You probably have a bunch of childhood keepsakes tucked away somewhere. These items can bring back memories, but over time, they might just take up space or feel less important.
You don’t need to hold on to every single thing from your past to keep the memories alive. Knowing which keepsakes you can let go of helps you clear clutter without losing what really matters.
Old school report cards
Your old report cards can pile up quickly and take a lot of space. Most people don’t need to keep every one from childhood.
If you want to save a few, pick the ones that show special achievements or important memories. Otherwise, it’s okay to let the rest go. You can keep just one or two as a snapshot of your school years.
Outgrown clothes with stains
You don’t need to keep clothes that have big stains you can’t get out. These items usually can’t be donated or reused.
If you want to remember the clothes, try turning a favorite shirt into a small keepsake like a pillow or quilt square. Otherwise, it’s okay to let them go. This helps clear space without feeling guilty.
Broken or missing-piece toys
If a toy is broken or missing pieces, it’s usually okay to let it go. These toys don’t bring as much joy and often clutter up space.
You can recycle or throw them away if they’re beyond fixing. Keeping only toys in good shape makes your collection easier to manage and more fun to use.
Expired trading cards
You might still have old trading cards that come with redemption offers. If those offers are expired, the cards usually can’t be used for rewards anymore.
Some cards from childhood, especially sports or game cards, lose their special value once the redemption period ends. It’s okay to let them go if you’re not collecting for fun or value. Keeping expired cards can just take up space.
Worn-out stuffed animals
You probably have stuffed animals that have seen better days. When they get torn or dirty, they don’t hold the same comfort or look nice anymore.
If you’re not attached to them, consider letting them go. You can donate or recycle them so they don’t just take up space. It’s okay to move on from old toys.
Used ticket stubs and flyers
You might have saved old ticket stubs from concerts, games, or trips. While they remind you of good times, most of these don’t hold much value anymore.
Flyers and handouts from events can add clutter. Instead of keeping every piece, pick just a few that really matter to you. This way, you keep memories without piles of paper.
Faded school photos
You probably have a bunch of old school photos that have started to fade. They may not look great anymore, and the memories can be unclear.
If you’ve already saved the best ones digitally or in a special album, you don’t need to keep every single faded print. Letting go of some can make space for more important keepsakes.
Damaged handmade crafts
You don’t have to keep every broken craft from your childhood. If it’s falling apart and doesn’t hold special meaning, it’s okay to let it go.
Sometimes, you can fix or repurpose these projects, like using pieces in new art. But if it’s just sitting in a box, tossing it can feel good too.
Empty collectible packaging
You don’t really need to keep empty boxes or plastic covers from toys or games. They take up space and don’t hold much value without the item inside.
If you want to remember the collectible, keep the actual piece instead of the packaging. Getting rid of empty packaging helps clear clutter without losing what matters to you.
Lost board game pieces
You don’t need to keep old games missing pieces. Pieces get lost or broken all the time.
Instead of holding on, you can order replacements online or use small objects at home to play. Messy or incomplete games can be frustrating. Let them go to make space for new fun.
Cracked childhood trophies
You don’t need to keep cracked or damaged trophies from your childhood. They often take up space and don’t hold much value.
If you want, consider recycling them. Some places even reuse parts to make new trophies. Or, you can simply toss them and keep only the ones that truly matter to you.