Nine Items You Might Wish You Hadn't Discarded
Decluttering can be a daunting task, and it's understandable to think you know exactly which items can be tossed without consequences. However, professional organizers have some surprises in store for you. Here's a list of nine common household items you might regret getting rid of:
1. Fashion Jewelry
Don't be too quick to toss that bauble at the bottom of your jewelry box, especially if you're unsure of its history. Julie Mills, founder of All Squared Away in Morgantown, West Virginia, warns that some seemingly worthless pieces might actually be valuable vintage jewelry. A certified appraiser can help you verify their value.
2. Spare Keys
When sorting through keys, make sure you know their origin before getting rid of them. If you're downsizing a loved one's home, holding onto spare keys could lead you to hidden treasures.
3. DVDs and DVD Players
Even though streaming services are now mainstream, holding onto your favorite DVDs makes sense. According to Catie Kelly, founder of Sistamatic Organizing, some TV series and movies may disappear from streaming platforms due to licensing issues.
4. Dust Bags
Keeping dust bags for designer or high-quality items can protect the item and increase its resale value. Houston-based organizer Katia Basley recommends hanging onto them for future use.
5. Gift Bags
Reusing gift bags is a smart way to save time and money, especially in a pinch. Don't toss them right away.
6. Wallpaper Scraps
Small leftover wallpaper scraps can be repurposed for various DIY projects, like gift wrapping, creating art, or making coasters. Katia Basley suggests considering the design of the wallpaper panels before discarding.
7. Extra Paint
Hanging onto extra paint ensures that you can match colors for future home projects or touch-ups. The paint can be an essential resource in maintaining the aesthetic of your home.
8. Manuals
While digital manuals are becoming more popular, don't be too quick to throw away your paper manuals, especially those containing warranty information and identification numbers. These records are vital for reference when you need to contact repair technicians.
9. Memorabilia
Organizing keepsakes can be emotional. Tonia Tomlin, founder of Sorted Out, recommends digitizing sentimental items like old letters or handwritten notes when possible.
Remember, decluttering is an opportunity to re-evaluate the items in your home. Taking a second look at common household items might uncover some hidden value that you didn't expect.
After realizing the potential value of some seemingly worthless items, you might want to reconsider getting rid of your vintage jewelry. Perhaps it's hidden treasures awaiting a certified appraiser's eyes, like Julie Mills, the founder of All Squared Away in Morgantown, West Virginia, suggests. Furthermore, when revamping your living space, Southern Living recommends keeping spare keys if you're downsizing a loved one's home; they might just lead you to discover hidden treasures.
