12 Childhood Items Taking Up Too Much Space

You probably have childhood items tucked away that haven’t seen the light of day in years. These things often hold memories but can also take up more space than you realize, making your home feel cluttered without adding much value.

Knowing which childhood items are worth keeping and which ones are just taking up space can help you create a tidier, more comfortable living area. Decluttering doesn’t mean losing memories—it’s about making room for what fits your life now.

Old plastic action figures

If you have old plastic action figures, they can easily pile up and take more space than you realize. These toys often lose value if they’re loose, but keeping them in original packaging takes even more room.

Consider using clear plastic covers or acrylic cases to protect your favorite figures without cluttering your space. Display stands or wall-mounted shelves can also help keep them organized and visible without overwhelming your room.

Worn-out stuffed animals

You probably have some stuffed animals that have seen better days. They might be faded, missing parts, or just plain worn out.

While they hold memories, these tired toys can take up space and gather dust. It’s okay to let go of ones that no longer bring you comfort or joy. Keeping just a few favorites might be better than holding onto them all.

Outgrown baby clothes

Outgrown baby clothes can pile up fast and take over your space. You might hold onto them for a future sibling or pass them down, but they can end up buried and forgotten.

If storage is tight, consider using vacuum-sealed bags or small bins to keep clothes fresh and organized.

Alternatively, donating gently-used items is a great way to clear space while helping others. You don’t have to keep everything, just the pieces you truly want to save.

Broken board games

You probably have a few board games with missing pieces or damaged boxes sitting around. They take up space but aren’t really playable anymore.

Instead of holding onto them out of guilt, consider recycling parts or donating what’s still usable. You can also keep pieces in small containers to save space and avoid losing them completely.

Clearing out broken games frees up room for the ones you actually play and enjoy. It makes your game collection easier to organize, too.

Faded school artwork

You probably have stacks of your childhood art tucked away, but over time, those bright colors start to fade. Keeping every piece can take up more space than you realize, especially when many have lost their original charm.

Instead of holding onto everything, consider saving just a few favorites. Digitizing artwork is an easy way to keep memories without the clutter. You can display or store only the best pieces, freeing up room in your home.

Empty toy storage bins

You might be surprised how much space empty toy storage bins can take up. These containers often sit unused, waiting to be filled but cluttering your floor or shelves instead.

If you don’t have enough toys to fill them, consider storing just a few bins and tucking the rest away. This keeps your space feeling tidy without losing storage options when you really need them.

Cracked dollhouses

If you have an old dollhouse cracked or falling apart, it can take up more space than it’s worth. These little houses are sentimental, sure, but they might need serious repairs to be useful or displayable.

You could try fixing them if you’re into DIY. Some glues work better for delicate pieces, but be careful—some adhesives harden and yellow over time, which isn’t great for your dollhouse’s look.

If it’s beyond repair, consider letting it go. Holding onto broken dollhouses can lead to clutter that just sits around.

Unused building blocks sets

You probably have at least one set of building blocks gathering dust somewhere. These sets can take up a surprising amount of space, especially if the pieces are spread across multiple boxes.

If you haven’t opened them in months or even years, it might be time to reconsider keeping them. Donating or passing them on could free up room and still let someone else enjoy them.

Taking photos of the sets before letting go can help preserve the memory without keeping all the pieces.

Dried-up art supplies

You probably have a stash of crayons, markers, or paint that have dried out and can’t be used anymore. Holding onto them just takes up space without serving a purpose.

It’s a good idea to toss these unusable items to clear room for fresh supplies. If you’re unsure, test a few; if they don’t work, it’s time to say goodbye.

Keeping only the art materials you actually use helps keep your creative space tidy and easy to manage.

Outdated sports trophies

You probably have a box full of old sports trophies from your childhood. They may feel important, but they often just take up shelf space.

Instead of keeping them all, consider taking photos of your favorites. This way, you keep the memory without the clutter.

If you decide to part with them, donating trophies to local youth clubs or schools is an option. Recycling or even tossing some is fine, especially if they don’t hold much sentimental value.

Bent trading cards

If you’ve got old trading cards taking up space, chances are some of them are bent or warped. This happens mostly because of humidity or being stored in the wrong spot.

The good news is you can fix them by drying them out or carefully flattening them under something heavy. Some folks even use heat, like a hairdryer or iron, but you’ve got to be gentle to avoid more damage.

Keeping your cards in sleeves and storing them in a dry place helps stop bending from happening again.

Mismatched puzzle pieces

You know those puzzles with pieces missing or that don’t quite fit anymore? They tend to pile up and create clutter faster than you realize. Holding onto them “just in case” only takes up valuable space.

Instead, consider repurposing those leftover pieces. They can be great for crafty projects or even as cool decorations. If you’re not into crafts, donating puzzles your kids have outgrown is also an easy way to clear room without wasting them.

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