What to Throw Away at Home

1 Certain Childhood Mementos

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Grace Hitchcock

Hold on to certain items from childhood, but don't feel the need to keep every single thing. You'll always have the memories, even if you don't keep each belonging.

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2 Reminders of an Ex

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It almost goes without saying that any reminders of past heartbreaks should be put out of sight, if not discarded entirely. If you aren't totally ready to let go, box up painful mementos and stick them in an attic or basement for the time being.

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3 Old Periodicals

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It's easy to feel bogged down when there's all manner of old magazines and newspapers cluttering the home. Get rid of any periodical you've read and loved, and bring in new, inspiring material.

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4 Hand-Me-Downs You Don't Adore

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Give yourself permission to keep only things you really love in your home. If you're financially able to, donate or sell hand-me-down furniture and find replacements which fit your taste.

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5 Hobby Items You've Abandoned

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We all have had interests come and go. Free up space in your home by discarding the paraphernalia from hobbies you've abandoned. Then you have space to pursue whatever new interests come along.

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6 Books You Read Long Ago

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Grace Hitchcock

Books make beautiful decor, but consider parting ways with those you read long ago and will likely never open again. The newly found free space may just inspire you to find a new favorite book.

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7 Out-of-Date Technology and Cords

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisette Mejia

Keep the tech items and corresponding cords or adaptors you use currently, and consider donating everything else. That way, you'll never again waste time looking for the exact piece you need.

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8 Certain Mementos

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich
Product Credit: Alchemy Works

We all love a walk down memory lane, but consider paring down your collection of mementos to the pieces which matter most. We're much more likely to peruse a manageable stack of photos than wade through a bag full of disorganized snaps.

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9 Clothes and Shoes You No Longer Wear

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It's totally normal to hold onto clothing and shoes on the off chance the style may come back or that they'll fit again someday. But by letting go of items you haven't worn in a long time, you're freeing up space for the clothes you do love and wear — and possibly something new too.

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