10 Things You Will Always Regret Throwing Away

Important Documents

Though most piles of papers can be fed to the shredder almost immediately (especially that big pile of junk mail), there are some documents you'll need to keep throughout your life. These include personal documents, such as your birth certificate, social security card, health records, marriage license, and the deed to your home. Once disposed of, identifying documents can be very difficult to replace, so save yourself a headache later and hang onto them. Tax documents and other financial papers usually should be kept for at least seven years before discarding. These records are essential when starting a new job, applying for a loan, visiting the DMV, or searching for a new house or apartment.

Handwritten Notes From Loved Ones

In this digital age, physical letters, cards, and messages are becoming increasingly rare. For this reason, personal notes from those near and dear to you can be good to hold onto. While this doesn't mean that you should keep a backlog of every birthday card you've ever received, reserving a few meaningful messages is a nice way to remember the people in your life.

Photos of Friends and Family

Photographs are one of the few ways we capture the past and remind ourselves of the people, places, and things we love. Old pictures are irreplaceable mementos that should be preserved and shared with family members who may be interested in ancestors they've never met. Keeping shots that reveal your life's story is a simple way of sparking joyful memories that might otherwise be forgotten.

If you have a huge stash of old photos you're storing, it may be a good idea to digitize your images. This way, they will last longer and can be more easily shared among family members. And the process is easier than ever thanks to iOS and Android apps, like Google Photoscan, which help you do it on your own at home.

Leftover Wall Paint

You're never truly finished with a can of paint, even after the final coat dries. High-traffic rooms are prone to wear and tear, meaning they'll need to be repainted or touched up every few years. Save yourself the headache: Transfer any remaining paint into smaller, air-tight jars labeled with the color name, number, brand, and what the color is used for in your home. Then, ditch the empty, bulky paint cans to save space.

Cookware

There are a few things that get better with age, and heirloom cookware is definitely one of them. Kitchen items like stoneware, enamelware, and those made from cast iron are not only excellent to cook with, but also extremely durable. While you should ditch chipped enamelware that is no longer safe to eat from, rusty and damaged cast-iron cookware can easily be cleaned. When maintained properly, these seasoned kitchen tools can be passed down for generations to come.

Irreplaceable Antiques

Even if antiques you've inherited over the years from family members don't match your personal aesthetic, it's a good idea to save one-of-a-kind pieces or those no longer sold, as they could wind up becoming a serious investment.

Tea sets, jewelry, vintage toys, and items with old advertising on them are things that tend to appreciate in value. If you simply don't have the storage space, consider having the item appraised so you can get a better idea of its worth.

Special Mementos from Travels or Experiences

There has been a lot of research that shows that experiences and travel bring long-lasting joy, from the anticipation of the event to the memories you bring back. And little souvenirs—from ticket stubs to mementos—can help bring those little bits of joy back.

Childhood Favorites (for You or Your Kids)

Ask most adults, and there's something special from their childhood they're pining after, whether it's their favorite teddy bear or an out-of-print board game that they had a ball playing. So as your mom's cleaning out her home—or you're cleaning out your own kids' stash—consider saving aside a favorite toy or two to keep.

The secret is to pare it down to the absolute essential items that are really adored—so keep your favorite Barbie and a few outfits, not the whole setup.

Clothing You Adore That's Fallen Out of Fashion

As we all know, fashion is cyclical—and before you know it, skinny jeans will be back in vogue. While you likely don't have the room (or the need) to hold on to everything, if it's a piece of clothing that makes you feel great, keep it and see how the tides of fashion change.

Anything That Brings You Joy

We have lots of tips to help you declutter, and we often suggest ways to part with too many coffee mugs or that big stack of kids' art. But if paging through your kids' scribbles or drinking coffee from the chipped novelty mug your mom always used makes you smile—keep it and have that joy.