We all have those moments of regret where we wish we could turn back time and keep hold of something we thoughtlessly discarded. A lot of these items might have been discarded during a spring clean, a pre-move purge, or even a moment of impulsive dissatisfaction.
This list is about the things that, in hindsight, I wish I’d never thrown away. Read on for a nostalgic trip down memory lane and perhaps, a little wisdom about what not to throw away in your next decluttering spree.
1. My First Smartphone
Remember the days when smartphones were a novelty and not a necessity? I certainly do. My first smartphone was a BlackBerry Curve 8520, and I loved it for its QWERTY keyboard and BBM messenger. I wish I’d kept it, not for its utility, but as a memento of simpler times. It’s also interesting to see how far technology has advanced.
The rapid evolution of smartphones makes the first generation of smartphones antiques now. Collectors and tech enthusiasts often pay good money for these. So, if you have an old smartphone lying around, think twice before throwing it away.
2. My Childhood Storybooks
There is a certain magic in the pages of a well-loved childhood storybook. My collection ranged from fairy tales to adventure novels, and each book was a portal to a different world. Unfortunately, in the name of growing up and making space, I gave away most of my books, a decision I regret to this day.
Books are more than just pages bound together; they are memories, feelings, and life lessons. They hold sentimental value and can be passed on to future generations. So, if you’re considering getting rid of your books, I’d recommend finding a way to store them instead.
3. Handwritten Letters and Cards
In today’s digital age, handwritten letters and cards are a rarity. They are personal, heartfelt, and have an old-world charm to them. I had a box full of these precious keepsakes, but in a bout of spring cleaning, I decided to digitize them and throw away the originals—a decision I deeply regret.
Digitization is a great way to preserve memories, but it can never replace the joy of holding a physical letter or card in your hands. They are tangible reminders of people, places, and experiences. So, if you have any, cherish them and hold on to them.
4. My First Pair of Glasses
It might seem odd to wish I’d kept my first pair of glasses, but they were a significant part of my identity during my teenage years. They were the thick, black-rimmed kind that are now back in fashion. I discarded them when I switched to contact lenses, but I wish I’d kept them as a keepsake.
Glasses are more than just a vision aid; they are a part of our identity and personal style. If you have an old pair lying around, consider keeping them. They could serve as a memento or even make a comeback in fashion.
5. Old Photographs
Before the age of digital photography, photos were printed and cherished. I had a shoebox full of these old photos, but in a move, I decided to discard them. Now, I wish I’d kept them as they captured moments before the advent of the ‘perfect’ Instagram photo.
Old photographs are not just about the people and places they depict; they are also about the time and context in which they were taken. They are irreplaceable and can be a source of joy and nostalgia. If you have old photos, consider digitizing them but also hold on to the originals.
6. Childhood Toys
Childhood toys are more than just playthings; they are companions of our imagination and creativity. I had a cherished collection of action figures and dolls, but I gave them away as I grew up. Now, as an adult, I realize the sentimental value they held and wish I’d kept a few.
Some of these toys are now collectors’ items and can fetch a good price. More importantly, they are a tangible link to our past and can bring immense joy when rediscovered. So, if you have old toys, consider keeping them.
7. High School Yearbook
Our high school yearbook is a snapshot of our teenage years—awkward photos, heartfelt messages, and memories of friendships and experiences. I discarded mine during a purge, thinking I’d never look at it again. But now, I wish I’d kept it for the nostalgia and the memories.
Yearbooks are a great way to reminisce about our past and see how far we’ve come. They are also a keepsake of our teenage years, which can be shared with future generations. If you have your yearbook, hold on to it.
8. Old Currency
I used to have a small collection of old coins and notes, which I unfortunately discarded. I now realize the historical and sometimes monetary value they held. Old currency can be a fascinating glimpse into the past and a collector’s delight.
If you have old currency lying around, consider keeping it. Not only can it be valuable, but it can also be a great conversation starter and a way to learn about history.
9. Concert Tickets
Concert tickets are more than just paper slips; they are memories of experiences, music, and emotions. I used to keep all my concert tickets, but I threw them away in a clean-up. Now, I wish I’d kept them as a reminder of the concerts I’ve attended and the memories associated with them.
If you have concert tickets, consider keeping them. They make for great memorabilia and can even be used to create a wall collage or scrapbook.
10. Old Journals
Old journals are a window to our past selves—our thoughts, dreams, and experiences. I had a habit of journaling as a teenager, but I discarded my journals in a move. Today, I wish I’d kept them to reflect on my growth and changes over the years.
If you have old journals, consider keeping them. They are personal treasures that can provide insight and nostalgia.
11. VHS Tapes and CDs
Before the era of streaming, movies and music were consumed via VHS tapes and CDs. I had a collection of my favorite movies and albums, but I threw them away when I switched to streaming. Now, I wish I’d kept them for the nostalgia and the joy of physical media.
VHS tapes and CDs are now considered vintage and can be valuable. If you have them, consider keeping them. They are a part of our cultural history and can be enjoyed in a different way than digital media.
12. Handmade Gifts
Handmade gifts are unique and personal. They hold a special place because of the time, effort, and thought that goes into making them. I received many handmade gifts over the years, but I discarded them, thinking they were not as ‘valuable’ as store-bought items. Today, I realize the emotional value they held and wish I’d kept them.
If you receive a handmade gift, appreciate the effort behind it and consider keeping it. They are one-of-a-kind and can be a reminder of a person or a moment in time.