimes, you love an item but don’t have room for it right now. These items can be temporarily stored away rather than discarded. Maybe you’ll eventually have a larger space to display it, or you’ll find another use for it in the future.
Don’t let lack of space be the only reason to get rid of something you genuinely enjoy. Consider alternative storage options before saying goodbye to items that bring you joy. This way, you preserve their value and emotional benefit while maintaining a clutter-free home.
13. Sentimental Items
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It’s easy to fall into the trap of keeping every item with sentimental value. However, it’s important to carefully consider which items truly have a meaningful impact on your life and which ones are simply taking up space.
Allow yourself to keep a few significant items, such as photos or letters, but let go of things that hold no special meaning. This will help declutter your home while still preserving treasured memories.
14. Real Jewelry
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Jewelry, especially pieces made with precious metals and stones, is valuable and often carries significant emotional weight. These items are often passed down through generations and can appreciate over time. Don’t throw away your grandma’s green emerald ring with the broken jewelry box.
Real jewelry can be a good investment. Even if you don’t wear it now, it might be worth more in the future or be perfect for a special occasion. Maybe your children will love it to be passed down to them.
15. Things You May Appreciate Later
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Some items might not hold much significance now, but they could become meaningful in the future. This could include things like children’s artwork, postcards, or letters. You may never know what you wish you held on to, and if you’re in doubt now, wait.
Organize these keepsakes in a dedicated memory box. While you may not want to display them now, they could become cherished mementos later in life.