10 Kitchen Items You’ll Always Regret Throwing Away

If you are on a mission to declutter the kitchen, don’t be too quick to throw things out. While you might be tired of over-stuffed cabinets, there are some kitchen items you’ll most likely regret throwing away. These items fall into four categories: sentimental keepsakes, valuable items, practical stuff, and things that can be repurposed.

While you might be tempted to get rid of handwritten recipes because you’ve digitized your entire recipe collection, or you see no use for food storage containers that are missing lids, these items are actually more valuable and useful than you think. So before you start hauling things to the trash can, rethink these ten kitchen items.

1. Old Cookbooks

While we may predominantly search for recipes online these days, there’s great sentimental value to old cookbooks. Perhaps it’s a cookbook your grandmother passed down to you, a recipe book you got when you moved into your first apartment, or one you picked up on your travels. Hold on to old cookbooks that have special meaning to you, because they’re more than just a collection of recipes.

2. Handwritten Recipes

Handwritten recipes may not seem sentimental now, but they may become some of your greatest treasures in the future. Even if you have digitized most of your recipes or have taken photos of handwritten recipe cards to have a digital version, hold on to the original handwritten ones. Place them in a special box or recipe file to keep them safe, as they are an irreplaceable item you would certainly miss one day.

3. Appliance and Gadget Manuals

It’s always tempting to toss the manuals that come with appliances and gadgets, but you may seriously regret that down the road. Designate a file or drawer to all your kitchen manuals—that way you always know where they are, they don’t get damaged, and they’re not taking up space in countless different drawers.

4. Cookie Cutters

If you have old cookie cutters you no longer use, instead of throwing them out, repurpose them! Turn them into ornaments to hang on a kitchen-themed Christmas tree by tying festive ribbon on them or fill a big mason jar with the cutters and display it on open shelves to add a touch of character.

5. Antique and Collectible Items

Whether you’ve inherited an antique dish set that you wouldn’t have picked out yourself or a bulky copper pan you’ll likely never use, don’t just toss these items because they could be valuable. If there are readable marks on them identifying the maker and production date, do some research to find out what the item’s value may be. If there are no clear marks and you’re not able to find similar products online, you can try taking the item or collection to an appraiser or antiques dealer to get some pointers.

6. Specialty Items Reserved for Once-a-Year Tasks

While it may seem like a waste of space to hold on to a small appliance or kitchen gadget you only use once a year, chances are you will regret tossing the item once that yearly occasion arrives. Instead of storing the item where it takes up valuable real estate or in a spot where you constantly need to move it to reach things you actually do use frequently, store it elsewhere. This way it won’t take up space in the kitchen or pantry, and even if you have to walk further to retrieve the item, doing so once a year isn’t a big hassle.

7. Cast Iron and Enameled Cookware

If taken care of properly, cookware such as a cast iron skillet or an enameled Dutch oven should last you a lifetime. In fact, these items are designed to be so durable that they can be passed down from one generation to the next. Discard chipped cookware, but hold onto pieces that are in good condition.

8. Seasonal Items

If you’re decluttering your kitchen in the winter, you may be tempted to toss things like corn holders. However come summertime when you regularly make corn-on-the-cob, you’ll wish you hadn’t gotten rid of the holders. When deciding whether to keep something or not, consider the season you are currently in, what season the item is typically used in, and whether you will miss it and need to replace it once its season comes around again.

9. Food Storage Containers Without Lids

Even though food storage containers may no longer be usable for leftovers if the lids are lost or damaged, you can repurpose the containers. Instead of getting rid of them, use them as open-top storage for small kitchen items such as bag clips.

10. Leftover Mason and Canning Jars

Hold onto leftover mason and canning jars because they can be repurposed not just in the kitchen, but for entertaining, storage, and decor. Whether you bought a large number of jars for homemade preserves or you’ve collected a ton of mason jars over the years, they’re worth keeping. Use canning jars to hold craft supplies, makeup brushes, or pencils, and turn mason jars into charming vases, casual drinking glasses, or vessels for cookie mixes.