You probably have a bunch of stuff from your childhood stashed away, whether it’s toys, cards, or little collectibles. Over time, some of these things stop feeling special and just take up space.
Knowing which childhood collections you should let go of can help you clear clutter without losing memories. It’s about figuring out what still matters and what’s okay to say goodbye to.
Expired or damaged sticker collections
If you still have old sticker collections, chances are many of them have lost their charm. Stickers can fade, peel, or even get sticky and unusable over time.
Holding onto damaged sheets might only take up space and remind you of what once was. Plus, most expired stickers won’t have any real value today.
It’s okay to let these go, especially if they’re beyond saving. You can always keep a few favorites and recycle the rest.
Broken or incomplete toy sets
If you’ve got toy sets missing pieces or with broken parts, it might be time to let them go. These incomplete sets often lose value and can clutter your space without bringing much joy.
You might feel attached, but collectors usually want complete sets in good condition. Holding onto damaged toys can also make it harder to appreciate the rest of your collection. If they don’t work or look right, they’re probably better off out of sight.
Worn-out trading card decks
If your old trading card decks are looking rough, it might be time to part ways. Worn cards are harder to protect and lose much of their value over time.
That said, you can still keep a few for practice if you want to improve card tricks or sleight of hand. Using warped or damaged cards can help sharpen your skills before performing with fresh decks.
But for most collectors, letting go of worn decks frees up space and keeps your collection looking better overall.
Old homework and school papers
You probably have stacks of old homework and school papers gathering dust. It’s okay to let most of it go. Keep only the really meaningful projects, like awards, special art, or work that shows a major milestone.
Digitizing favorites can save space and still hold memories. Don’t feel guilty about tossing the rest—most of these papers don’t hold value over time. Focus on what truly matters to you and your child’s story.
Torn or faded magazine clippings
If you’ve got piles of torn or faded magazine clippings, it might be time to let them go. These fragile scraps rarely hold up well over time and can lose their appeal quickly.
Sure, they might have sparked inspiration or nostalgia once, but keeping damaged clippings only adds clutter. Instead, consider snapping a photo of any that really matter before tossing.
This way, you preserve the memory without holding onto something that’s falling apart. You’ll free up space and avoid dealing with a pile of crumbling paper down the road.
Outdated tech gadgets like Walkmans
If you still have a Walkman or old cassette player lying around, it might be time to let it go. These gadgets were cool once, but streaming and wireless earbuds have made them mostly obsolete.
You might feel nostalgic, but holding onto clunky players that need tapes and batteries isn’t very practical now. Plus, they take up space and rarely get used anymore.
That said, some collectors look for this kind of vintage tech. If you want to part with yours, it could have some value—but for everyday use, it’s time to move on.
Cheap plastic souvenir trinkets
You probably have a bunch of those small, plastic souvenir trinkets lying around. They were easy to pick up during trips or as party favors, but they rarely hold any real value today.
Most of these items are lightweight and made cheaply, which means they often end up forgotten or tossed. Holding onto them likely won’t do much for your collection or space.
If you want to declutter, these are easy to let go of without losing anything important. They don’t usually connect to stronger memories or worth compared to other childhood collectibles.
Dilapidated stuffed animals
If your stuffed animals are falling apart or covered in stains, it might be time to let them go. Keeping worn-out toys can take up space and bring down the vibe of your room.
You might feel attached, but saving every old plush isn’t necessary. Sometimes, a few well-kept favorites are enough to hold those memories.
Plus, dilapidated stuffed animals won’t have much value if you’re thinking about selling or donating. It’s okay to clear them out and make room for new things.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
