11 Things You Should Definitely Keep When Decluttering (You'll Thank Yourself Later)

Cookbooks

When in doubt, hold onto your cookbooks. As archaic as they may seem at times, some cookbooks are household staples that are the keepers of secret family recipes and shared stories. “Favorite recipes come and go like fashion trends, but these old school printed versions should all be around,” says Laurie Hise, CEO of Passionate Penny Pincher. “Especially if a loved one wrote notes in it!” 

Cookbooks are also nice to have on hand when in the mood for something new. Hise recommends displaying your favorites like show pieces, and referring back to them when you want to change things up.

Sentimental Keepsakes

Be discerning when it comes to sentimental keepsakes, but if something moves you, don’t feel in a hurry to let it go. Some things are worth keeping, as touchstones from our past, or connections to loved ones who live at a distance. Think drawings, kids' pottery, a comfy sweatshirt from college, or an old tie that brings a smile.  

While you may not look at them every day, you will certainly regret it when you get rid of them,” cautions Hise. “In this case, emotion, happiness, and reminiscing outweigh saving a little space.” You can store these keepsakes in a labeled box or invest in a fireproof memory box for peace of mind.

Board Games

When it’s time to put down the phones and have some family fun, board games will always deliver. They are a tactile way to socially connect without even so much as glancing at a screen. 

“They’re easy to store and are great for staycations, vacations, or just a plain old rainy day,” says Hise. “Not to mention, they are free activities that everyone can join in on.” Let the fun begin!

Financial Assets and Valuables

When it comes to decluttering, “cash, jewelry, and important cards should always be set aside safely,” says Sharma. In fact, decluttering can often be a pathway to discovering surprise cash, checks, and other valuables you may have forgotten you had.

Sharma notes that it’s important to “check pockets, envelopes, luggage, handbags, and drawers carefully before discarding to avoid losing irreplaceable assets.”

Household Tools

The next time you need to cut off a clothing tag from a garment you are rushing to put on, you are going to want that second pair of scissors. It turns out that not everything with a double needs to be discarded. Basic household tools are required throughout your day, often urgently, and though they may seem extraneous during the decluttering process, they're worth keeping.

“Basic tools such as scissors, screwdrivers, hammers, and tape measures are practical essentials,” says Sharma. “Keeping a core set ensures you can handle everyday household tasks without scrambling to the hardware store.”

Craft Supplies and Art Materials

Art supplies can always come in handy. "There is always a use for leftover paint, glue, beads, or posterboard,” says Hise. “They are even great to have for making a last-minute birthday card.” She recommends storing supplies in labeled containers so that you can find and use them easily.

Meaningful Photographs

Now that everything is digital, photographs might seem antiquated or cumbersome to store. But Paxton recommends holding onto the ones that matter. “Fill one shoebox with the pictures that matter most to tell your family story from start to end,” he suggests.

To avoid overwhelm and overstuffing, he suggests slimming down the volume of pictures by getting rid of duplicates, negatives, generic landscapes, and pictures that don't invoke emotion or memories.

Family Papers and Legal Documents

If you come across official documents when decluttering, you are right to pause before adding to the recycling bin. Many of these papers are difficult or impossible to replace, and you could need them at a moment’s notice.

Sharma recommends keeping records—such as vaccination histories, prescriptions, and important medical documents—as they may be needed for emergencies or for reference at some point. “Save medical and legal records from the last two years, tax records from the last seven years, and the last statement of any financial records," says Paxton. "That’s all you need to keep."

Travel Accessories

When packing for a future trip, you might wish you still had that airplane neck pillow or wired earbuds you let go of during your last decluttering session. These seemingly inconsequential (and often scattered) items can be tempting to toss, but will likely come in handy the next time you head out of town. 

According to Hise, "Travel-sized toiletries, chargers, and adapters…can be extremely useful and expensive to replace. It’s always nice to have them so you don’t have to make last-minute purchases." 

Gather your travel accouterments and give them a designated drawer or clearly labeled bin, so that you know exactly where they are the next time you've booked an impromptu flight.

Seasonal Clothing

In the dead of winter, it might be tempting to donate your swimwear or summer kaftans when they're currently out of use. And a winter coat seems like a bulky waste of space when it's 90 degrees out. However, these seasonal garments can be expensive to replace. 

Rather than getting rid of the clothes you will need again in a few months, Hise recommends storing them in well-labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags to save yourself money in the long run. “That way, when the season comes around, you can take some quick inventory and make the decision to update a style if you choose,” she says.

Clothes That Currently Fit

Decluttering your closet can be both frustrating and time-consuming. But Paxton offers a practical solution to sorting through your clothes. "Don’t toss your clothes that actually fit," he says. His rule of thumb? If you haven’t worn it in one year, it’s time to let it go. 

Paxton recommends keeping special items like a special suit or dress, or other particular garments that hold strong memories—but not being excessively sentimental about the rest. “90% of our closet is filled with fantasy items that we hope to [wear] again someday,” he says. “Keep what you wear, donate the rest.”