We’ve all had that moment of regret when we realize we’ve thrown away something we should have kept. These items may seem disposable at the moment, but holding onto them could save you from future regret. Sometimes, the value of an item isn’t immediately obvious, it grows over time.
It could be a sentimental item, a piece of memorabilia, or even something valuable, hindsight can be a harsh reminder. The items we discard often hold more meaning or value than we initially realize. To help you avoid future regret, here are the things people commonly wish they hadn’t thrown away.
Childhood Toys
Many people regret discarding their childhood toys, especially when they realize their sentimental or monetary value. Vintage toys like action figures, dolls, or board games can become cherished keepsakes or even valuable collectibles over time. Consider keeping a few of your favorite childhood toys, because they might mean more to you or future generations than you think.
Family Photos
Throwing away old family photos is a decision many people come to regret. These pictures are often irreplaceable, capturing moments and loved ones who may no longer be with us. While they may seem outdated or cluttered, digitizing them can preserve their memories without taking up physical space. Family photos are not just images; they’re pieces of your history.
Vinyl Records
During the rise of CDs and digital music, vinyl records seemed obsolete, but they’ve made a huge comeback in recent years. Many people wish they’d held onto their record collections, which are now prized for their rich sound quality and nostalgic charm. Certain rare records have skyrocketed in value, becoming sought-after collectibles.
Even if you no longer own a record player, keeping a few albums could preserve a piece of musical history.
Old Video Game Consoles
A common regret for gamers is throwing away old video game consoles like the NES, Sega Genesis, or PlayStation 1. These consoles are now considered retro treasures, and many people wish they’d kept them for nostalgia or their increasing value. Vintage gaming systems often fetch high prices on resale markets, and they’re a reminder of countless hours spent on childhood favorites.
Vintage Clothing
Fashion trends come and go, but many vintage clothing items become highly desirable over time. Pieces from the ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s that once seemed out of style might now be considered timeless or trendy. Many wish they hadn’t discarded high-quality vintage items, especially designer pieces.
Love Letters
They are deeply personal and often irreplaceable, yet many people discard old love letters during moves or life transitions. Over time, these letters can serve as a poignant reminder of relationships, emotions, and experiences that shaped your life. Even if the relationship has ended, love letters hold a sentimental value that grows with time.
Instead of throwing them away, consider storing them in a safe place, because you may want to revisit them one day.
Old Coins and Currency
Even coins with low face value can become rare and desirable to collectors over time. Throwing away old coins or currency might seem insignificant, but these items often gain value as collectibles. Foreign currency from trips abroad can hold sentimental value as a reminder of your travels.
Heirloom Jewelry
Even if it seems outdated or broken, heirloom jewelry is often a source of deep regret when discarded. These pieces carry family history and sentimental value that can’t be replaced. Many people later wish they’d kept a grandmother’s brooch or an old wedding ring as a connection to their lineage.
If you inherit jewelry, consider keeping it Even if it’s not your style, it could be repurposed or treasured by future generations.
Yearbooks
These books are time capsules of your youth, filled with photos and messages from friends and classmates. Revisiting a yearbook will spark nostalgia and reconnect you with moments you might have forgotten. Yearbooks may seem like clutter, but many folk now wish they hadn’t thrown them away, once they realize how much they cherish those memories. Even if you’re not sentimental now, keeping your yearbooks can be a source of joy later in life.
Original Packaging for Electronics
When upgrading electronics, many people discard the original boxes and packaging without a second thought. However, keeping these boxes can be useful if you decide to sell or move the item later. Original packaging often increases resale value, especially for high-end gadgets like phones or gaming consoles. It also makes storage and transport easier..
Handmade Crafts
Discarding items like knitted blankets, pottery, or artwork can leave you with a sense of loss later on. Handmade crafts, whether created by you or gifted by someone else, often hold more sentimental value than you realize at the time. These one-of-a-kind pieces represent creativity and effort, making them irreplaceable.
Books
A favorite childhood novel or a book gifted by a loved one can hold sentimental value that outweighs its practicality. Books are easy to discard during decluttering sprees, but you could later regret it. Some out-of-print books can become rare and valuable. Before donating or discarding books, think about whether they hold any emotional or nostalgic significance.
Antique Furniture
High-quality, handcrafted pieces often have a charm and durability that modern furniture lacks. Antique furniture may seem bulky or outdated, but many people give it away or toss it. Some can become valuable over time, especially if they’re made from solid wood or have unique craftsmanship.
Collectible Cards
Trading cards, such as baseball cards, Pokémon cards, or Magic: The Gathering cards, were often discarded as kids grew older. But they can become highly valuable over time, with some fetching thousands of dollars on the resale market. Even if you’re not into collecting, holding onto cards from your youth could lead to unexpected rewards. Many people wishthey hadn’t thrown away these small pieces of nostalgia.
Holiday Decorations
Ornaments, stockings, and other decorations passed down through generations hold a special place in holiday celebrations. They are often discarded during moves or decluttering phases, but they carry memories of family traditions and celebrations. Even if they seem old-fashioned, keeping these decorations can preserve the warmth and joy of family holidays for years to come.
Vintage Electronics
Record players, typewriters, or early computers may seem like junk, but they often become valuable collectibles. Before throwing away these nostalgic items remember that retro tech is gaining in popularity. Even if the device no longer works, it can hold sentimental value or be restored by enthusiasts.