Essential household items you’ll be glad you kept

Ever found yourself in a situation where you wished you had kept something that seemed unnecessary at the time? We’ve all been there! Whether it’s a tool for assembling furniture or a birthday candle for an impromptu celebration, some items can really save the day. Professional organizers frequently advise on what to keep, emphasizing both convenience and sentiment. Here’s a list of household items you might not cherish now, but will definitely appreciate later.

Practical tools for emergencies

Imagine it’s Christmas Eve and you’re frantically trying to assemble a gift or fix something in your new home. That’s when having basic tools like a hammer, wrench, or screwdriver comes in handy. Even if you don’t consider yourself a handyman, these tools are invaluable for minor repairs and emergencies. According to experts, it’s wise to keep them around. You never know when a little DIY might come in handy!

How to store your tools

To keep your tools organized, consider utilizing wall space in your garage or basement with a pegboard. If that’s not feasible, a toolbox or a simple bin under the kitchen sink works just as well. Just remember to separate and label screws, nails, and other small parts into plastic containers. This way, you’ll always know where everything is when the need arises.

Birthday candles: a tiny necessity

We’ve all been in that awkward moment where you’ve baked a cake but forgotten the candles. Keeping a stash of birthday candles can save you from that last-minute dash to the store. They take up very little room and can be a lifesaver during celebrations. Plus, who doesn’t love a surprise moment of joy, right?

Storing birthday candles

Store them in your pantry in a clear container so that you can easily locate them when the occasion arises. It’s a small but meaningful addition to your home supplies that can enhance celebrations.

Umbrellas: your rainy day friends

Umbrellas are notorious for getting lost or damaged. However, having a few on hand can be a lifesaver when unexpected rain showers hit. There’s no need to hoard them, but keeping a couple near the door for you and your guests is definitely a smart move.

Where to keep umbrellas

Invest in a stylish umbrella stand for your entryway. This not only keeps them organized but also adds a touch of decor to your space. You might also want to store one or two in each car for those unexpected downpours!

Seasonal decorations

Nothing adds warmth and festivity to your home quite like seasonal decorations. They often carry sentimental value and can be costly to replace every year. It’s wise to keep a selection to enhance your home for different occasions.

Organizing holiday decor

After each holiday, take a moment to sort through your decorations. Discard any that are broken or worn out, and pack the rest in clearly labeled plastic containers. Using uniform containers helps maximize storage space and simplifies the retrieval process for next year.

Headphones for travel convenience

In our digital age, a good pair of headphones can make a world of difference during travels. Instead of buying overpriced ones at the airport, it’s wise to keep a pair handy at home.

Storing headphones

To avoid the hassle, stash a pair of headphones in each piece of carry-on luggage. They hardly take up any space and ensure you’re never left without music or a movie on your travels.

Artwork: a touch of personality

Unlike furniture, artwork is easy to store and can be rotated to keep your home feeling fresh. A change of art can dramatically alter the vibe of your living space.

Proper storage for art

Wrap each piece in a blanket or bubble wrap to prevent damage, and store them upright in a box. Inserting acid-free foam board between each piece can help maintain their shape. Clearly label each box so you can easily find your favorites without rummaging around.

Unique tableware

Don’t toss out unique or sentimental tableware just because you don’t have a complete set. Mixing and matching can create a charming tablescape that tells a story.

Storing tableware

Keep your unique pieces in an accessible cabinet. This will remind you to use them instead of letting them gather dust. After all, every meal can feel special with the right presentation!

Guest essentials: toothbrushes and more

It’s easy to overlook the small things, but having extra toothbrushes and toiletries on hand can make your guests feel welcomed and valued.

Organizing guest supplies

Place a few individually wrapped toothbrushes in a decorative basket in your guest bathroom. Pair them with other essentials to create a thoughtful space that guests will appreciate.

Costumes for spontaneous fun

Whether it’s a cowboy hat from a themed party or a flapper dress, keeping a few costumes can lead to unexpected fun. Just be selective with what you keep to avoid clutter.

Storing costumes

Pack your favorites in a clearly labeled bin marked ‘Costumes.’ This way, they’re easy to find when the next party rolls around!

Wine for every occasion

Keeping a few bottles of wine for last-minute gifts or surprise gatherings is a great way to ensure you’re always prepared. Plus, they’re a thoughtful gesture for unexpected visitors.

Storing wine

Store extra bottles in a cool, dark place. Consider pre-printing gift tags to make gifting even easier. You’ll be the star of the next gathering!

Important documents: the essentials

In a world where digital reigns, it’s crucial to hold onto physical copies of significant documents like identification, legal documents, and health records. They can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

Organizing essential documents

Store these vital papers in a fireproof safe to keep them secure. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your important documents are protected.

Memories worth keeping

From ticket stubs to photographs, some things deserve to be kept. They hold memories that can bring joy when revisited.

Storing sentimental items

If something holds value to you, store it in a way that reflects its importance. Consider creating an album for ticket stubs or digitizing photographs for easier sharing. If you prefer to keep hard copies, invest in storage containers to protect and organize them.