We all know the feeling. You look at a cluttered room and decide that it’s the right time to get rid of some things. Out with the old, in with the clean, right? However, before throwing out everything in the donation bin, pause for a moment. A new survey by the National Association for Professional Organizers found that half of Americans are overwhelmed by clutter at home and work.
However, there may be some things that seem like clutter, but discarding them might be a regretful experience in the future. For example, at this moment, sentimental items such as handwritten notes or antique photographs may not seem very important, but they may hold meaningful memories in the future.
Here are 13 things you don’t need to get rid of when decluttering.
Sentimental Items
That dusty box of old photos or letters sent by your loved ones or a brooch from your granny might not seem helpful at the moment, but these are sentimental things that memories cannot replace. In the years to come, you may regret having lost those personal treasures.
Sentimental clutter can be heavy, so select the items you like the most and preserve them carefully.
Important Documents
Think birth certificates, passports, healthcare cards, or deeds. Lose them by mistake, and the cost of replacing them may be a nightmare.
They are used in identification, litigation, and for accessing essential services. The best thing is to ensure that they are always well-organized in a safe, convenient place so that when they are required, one does not have to go through unnecessary friction.
An efficient hint: A great trick is to bring a fireproof and waterproof document holder and keep your documents organized.
Financial Records
Not exciting, true, but tax returns, records of investments, and bank statements are necessary in the event of legal or financial requirements. Moreover, the IRS also recommends storing tax records for a minimum of seven years.
Go safe: Scan old-fashioned data and place it on a digital storage device, and retain a printed copy of the new documents in a locked drawer.
Medical Information
It can be a piece of paper with your vaccination records or an old prescription receipt that has little value until the time you need it. Whenever changing doctors, thorough medical records can make a significant difference in your legwork.
Keep a special folder or files on your computer with your medical history, including laboratory results, immunization records, and prescription information. This makes it easy and practical to access in case of emergencies or any other routine appointment.
User Manuals
The manuals of appliances may be tedious to read, but they are helpful when anything goes wrong. Although you may frequently spot PDFs on the Internet, you cannot rely on a manual being readily available in all cases.
When you have both an electronic and a paper copy of user manuals, keeping them in one place is a great timesaver and will save you the hassle of having them scattered throughout your house. You can sort them by type, such as kitchen appliances or electronics, so that when you need them, you can access them more readily.
Software and License Keys
Have you ever had to reinstall software only to find that you had removed the package containing the activation code? It could be the codes to Photoshop tools or Microsoft Office; it is a pain to lose them!
Quick fix: Prevent this by backing up your software and license keys on secure digital media, such as a password-protected document or a reliable password manager.
Warranties and Receipts
There may still be a year of guarantee remaining on that toaster oven. Returns, repairs, or replacements are dependent on the importance of receipts and warranty papers.
Organize these in a dedicated folder, either physically or digitally, to ensure they’re easily accessible when needed. Digitizing receipts by scanning photos and saving them in cloud storage can also protect against the loss of physical receipt copies.
Emergency Supplies
Having first-aid kits, flashlights, and other emergency supplies is like having just pieces of furniture until you need them. Undoubtedly, nothing is as frustrating as being caught off guard during a power outage or minor disaster.
Pro tip: Keep a designated “emergency” drawer (or box) of these essentials close at hand, just in case.
Tools
That random wrench or screwdriver set? Please don’t underestimate how handy they can be. When you have a minor dilemma around the house, basic hand tools will come to the rescue, allowing you to avoid calling a professional.
Imagine a compact, multi-purpose set of tools that includes essentials such as pliers, a hammer, and a tape measure. This will save time and effort in case of unforeseen repairs or adjustments.
Craft Supplies
The unused yarn, fabric, or art supplies may not look like organizational material at the moment, but even if you’re not expecting it, a creative idea might come along one day. Additionally, the cost of purchasing these items again is not as low as you may assume.
An idea: Leave behind the most high-quality items, and other copies may be donated to art schools or charities.
Books
Consider how sentimental or valuable your old favorites are before disposing of them. There are times when you want to find life lessons or nostalgic comfort in books. In fact, approximately 32% of the U.S. population reads books for pleasure, highlighting the role of books in providing emotional satisfaction and escapism.
They can also be recycled or given to other people who would derive happiness or knowledge from them. They can be donated to libraries or community centers, where they can get a second life.
Pro move: You have limited space? Keep one-of-a-kind books or first-edition copies, and convert mass-market editions that can be replaced.
Seeds and Bulbs
Planning to garden one day? You may think that seeds and bulbs are unnecessary at the moment, but you will find that they are worth keeping in due season, provided they are stored carefully. Gardening boosts mental health, too!
Inspect the expiration dates printed on the seed packets, as some may become nonviable over time. They can be stored in a dry and cool location until you are ready to build your dream garden.
Best practice: Write the date of expiry and store them in a dry area.
Keys
You may have extra keys to your house, your ride, or even your safe, and you probably think those things are unimportant when cleaning off, but come the day when you lose the first ones, you will be glad that you kept a spare. Such backups can save you from costly locksmith visits.
It is also essential that you keep these backup keys in a safe and easily accessible location, such as a labeled key box or drawer. Make sure to regularly check whether you know the condition and location of these items so that you won’t be caught off guard when you need them in case of an emergency.
Pro tip: Put them in order and mark them with a key ring or a small box so you don’t get confused.
Key Takeaway
Cleaning your room can be incredibly satisfying; it refreshes your space and also brings clarity and organization to your life. However, some items hold more value than they appear to. Sentimental belongings, important documents, and even everyday tools can prove to be lifesavers when you least expect it.
Decluttering, whether driven by necessity or a desire to shed the excess, isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about making thoughtful decisions to prioritize essentials and preserve irreplaceable items.
Approach your decluttering journey with purpose, and you might just find yourself better prepared for whatever life throws your way.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some seriously rewarding options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
12 Kitchen Hacks You May Not Know
12 Kitchen Hacks You May Not Know
Sometimes, preparing meals and dealing with food can feel like a bore, a chore, or even frustrating. We’ve got the best food hacks to pass down to you, helping you get in and out of the kitchen quickly. Not more drudgery, and dare we say it, some of these hacks are kind of fun. Save money, too. Win-win!
Do you have a kitchen hack we should be aware of?
