There’s nothing worse than getting rid of something and then realizing you made a big mistake. The remorse can be paralyzing, especially if it is an item with any kind of sentimental value. To avoid looking back with regret, here are six questions we think you should consider before throwing away your treasures—whether it’s a finger-painting masterpiece from kindergarten or an old pair of kitchen tongs. Hindsight may be 20-20, but with these answers in hand, your foresight is spot on.
How often do I use it?
Like most questions worth asking yourself when deciding whether to throw away an item, the answer to this one won’t necessarily yield a blanket rule: keep it or throw it away. Instead, it’s something to take into account. While some items that you use only once a year or once a season may be worth keeping, other items are used so rarely that they may not be worth keeping. They may be items that need to be replaced or upgraded.
Of course, there are also items that you do not necessarily use (for example, special decorative objects or photos) that are still worth keeping. If questions about its use or functionality don’t relate to your item, skip to the questions below that concern its sentimentality and whether you might regret throwing it away. Your feelings towards the item should tell you everything you need to know.
Does it still work?
This may seem like an easy question, but some of us may have items lying around that no longer work (like a musical jewelry box) that have sentimental value far beyond their function. Alternatively, this question may refer to another question: is it worth replacing? For items that you use regularly and that have no sentimental value, it can be easy to determine whether the item should be thrown out and replaced. For others where the answers are a mixed bag, you may want to continue working your way down this list of mental clues before landing on the right course of action.
Does it contain a special memory?
While any other inquiry on this list might lead you to the conclusion that it’s time to get rid of the item, think of this question as one that can replace them all. If your item holds a special memory or sentimentality, it may be worth holding on to even if you never use it, are missing parts, are broken, or have absolutely no functionality whatsoever.
That said, just because an item has a special memory doesn’t mean it has to take up valuable real estate in your home. Would a photo of the item preserve the memory without the clutter? Or can you move on to the next two questions and find a new use or life for the pieces that hold your most cherished memories?
Finally, remember that it’s okay to part with items, even if they hold special memories. Sometimes we just need to look at them again and remember the feeling of holding them in our hearts forever, even if the physical object is long gone.
Can it be used for another purpose?
We love repurposing something old, whether it’s highly functional items or sentimental treasures that need a new life or a fresh moment in the sun. Chances are, this repurposing of old items is something you’re familiar with if you’ve ever taken a worn-out bath towel and put it in a bucket to keep until the next car wash day. Or, if you grabbed a toothbrush from your child’s Halloween candy collection (yes, this is a true story) to become the VIP of your sink cleaning routine. Thinking outside the box can save you money and provide solutions to common household problems—one inexpensive toothbrush at a time.
Can I give it new life?
For sentimental items, think about ways you can honor the piece, but in a way that doesn’t add to the clutter. For example, your children’s school art can be digitized and turned into a coffee table book that friends and family can browse through for years to come. Likewise, favorite items of clothing that no longer fit or are beyond repair can be turned into quilts or blankets. If you’re not crafty, never fear: there are plenty online and probably even local artisans who can help you preserve your memories, whether they’re books, blankets, or anything in between.
Will I regret getting rid of it?
Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself before giving or throwing something away is whether you think you will regret it in the long run. As they say, hindsight is always 20-20, so it may be harder to ask this question than you might think.
Give yourself extra time to think about your feelings about this final dilemma for special items or items that you know hold special memories. The last thing you want to do is make a snap judgment that will leave you with regrets later. If you’re in doubt, hang in there and give yourself another week, season, or year to make up your mind. Still can’t decide? Save it. No regrets here.