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We all have that one drawer, one box, or maybe even a whole room full of things we might use one day. Maybe it’s sentimental. Maybe it’s just hard to throw out. But the truth is, clutter sneaks up fast. At Quick Help Junk Removal, we see it every day, and we know the hardest part is often deciding what stays and what goes. So let’s have some fun with it! We gathered a list of real items people struggle to part with. Now it’s your turn: would you keep it or toss it?
Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?
The Emotional Side of Stuff
Letting go isn’t just about space. It’s about emotion. That old jacket in the closet? It reminds you of your college days. The birthday cards from five years ago? Grandma signed those. There’s a story behind a lot of the things we keep, even if we don’t use them anymore.
The Cost of Clutter
But here’s the flip side: clutter costs you. It eats up valuable space in your home. It adds stress every time you open a closet or drawer. And it takes time to sort through. Imagine what you could do with a decluttered basement, garage, or attic!
Keep It or Toss It? You Decide!
Let’s break down some common clutter culprits. We’ll give you both sides of the argument you make the call!
1. Old College Textbooks
Context: “They’ve been on the shelf for years. Haven’t opened them since graduation.”
Keep It? They remind you of a big milestone and could be used as references.
Toss It? Most are outdated and collecting dust. Donate or recycle them.
2. Broken Blender With Missing Parts
Context: “It’s been in the cupboard for two years. I keep saying I’ll fix it.”
Keep It? Maybe it has sentimental value or was expensive.
Toss It? You’ve already replaced it. If it’s not working, it’s just clutter.
3. Kids’ Artwork From Kindergarten
Context: “There are boxes of it. Every drawing ever made.”
Keep It? Choose a few favourites and create a keepsake box or photo album.
Toss It? Scan or photograph the art digitally and recycle the originals.
4. Unused Treadmill
Context: “Bought it during a New Year’s resolution. Now it’s a coat rack.”
Keep It? If you’re ready to get back into a workout routine.
Toss It? Sell or donate it to someone who will use it.
5. Craft Kits You Never Opened
Context: “Thought it would be a fun hobby. Just never got to it.”
Keep It? If you’re seriously planning to start soon.
Toss It? Be honest—you might be past the phase. Donate it.
6. Wedding Dress
Context: “It’s been in the closet for 15 years.”
Keep It? Pass it down, preserve it, or repurpose it.
Toss It? Donate it to a bridal charity or costume group.
7. Souvenir Coffee Mugs
Context: “Every trip means a new mug. They’re taking over the cabinet.”
Keep It? Keep your absolute favourites.
Toss It? Let go of duplicates or chipped ones.
8. VHS Tapes With No Player
Context: “We haven’t had a VHS player in 10 years.”
Keep It? Digitize important memories.
Toss It? Recycle or dispose of the rest.
9. Mystery Charging Cables
Context: “We have a whole basket of them. No idea what most belong to.”
Keep It? If you still use the device.
Toss It? If it’s unknown, unused, and tangled—toss it.
10. Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets
Context: “Two garlic presses. Three bottle openers. How did this happen?”
Keep It? Keep one of each.
Toss It? Give away the extras.
What Do You Think?
We want to hear from you! Would YOU keep or toss these? Share your votes in the comments or tag us on Facebook @QuickHelpJunkRemoval.
You might be surprised what you feel ready to let go of when you look at items through a fresh lens.
When It’s Time to Let Go, Let Us Help
Decluttering doesn’t mean trashing everything. Many of the items above can be donated, recycled, or responsibly disposed of.
That’s where Quick Help Junk Removal comes in. We proudly serve Tonawanda, Buffalo, Hamburg, and surrounding areas. Whether you need a full-service junk removal team or a dumpster rental so you can sort at your own pace, we’ve got you covered.
Call or text us at (716) 292-9574
Let us help you say goodbye to the clutter and hello to a cleaner, calmer space.
Try the 5-Item Toss Challenge!
Ready to get started right now? Walk through your home today and pick 5 items you haven’t used in a year. Ask yourself: would I keep this or toss it? If you’re not sure, that’s your answer.
And if that pile grows bigger than expected? You know who to call. 😉
