15 Things Marie Kondo Would Tell You to Throw Away (But You Should Keep!)
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Marie Kondo’s tidying philosophy became a world wide phenomenon, getting people to reevaluate what actually sparks joy in their lives. Kondo is known for her ability to transform spaces and mindsets in equal measure, and her method usually advises discarding things that don’t immediately make you happy. However, for some, the idea of getting rid of particular things feels more complicated. Some of these things might not fit into the KonMari mold, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have value.
There are times when it’s okay to have a few things you don’t need to feel grounded and connected. Here are some of the things we’d advise you keep despite what the queen of decluttering might advise. You will be thankful you did.
Children’s Artwork
If you’re a parent, you have a box of your kids’ artwork. Yes, you don’t have to have every drawing of a rainbow or dinosaur, but a few meaningful pieces are worth keeping. They are your child’s early imagination, their mementos. A few doodles might actually be good for the soul, so…
Old Greeting Cards
Marie Kondo would tell you to toss greeting cards once you’ve read them, but there’s something special about holding onto a few you actually felt something about. Handwritten messages from a loved one can do wonders for your spirits, especially during hard times, or help you remember a special bond. Just make sure you’re keeping the ones with the real, heartfelt messages.
Tools That “Might Be Handy Someday”
Marie Kondo would tell you to throw things away that you’re not using right now, but there are some tools and gadgets that you don’t want to get rid of because they might come in handy at some point. Spare set of screwdrivers, sewing kit, or a flashlight may not give you joy every day, but when you need it, you’ll be happy you didn’t throw it away.
Vintage Kitchenware
Those old Pyrex dishes, or that chipped tea set from your grandmother might not be trendy, but they’re charming reminders of a simpler time. Older kitchenware is also often sturdier than what you can find today. People collect vintage items because they’re nostalgic and sometimes they work better than what’s new.
Old Family Photos
Family photos that are decades old might be outdated or even fall apart with age, but they’re priceless family history. They remind us, tell stories, and even have secrets from generations before us. You don’t have to keep every photo, but you do want to keep some of the key ones—the ones that tell stories or that bring a smile to your face. If you don’t have space, you can digitize them for safe keeping without losing the sentimental value.
Unfinished Craft Projects
Perhaps you have a half knitted scarf or a cross stitch project in a drawer waiting for that inspiration moment to strike again. Marie Kondo might say it’s a sign to let go, but for the creatively inclined, these are markers of past ambition and future possibilities. They’re a bit like motivation to someday pick up where you left off, once the mood to create something by hand comes back.
Journals and Notebooks
Some people don’t journal, but for those who do, it’s a good look at their journey. Journals are different, and Kondo may even suggest clearing out anything that doesn’t ‘spark joy,’ but they save your thoughts, dreams and challenges over the years. Psychologist James Pennebaker says that writing improves emotional well being. These pages can provide insight and comfort, reminding you how far you’ve come.
Souvenirs From Past Travels
Some of the magnets and knick-knacks from your travels might look like clutter, but they can also be reminders of the adventures you’ve had. These little things can transport you back to a place you went or an experience you had and it’s good. A few well chosen souvenirs displayed on a shelf can make a room into a personal museum of memories.
Old Letters
Marie Kondo might tell you to throw away those old letters, but they’re pieces of history and human connection. They remind you of past relationships and moments, whether it’s letters from old friends, love notes or even letters from family. A few letters are like small time capsules, containing parts of who you were, who you’ve loved.
Mismatched China
You may have mismatched plates and bowls in your cupboard that wouldn’t ever make a Pinterest board, but they still do the job! Perfect dishware matching doesn’t always bring joy; in fact, sometimes the joy is in the memories that come with each piece. Moreover, mixing and matching dishes is also charmingly eclectic for home decor and can give your dining table personality.
Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations might not be in Marie Kondo’s catalogs, but these decorations evoke memories of traditions, family gatherings and shared laughter. There are a lot of ornaments and decorations that have been handed down from generation to generation. It’s not so much the item itself, but more about family traditions and the feeling of warmth and joy they bring each year that we are holding onto these.
Collectibles
Some collections don’t provide instant joy, but they do have a long term value — sentimental or otherwise. Hobby of collecting is often a hobby of collecting over time. According to the U.S. Mint, people collect coins because it’s a way to connect to history, or family heritage. Releasing a collection is sometimes the same as releasing a piece of yourself.
Sentimental Value Old Clothes
Kondo’s advice is to only wear clothes that make you feel good right now, but what about that concert T-shirt or the dress you wore on a memorable date? These aren’t wardrobe staples, but they are keepsakes of when something mattered. Why not tuck them away in a memory box instead of hanging them in your closet?
Handwritten Notes on Old Books
Marie Kondo’s Achilles heel is books. Her method is to keep only books you are currently reading or will soon be reading. But some old books with personal inscriptions, or notes in the margins, have sentimental value and feel as if you were hearing the thoughts of loved ones who read them before you. They are NOT just books, these are books of a generation in a conversation with another generation.
Recipe Cards From Family
Old recipe cards might not seem so important in Kondo’s minimalist view. For many of us though, these cards are family heirlooms. And they catch beloved recipes that have been passed down for generations, often with a note or a smudge of flour that tells a story of its own. Food also brings us together, even if they’re not around anymore.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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