You probably have a pile of broken stuff lying around your home, saved because you think you might need it someday. These items often take up space and cause clutter, but you hold onto them just in case they can still be useful.
Knowing which broken things you really need to keep can help you clear out your space and make your home feel less crowded. This article will help you think about the common broken items people keep “just in case” and why you might want to let some of them go.
Old cracked phone screens
You probably keep old cracked phones just in case you need a backup. The screen might be broken, but the data inside could still be useful.
It’s a good idea to back up your data before using or fixing these phones. That way, you won’t lose anything important if the phone stops working. Sometimes, holding onto a broken phone makes you feel ready for emergencies or when you can’t afford a new one right away.
Broken alarm clocks
You might keep an old alarm clock that doesn’t work, just in case you need a backup. Maybe it lost its sound or the display is messed up.
Even if it’s broken, you think it’s worth holding onto because it still shows the time sometimes or has a battery backup. But most often, you end up relying on your phone anyway.
Worn-out headphones
You might keep old headphones because you think they’ll work again someday. But broken wires and bad sound usually mean they won’t.
If you have a newer pair, the old ones just take up space. It’s okay to toss worn-out headphones instead of holding onto them “just in case.”
Chipped coffee mugs
You probably have a chipped mug or two tucked away. Maybe you keep them because you don’t want to waste them.
Even if the chip looks small, it can still be unsafe to drink from. But you hold on to them just in case you need an extra cup. Sometimes, chipped mugs live on a shelf as backups for your favorite ones. You’re not alone in keeping a few around just in case.
Torn backpacks
You might keep a torn backpack because you think it could still be useful someday. But when the straps are broken or the fabric is ripped, it may not hold up when you need it most.
Instead of holding onto it just in case, consider replacing it. A new backpack is safer and more reliable for carrying your things.
Cracked sunglasses
You might hold on to cracked sunglasses because they still kinda work. They protect your eyes from the sun even if the frame is broken.
Sometimes, you keep them just in case you lose your good pair. You can fix them temporarily with tape until you get a new pair. They’re not perfect, but they do the job when you need them.
Frayed charging cables
You might keep frayed charging cables around just in case you need one. Sometimes, you can fix them temporarily with tape.
However, using damaged cables can be risky. They might cause short circuits or stop working completely. It’s safer to replace them when possible. Carry a backup cable instead of relying on broken ones.
Bent keys
You might keep bent keys thinking you might fix or use them later. But bent keys can break or get stuck in locks, causing more problems.
It’s better to get a new key made. Even if you try to straighten the bent one, carrying a backup key is safer for emergencies.
Dented water bottles
You might keep a dented water bottle just in case you need it later. Even if it looks a little beat up, it can still hold water.
But dents can sometimes affect how well the bottle seals or how easy it is to clean. Think about whether it’s really useful before holding on. If it leaks or smells bad, it might be time to toss it.
Snapped umbrella frames
You probably keep old umbrellas with broken frames just in case it rains unexpectedly. Even snapped frames might seem worth holding on to because you hope to fix them someday.
But these frames rarely get repaired right. They often end up taking up space and never actually protecting you from the rain when you need it.
Out-of-tune guitars
You might keep an old guitar that’s always out of tune “just in case.” It can be handy when you need something to strum on, but be ready to spend time fixing it.
Strings often go out of tune, especially if they’re old or if you bend them too much. Tuning up instead of down helps keep it stable, but sometimes the damage is just too much.
Scratched DVDs
You probably keep scratched DVDs “just in case” you want to watch them later. Some scratches might not stop the DVD from playing.
If the scratches are bad, you can try fixing them by rubbing a little paste into the cracks and wiping it off. But it’s smart to test on a less important disc first.
Crushed soda cans
You might save crushed soda cans thinking they’ll come in handy later. But once crushed, they can’t always be returned for cash, even if you keep the 10-cent deposit.
Crushing cans does save space, but it may cause problems when you try to recycle or return them. If you want to get your money back, it’s better not to squash them too much.