What Minimalists Say You Should Never Throw Away

Person placing books into a cardboard box wearing a striped shirt and jeans visible from an overhead angle — Credit:
years / Getty Images

A clutter-free space is known to reduce fatigue, boost energy, and increase focus and productivity. But before you start throwing all your stuff away in a rush of resolve to reclaim your space, consider pausing to consider each item carefully. After all, you haven’t accrued your possessions by mistake. The difficulty lies in discerning exactly what should hold onto—whether out of practicality or sentimentality—and what can be confidently tossed.

To help prevent decluttering regret, we turned to professional organizers and self-proclaimed minimalists. Here's what they say you should resist throwing out, even amidst a cathartic decluttering spree.

Melanie Summers, professional organizer, minimalist coach, and founder of I Speak Organized
Katy Wells, decluttering expert and host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast
Jennifer Q. Williams, founder of Saint Louis Closet Co.

01 of 10

Important Paperwork

When disorganized, paperwork can quickly become clutter—but any official and original documents should be saved.

According to Jennifer Q. Williams, founder of Saint Louis Closet Co., important paperwork, including tax documents, birth certificates, property deeds, Social Security cards, passports, etc., should be securely stored in a filing cabinet or a waterproof, fireproof safe. “These items are hard to replace and can be very important in emergencies,” she says.

02 of 10

Versatile Storage Containers

Baskets and bins for under bed storage — Kostikova / Getty Images

Quality, usable storage containers are always in high demand, so pause before you get rid of them. They might just work perfectly in another part of your home.

“If you are looking to throw out baskets, bins, or dividers from one room, check and make sure they aren’t useful in another room before you throw them out,” urges Williams.

03 of 10

Emergency Supplies

When it comes to emergency supplies, what seems like clutter today could be a lifesaver in the future. Williams emphasizes the importance of keeping emergency supplies like flashlights, working batteries, first-aid kits, and non-perishable food on hand in every home in the event of an unexpected problem.

04 of 10

Beloved Books

books on a book shelf — DNHanlon / Getty Images

Donating books is a quick way to clear shelves, but decluttering expert Katy Wells urges caution. “Decluttering books is popular—but some aren’t just books,” she points out. “Maybe it helped you through a hard time or sparked a major shift in perspective.”

Wells argues that if you’ve reread it, or if it has shaped you in some significant way, it may be worth keeping.

05 of 10

Clothing With a Story

You don't have to toss your favorite concert tee in the interest of conserving space. The same goes for a graduation dress or the blazer you wore when you took that promotion. According to Wells, “clothing can hold confidence, pride, and memories,” and it could be worth holding onto for the significance alone.

But there are certainly grey areas. If you’re unsure about a particular garment, Wells recommends asking yourself whether you are keeping this item out of love or out of guilt, as that distinction matters.

06 of 10

(Some) Emotionally Significant Items

Old and vintage papers — aaboikis / Getty Images

“In the middle of a decluttering spree, it’s easy to toss something just to get it out of sight,” notes Wells. “But when an item connects you to a person or moment that shaped you, it’s worth a second look.”

Take your time with these meaningful objects. “You don’t need to keep it all, but thoughtfully chosen keepsakes can become quiet anchors in your space,” says Wells.

07 of 10

Speciality Hardware

According to professional organizer and minimalist coach Melanie Summers, it's better safe than sorry when it comes to keeping the specialty Allen wrenches and spare bolts that come with furniture.

“When something breaks, those random screws and brackets are a lifesaver,” she says. Keep them consolidated in a drawer and clearly labelled.

Old Hard Drives and USBs

While old electronics are the modern definition of clutter, they often contain irreplaceable memories that have gone forgotten. Summers recommends always checking old hard drives and USBs before tossing them. “You may find lost family photos or important documents,” she cautions.

09 of 10

Spare Keys

Keys in drawer — VvoeVale / Getty Images

Collections of spare keys have a tendency to grow exponentially over time, and you don’t want to feel like the grade school janitor with a jangling key fob. However, to let all of them go would be a mistake.

“You don’t need to keep every spare,” says Summers, “but don’t throw them all away either. Emergency access matters.” Just make sure to label and secure them so that their purpose is clear and they don’t add to further clutter.

10 of 10

Creative Projects

When it comes to unfinished projects, don’t feel obligated to get rid of them. “Half-finished scrapbooks, sewing supplies, or that untouched watercolor set—these often represent dreams we once hoped to make time for,” explains Wells.

Before you donate them, she recommends asking yourself if this is something you hope to return to. “The goal is clarity–not guilt,” she emphasizes.