It feels so good to get rid of stuff, right? I know what it feels like to actually throw away all the extra stuff in the corners that take up space in your house. But in the mad rush to throw everything away, you might miss out on things worth keeping.
I’ve done this many times, believe me. Be it something you’re nostalgic about or something that you will probably regret purchasing in the future, some items just don’t belong in the landfill or charity box.
While you work on decluttering, here are 12 things people mostly regret getting rid of.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Important Documents
Don’t throw away piles of paper without first examining them for relevant documents. Birth certificates, tax returns, medical records, or legal documents may not be crucial now, but one day they will be. These are nightmares to replace.
Get yourself a file folder and put them somewhere safe.
Spare Keys
I know spare keys are useless if you don’t even know what they are for. But tossing them away could give you a massive headache later.
Suppose you wanted to use an old lockbox, a shed, or even someone’s parent’s home and accidentally lost the key. Get a key organizer or spares box and label it.
Family Heirlooms
There’s nothing worse than losing something as simple as grandma’s vase or a dusty jewelry box when you’re purging. These relics can be sentimental or even money-worthy.
You may not love them, but someone in your family might. Ask family members about getting rid of these antiques; they are memories that link us to the past and it’s not possible to get them back.
Photos & Albums
We are all digitally savvy, of course, but there is something magical about the feeling of having a paper photograph in your hands. Do not rush to throw away photo albums or unframed photographs, even if they are just clutter.
If space is a concern, digitize them but save the originals. They are your memories & as soon as they are gone, they’re gone.
Chargers & Cables
That box of odd chargers & cables you need to clear out? Don’t throw it all away.
You never know when that “mystery cable” might just save the day if you happen to come across an old device you need to put back into action. It can be expensive to change tech accessories, so keep a box for clearly marked cords (you’ll thank me later).
Tools & Hardware
It’s tempting to clear out that messy drawer of screws, nails and tools you barely use. Instead of throwing them out, organize them in a small container. You won’t believe how handy they’ll be when you need a quick fix.
Clothing with Sentimental Value
Decluttering your closet is awesome, but don’t go ahead and purge everything. Some things, such as your wedding dress, your kid’s baby blanket, or a T-shirt from a holiday, are sentimental and impossible to exchange.
Gift Cards
It is very easy to forget gift cards, especially those with smaller balances. So before you throw one, make sure there’s no leftover balance; you never know.
You could use some remaining dollars for other payments or stash them for a small treat. Don’t throw away free money.
Expensive Kitchenware
The rusty frying pan or broken plate doesn’t look like it’s useful but good kitchenware costs a pretty penny to buy. Instead of throwing them away, try to recycle the products.
For instance, cast-off pans work well for outdoor grilling and battered plates make great potted plant saucers.
Books
Decluttering bookshelves can create space, but don’t toss away the books you wouldn’t like to lose. Some books might hold personal value, be rare editions, or simply be worth revisiting in the future.
If you’re unsure, box them up and reassess later.
Old Electronics
That dated phone or tablet is probably junk, but think again. There are trade-in deals at most stores where you can trade your used device for store credit or special discounts on new ones.
And if they’re too old for that, you can always recycle them.
Sentimental Cards & Letters
I know, you might not want to store every birthday card or handwritten note but don’t disregard their sentimental importance.
They’re kind of time capsules, remembrances of things & people you care about. Pick a few to save in a memory box rather than throwing them away.
10 flashy buys people splurge on that don’t always make sense
From gold-plated faucets to designer doghouses, the wealthiest among us don’t just buy luxury, they splurge on the most absurd things that make no sense. So here are ten items that prove having more money doesn’t always mean making smarter choices.
10 flashy buys people splurge on that don’t always make sense