With new gifts filling your house, should you keep your old stuff or toss it? I grew up in a family that used the same pieces of Christmas wrap for 10 or 15 years. We weren’t allowed to tear open a package. We carefully cut along the tape or lifted it gently, refolded the paper, and stored it away for another year.
The fact that we held onto things is evident in the houses I’ve cleaned out and the building I’m still emptying. I’ve rented multiple 30- and 40-yard dumpsters – 5 just for stuff my mother accumulated. Two of those equaled over 10,000 pounds of trash.
As gifts arrive, it’s a great time to contemplate another round of tossing. As I do, I’m reminded that I like feeling prepared. But do I really need another insulated tumbler, or do I just hate washing the one I have?
So when it comes to a specific item, how do you decide whether to keep it or toss it?
Determining what to keep can begin with a few simple questions…
- Does this item feed me or weigh me down?
- Do I use this item or is its value sentimental?
- Would someone in my family value this more than I do?
- Is the item in disrepair?
- Would cash serve me better at this moment?
- Could the item help someone?
- How long have I had this without using it?
- Can it be replicated digitally then disposed of?
- Does this thing fit my current lifestyle?
- Am I hanging onto something based on wishful thinking?
- Has the tech become outdated?
- Is it something my family or neighbors can collectively use?
- Do I have more than one thing that serves this purpose?
- Have I received an updated version?
- Can it be repurposed and will I repurpose it?
How you answer these questions will make some answers obvious. If something weighs you down, toss it. If something has mostly sentimental value, a photo may suffice. If the item is in disrepair and you determine that you aren’t willing, or can’t afford to, fix it, give it away (or sell it).
While I don’t want to hang onto every little thing, I like the feeling of being prepared. I hate the feeling of being wasteful. I keep the best boxes throughout the year to use for gifts during the holiday season. I keep small flowerpots when I repot to larger ones. I have a collection of Allen wrenches I’ve saved from furniture assembly just in case a bolt comes loose.
I have jumper cables plus a rechargeable jump starter. I don’t plan to get rid of them because I’ve loaned them to two neighbors in the last month.
On the other hand, there’s a window seat, cedar chest, and box of small antiques that are nagging me to sort and toss. If I don’t finish those before the end of the year, I want to make sure they are included in my 2026 calendar.
Actually scheduling a toss out reminds me that as long as I don’t replace at the same rate I toss, I have more time for fun. It also allows me to take advantage of free recycling events.
I wish you lots of lovely gifts this holiday season, but when one isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to toss it to someone else.
Happy Holidays!
