Over time, we often accumulate items, some of which aren’t ours, perhaps borrowed or accidentally inherited.

While it might be tempting to discard these when decluttering, it’s best to avoid doing so. The original owner may want it back. Christel advises, “Never throw away anything that isn’t yours; always ask permission first.” This prevents potential arguments or regrets later on.

While many items can be discarded during decluttering, photos shouldn’t be among them.

Photos don’t dominate space and clutter; they’re small and hold sentimental value. You might have a drawer full of photos from over the years. Instead of discarding them, organize them neatly for easy access. You could also try a clever photo wall idea to display more memories in your home.

Designate a specific area in your home to store all your important documents, such as a cabinet or desk in a home office. Christel emphasizes, “This is a no-brainer. Never discard important documents like birth certificates, car and home titles, insurance policies, and loan documents.”

Instead of simply tossing piles of paper, invest in an efficient filing system to streamline the process.

Shara Kay from SK Organizing highlights the importance of reserving space for items that are useful, meaningful, valuable, or irreplaceable. This encapsulates the thought process before discarding anything.

If an item is useful and you use it occasionally, it’s wise to keep it and find a space where it doesn’t add to clutter.

Following interior design trends can lead us to fill our homes with items that are purely for aesthetics. While this can create a visually appealing space, we shouldn’t overlook the significance of meaningful items and their impact on our well-being.

Ben Soreff from H2H Organizing emphasizes that keepsakes are the most important. These items are irreplaceable and hold unique sentimental value.

Many of us have a drawer in our homes filled with ’emergency supplies,’ such as a first aid kit, extra batteries, remotes, and key contact details. However, the clutter it creates can be frustrating.

Instead of discarding these items during decluttering, organize your emergency supplies to keep them neat, tidy, and easily accessible. Use drawer dividers to separate the different items and avoid clutter.

Decluttering typically involves removing items we don’t use, but there’s an exception to this rule: family heirlooms. Even if they don’t hold sentimental value for you, passing them down through generations is significant.

Christel advises, “Don’t throw away family heirlooms. Determine their value first. Is it a real diamond or silver? Contact a consignment shop or estate agent before making decisions.”

Do you have items in your closet or home that were once a worthwhile investment but now don’t bring you joy or use? Christel suggests asking yourself if you have designer items worth reselling. Not sure before donating? Use a service to determine its value.

This way, during closet organization, you’ll clarify whether to sell it quickly or keep it as a long-term investment.

Have you inherited collectibles over the years or have a collection you no longer enjoy? Instead of tossing them, consider if they’re easily replaceable.

Chances are they’re not, so research their value before deciding. Get creative with how you display them; you might give them a new lease on life!

These can serve as cherished mementos of loved ones and special occasions. Keeping them can be a way to preserve personal histories and relationships. They can also be repurposed creatively in scrapbooking or displayed in frames.

These are crucial for making claims if a product fails within the warranty period. Storing them properly can save you money and hassle. It’s advisable to keep them organized in a file with clear labels for easy access.

Manuals often contain important information about product features, settings, and safety tips. They can help you maximize the utility of your appliances and troubleshoot problems without needing professional help. Digital copies can be stored if space is an issue, but having hard copies can be beneficial when offline.

Keeping a collection of miscellaneous parts, like screws and bolts, can be a lifesaver for DIY repairs. This saves time and trips to the store when something needs fixing. Organize them in labeled containers to easily find what you need when you need it.

Even if your interest in crafts waxes and wanes, having materials on hand can inspire spontaneous creativity. It’s also cost-effective to reuse and recycle these materials for different projects. Plus, crafting can be a therapeutic activity to relieve stress.

Reusing holiday decorations not only saves money but also reduces waste. These items often bring back memories of past celebrations, adding to their sentimental value. Proper storage can keep them in good condition year after year.

While not used daily, items like ice cream makers or pasta machines can make special occasions even more delightful. These appliances can also help you explore new culinary skills. Store them properly to keep them in good condition for when inspiration strikes.

Pieces of jewelry can be heirlooms or carry specific memories. They can also be sold or remodeled if your style changes. Proper storage will prevent them from becoming tarnished or damaged.

Books can be timeless entertainment, educational tools, or decor elements. They can also be passed down to younger generations as valuable family heirlooms. Keeping your favorites organized on a bookshelf can inspire repeated readings.

These are excellent for unplugged family fun and can be a great way to bond. Keeping them can provide easy entertainment options for gatherings. Ensure all pieces are accounted for and store them in a way that prevents damage.

Maintaining an active lifestyle is easier when you have the right equipment at hand. Even occasional use can justify keeping these items, especially if they are specialized and expensive. Store equipment properly to avoid damage and ensure longevity.

Quality business wear can be expensive, and styles do not change drastically over the years. Keeping a few staple pieces can prepare you for professional or formal occasions without the need for last-minute shopping. Ensure they are stored in a way that prevents wrinkles and preserves their quality.

Art materials can be costly and often have a long shelf life if stored correctly. They can provide a creative outlet whenever motivation strikes. Keeping them organized and accessible can encourage regular use.

Instruments can retain or increase in value over time and can bring joy for decades. They can also be passed down as family treasures or sold if no longer used. Regular maintenance will keep them in playable condition.

Textbooks and notes can serve as excellent reference materials or aids for helping others. They can be especially useful if they cover timeless subjects or if you’re considering re-entering a field of study. Keeping them well-organized can make it easier to retrieve information when needed.

Having equipment at home can save time and gym fees. Items like weights, yoga mats, and resistance bands are compact and easy to store. They make maintaining a fitness routine more convenient.

Quality tools can last many years and are essential for maintaining your outdoor space. Proper storage and maintenance of these tools can extend their usability and effectiveness. They’re often expensive to replace, so keeping them makes economic sense.

Good quality luggage can last many trips and save you from needing replacements. Proper care can extend their life significantly. It’s useful to have various sizes for different types of trips.

Reusing holiday decorations not only saves money but also reduces waste. These items often bring back memories of past celebrations, adding to their sentimental value. Proper storage can keep them in good condition year after year.

Having extra sets can be crucial for changing seasons or hosting guests. They can also be repurposed as moving or storage materials. Proper care and storage will keep them fresh and ready for use.