12 Things Your Kids Absolutely Do NOT Want When You’re Gone

When you think about what you’ll leave behind for your kids, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff like houses or family heirlooms. But a lot of everyday things you might consider valuable won’t hold the same meaning for them.

What really matters is knowing which belongings are more likely to cause stress or end up unwanted after you’re gone. Being aware of this can help you make smarter choices and save your family from sorting through clutter they don’t need.

Outdated electronics

You might have old gadgets tucked away that seemed important once. But your kids won’t want bulky TVs, flip phones, or outdated computers.

These items take up space and can be a hassle to get rid of properly. Instead of passing them on, it’s easier to recycle or donate.

Keeping technology current means whatever you leave behind will actually be useful to your family. Don’t let your old stuff become their clutter.

Stacks of old paperwork

You probably have piles of old bills, bank statements, and expired documents lying around. Your kids won’t want to sift through that mess after you’re gone.

Old paperwork can create more confusion than clarity. Toss anything that’s no longer relevant or legally needed, like decade-old tax returns.

Keeping only important, up-to-date papers saves your family from unnecessary headaches. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Unused kitchen gadgets

You probably have a drawer full of kitchen tools you rarely touch. Gadgets like banana slicers, ice crushers, or waffle bowl makers seem fun but often just take up space.

Your kids won’t want to inherit these items. Many go unused because they’re either complicated or unnecessary when simpler tools do the job.

Clearing out these gadgets can free up room and save your family the hassle later. Keep only what you actually use every day.

Expired medications

You might not realize it, but expired meds can be risky to keep around. They may lose their effectiveness and, worse, could be harmful if taken.

If kids get into them, the consequences could be serious. It’s smart to clear out anything past its date and store current meds safely.

Don’t just toss old pills in the trash or flush them. Look for local take-back programs or follow safe disposal guidelines to keep everyone protected.

Broken appliances

When you leave behind broken appliances, don’t expect your kids to get sentimental. Stuff like busted toasters or old microwaves just takes up space.

They’re not treasure; they’re clutter. Holding onto those things means your kids have to deal with the hassle later.

If something’s not working, it’s better to toss it or recycle it instead of passing it down as a “memory.” Your kids will appreciate the space, not the broken appliance.

Excess craft supplies

You might think your stash of beads, paints, and yarn is a treasure, but your kids probably won’t see it that way. Most of those extra supplies just end up tossed or forgotten.

Craft materials can quickly become clutter, especially if they’re old or unused. Holding onto everything “just in case” adds stress and mess for the people left behind.

Instead of leaving a mountain of craft stuff, focus on what you really use. Your kids will appreciate less clutter, not bulk they don’t want.

Old keys with no labels

You’ve probably got a bunch of old keys lying around with no idea what they open. These unlabeled keys often just take up space and cause more confusion than anything else.

Your kids won’t feel sentimental about a random key that doesn’t unlock a story or memory. Instead, they might see it as clutter.

If you want, consider repurposing them into something useful, like crafts or keychains. Otherwise, it’s okay to let them go.

Tangled holiday lights

You might think those old strings of holiday lights are a nice keepsake. But trust me, your kids won’t want to deal with the tangled mess. Untangling them every year can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Plus, many times those lights barely work anymore. Holding onto them just adds clutter and hassle. If you’re hoping to pass them down, remember that newer, more efficient options exist now.

Worn-out clothes

You don’t want your kids to inherit worn-out clothes that are stained, torn, or just plain outdated. These items take up space and won’t be useful to anyone.

If clothes haven’t been worn in over a year, it’s a good sign to let them go. Don’t hold on to pieces that your kids have clearly outgrown or no longer fit.

Passing down only quality, wearable clothes saves your family time and effort sorting through stuff later. Keep it simple and practical.

Expired coupons and gift cards

Expired coupons often just add clutter. Your kids probably won’t want to sort through stacks of useless papers that no longer save money.

Gift cards might seem valuable, but many expire or lose balance. If you don’t use them in time, they become confusing for your heirs.

Some stores take expired coupons or let you exchange expired gift cards, but it’s a hassle best avoided. Keeping track and using these before they expire saves everyone trouble later on.

Empty photo albums

You might have a bunch of photo albums that don’t mean much to your kids. Empty or incomplete albums especially can feel like a chore for them to sort through later.

Instead, focus on organizing photos digitally or keep only the ones with clear memories and people your kids recognize.

This way, you’re saving them from playing detective and making it easier for them to enjoy family moments without extra hassle.

Random receipts

Your kids don’t want to sort through piles of old receipts. Most of these papers have no value after a few years. Keeping every single one just creates clutter.

Focus on keeping only important receipts, like big purchases or items under warranty. Tossing outdated ones makes it easier for your family to manage your belongings. It also saves them from dealing with piles of unnecessary paper.

More from Cultivated Comfort:

• 7 Vintage Home Items From the ’60s That Are Collectors’ Dream Finds
• 7 Vintage Home Goods That Became Collectors’ Gold
• 7 Fast-Food Chains That Changed for the Worse
• 7 Frozen Dinners That Were Better Back in the Day