It’s easy to hold onto things because they feel important or valuable at the time. You might think some items will be worth money down the road, but many actually have little to no resale value.
Knowing what objects won’t bring in cash can save you space and hassle. Clearing out these zero-value items helps you focus on what really matters in your home and your budget.
Old VHS tapes
You probably have a box of old VHS tapes lying around that you never use. Most of these tapes don’t have much resale value unless they’re rare or sealed collectors’ items.
If the content means something to you, digitizing the tapes is the safest way to keep the memories. Otherwise, they mostly take up space and don’t hold much practical value today.
Expired beauty products
You might be holding onto makeup or skincare past its prime. Using expired products can cause skin irritation or breakouts because they lose effectiveness and can grow bacteria.
Check your products for changes in smell, color, or texture. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s usually time to toss it. Holding onto these won’t add value and could risk your skin’s health.
Worn-out sneakers
You might be holding onto old sneakers thinking they’ll come in handy someday. The truth is, once they’re worn out, they usually don’t have much resale value.
Instead of stashing them away, consider donating pairs that still have some life left or recycling them through local programs. If they’re too beat up, repurposing them as planters or other crafts can give them new use. Keeping them only takes up space without real benefit.
Used batteries
You might be holding onto old batteries thinking they could be worth something someday. The truth is, most used batteries have little to no resale value unless they’re specific types like lithium-ion.
Even then, the amount you’d get is usually pretty low—often just a few dollars depending on condition and type. Instead of keeping piles of dead batteries, consider recycling them properly or using tips to extend their life before tossing them. It saves space and might save you a bit of cash in the long run.
Outdated electronics like DVD players
You probably have a DVD player or two gathering dust somewhere. These devices rarely have any real resale value now.
Even if they’re working, most people have moved on to streaming or other tech. Holding onto them just adds to clutter.
That said, if you want to keep them, consider repurposing. You could turn one into a media center or use parts for DIY projects. Otherwise, tossing them is usually fine—they’re not worth much.
Broken umbrellas
You probably hold onto broken umbrellas hoping to fix or reuse them someday. The truth is, they have almost no resale value once damaged.
Instead of keeping them, consider repurposing the fabric or frame for DIY projects. You can make small bags or use the fabric as patches for waterproof gear.
Holding onto broken umbrellas just takes up space and rarely benefits you financially. Tossing them or reusing the materials is usually a better choice.
Empty candle jars
You might be holding onto empty candle jars thinking they’re useful someday. The truth is, they have almost no resale value.
Sure, you can upcycle them into planters or storage, but as-is, they won’t sell. If you’re not into DIY, it’s better to recycle or toss them.
Saving these jars just takes up space without returning any value in cash. If you want to keep them, at least consider turning them into something practical.
Old receipts and bills
You might hold onto old receipts or bills thinking they’ll come in handy later. But most of the time, they just end up cluttering your drawers.
Once the return period is over or your warranty expires, those papers usually have no real value.
If you track expenses digitally, keeping torn or faded receipts isn’t necessary. Toss what’s expired and save only what’s needed for taxes or important records.
Single socks without pairs
You probably have a drawer full of single socks waiting for their lost partners. Holding onto them “just in case” can create clutter without much payoff.
Instead of saving them, consider repurposing those lone socks. They can be used as cleaning rags, protective covers for fragile items, or even DIY crafts like sock puppets.
Letting go of unmatched socks frees up space and saves you from the futile hope of ever finding a match. It’s time to move on and put those single socks to better use.
Expired coupons
If you’re holding onto expired coupons, they probably don’t have any resale value. Most stores won’t accept them, and their discounts are no longer valid.
That said, some places, like military commissaries, will accept coupons expired up to six months. If you can’t use them, consider donating them there instead of tossing them.
Expired coupons can also clutter your space without adding any actual savings, so it’s usually better to sort and clear them out regularly.
More from Cultivated Comfort:
- 7 Retro Home Features That Builders Should Bring Back
- 7 Antique Finds That Are Surprisingly Valuable Today
- 7 Forgotten Vacation Spots Your Parents Probably Loved
- 6 Boomer China Patterns That Are Selling Like Crazy Online
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.
