5 Essential Things You Should Never Throw Away, According to Pro Organizers
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It’s always fascinating to get a peek behind the curtain of the professionals who make decluttering and organizing their craft. These pros are often associated with a minimalist approach to life, and they’re the first to recommend parting ways with things that no longer serve a purpose.
“A good rule of thumb is that if you can replace something for $20 or less, in 20 minutes or less, it’s probably not worth keeping,” shares Barbara Reich, founder of Life Organized and author of Secrets of an Organized Mom. Organizing experts really get the delicate balance between decluttering and holding onto what matters.
They’re all for keeping items that serve a genuine purpose, as long as they’re stored in a way that makes sense. Up ahead, you’ll discover which everyday things—those you might usually overlook—can actually come in handy when you least expect it.
Tools
How many of us have a toolbox hidden away in a cupboard or garage, gathering dust? You might think a hammer, screwdriver, or wrench isn’t something you’ll need often, but according to professional organizers, it’s wise to keep these tools on hand. You never know when a minor repair will arise, like assembling furniture, fixing a leaky pipe, or completing a home project that requires precision. Keeping a toolbox within reach can save you both time and money in the long run.
How to Store Them: Organize tools neatly on a pegboard or in a toolbox. For small items like screws and nails, store them in clear, labeled plastic containers for easy access. If space is limited, even a well-organized bag or bin under the kitchen sink will do.
Birthday Cake Candles
How often have you forgotten to buy candles just before celebrating a birthday or special occasion? It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until it’s too late. Pro organizers suggest that you should always keep birthday candles on hand. They’re small, don’t take up much space, and save you the trouble of rushing to the store at the last minute.
How to Store Them: Keep birthday candles in a small, clear container in your pantry or storage drawer, so they’re easy to find when you need them most.
Umbrellas
It’s not uncommon to misplace an umbrella, especially during rainy seasons. Yet, pro organizers agree that having one or two umbrellas stashed in key areas around the home is essential. Umbrellas come in handy on surprise rainy days, but they are also great to have for guests who might not have come prepared.
How to Store Them: Place umbrellas in an umbrella stand by the door, and keep an extra one or two in your cars for travel convenience.
Seasonal Decorations
Holidays are a great excuse to decorate your home, but it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of decorations available. According to experts, it’s essential to hang onto decorations for different seasons, especially if they’re expensive or hold sentimental value. Instead of tossing them out after each holiday, store them for next year.
How to Store Them: Carefully pack decorations in clear plastic containers, labeling them by season or holiday. Stick to uniform-sized containers to maximize storage and make stacking easier.
Free Airplane Headphones
Many travelers toss their free airplane headphones without a second thought. However, these inexpensive items can serve a purpose at home, especially if you travel frequently. Having extra headphones on hand saves you from purchasing a new pair every time you board a flight.
How to Store Them: Keep a pair of headphones in each piece of carry-on luggage, so every family member has their own whenever you travel.
Conclusion
When it comes to organizing your home, sometimes it’s the smallest items that make the biggest impact. Professional organizers understand that not every item in your home needs to serve a daily purpose, but certain things can be invaluable in unexpected moments. By keeping tools, decorations, sentimental items, and even a few bottles of wine, you’ll always be prepared for life’s surprises.
Remember, the key isn’t about keeping everything—it’s about holding onto what truly serves a purpose and organizing it thoughtfully for easy access. Whether it’s an emergency repair or a sudden celebration, these 5 essential items have the potential to save you time, money, and hassle. With just a little bit of organization and intentionality, you can create a space that is both functional and clutter-free.
So, before you toss that old tool or forgotten decoration, think about whether it might come in handy down the line—you might be glad you kept it.
