Going through your childhood stuff can feel like a trip down memory lane, but it can also lead to a lot of clutter. You might find yourself holding onto items that don’t really add value to your life anymore or bring up more stress than joy.
Knowing which childhood keepsakes you can let go of helps free up space and reduce emotional baggage without losing what truly matters. This article will guide you through some common items that are worth tossing, so you can keep your space and memories clear.
Old report cards from elementary school
You probably don’t need to keep every report card from elementary school. Most of the grades and comments aren’t very useful once you’re past those years.
If you want to remember some key moments, consider keeping just one or two that stand out. Otherwise, old report cards can take up space without adding much value.
If you’re curious about your records later, you can usually request copies from your school district instead of holding onto the physical papers forever.
Tattered and incomplete sticker collections
You probably have a sticker collection somewhere, worn and missing pieces. Those once-treasured albums were fun to trade and show off during lunch breaks.
Now, the stickers may be faded, torn, or stuck together. Holding onto them might just take up space without much meaning.
If you’re honest, you’ve likely moved on from the excitement they brought. It’s okay to let go of these fragile, incomplete keepsakes and free up room for new memories.
Dried out or broken crayons
You probably have a bunch of dried out or broken crayons lying around. They’re messy and hard to use, so it’s okay to toss them.
If you want, you can get creative by melting them down to make new crayons or crafts. But if that’s not your thing, don’t stress—holding onto these won’t bring much value. Let them go and clear up your space.
Faded and torn school art projects
You’ve probably got a pile of old school art that’s seen better days. Colors fade, paper tears, and what once felt special now looks worn out.
If the artwork is falling apart or barely recognizable, it’s okay to let it go. Keep a photo if the memory still matters, but don’t feel guilty about tossing the originals. Saving every scribble isn’t necessary to hold onto those childhood moments.
Worn out baby clothes with stains
If you have baby clothes that are worn out and stained beyond saving, it might be time to let them go. You’ve likely tried removing those stubborn stains, but sometimes they just won’t come out. Holding onto these items can create clutter instead of memories.
Instead of keeping stained clothes, consider if any can be repurposed or recycled. Otherwise, it’s okay to throw them away and focus on preserving cleaner, more meaningful keepsakes from your child’s early years.
Outgrown and damaged sports trophies
You probably have some old sports trophies that have seen better days. Maybe they’re chipped, cracked, or just gathering dust on a shelf. Holding onto these worn-out trophies often only takes up space without bringing much joy.
If they no longer represent a meaningful memory or achievement, it’s okay to let them go. You can keep a photo of your favorite ones before tossing the rest. This way, you hold onto the memory without keeping the clutter.
Stacks of expired collectible cards
You probably have piles of old trading cards tucked away, ones that lost their value a long time ago. Holding onto them might feel like keeping a piece of your childhood, but most expired cards don’t hold much meaning or worth today.
If you’re not into collecting anymore, these stacks can just take up space. Letting go frees you from clutter without losing the memories behind them.
Random plastic toys missing parts
You probably still have some plastic toys lying around that are missing bits. Maybe a wheel, a tiny weapon, or a crucial piece that made it fun.
These toys often lose their charm once parts go missing, making them harder to play with or less interesting.
If you’ve held onto them hoping to fix or find the missing pieces, it might be time to let go. They rarely get complete again, and keeping them mostly just takes up space.
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.
