7 Things in Your Attic You Should Stop Holding On To

The attic might be the ultimate out-of-sight, out-of-mind space in a home. Boxes are shoved there during a move, holiday decorations end up pushed into a corner, and that mysterious trunk that was once your grandmother’s has been collecting dust for years. Here’s the problem: unless they’re climate-controlled, attics are far from ideal storage environments. The constant temperature fluctuations, poor ventilation, and critter-friendly nooks make it one of the harshest places in your home to keep belongings.

Even worse, many of the things hiding in your attic aren’t just poorly stored—they’re really not worth holding onto at all. They may be unsafe, unusable, or so deteriorated that they can’t be salvaged. Keeping them only takes up valuable space that could be used more effectively. So climb those steps, roll up your sleeves, and take a hard look around for these seven attic storage items you should toss right now.

1. Outgrown Baby Gear and Kids’ Toys

Many parents tuck away cribs, car seats, toys, and clothing in the attic, thinking they’ll save them for future use (or simply nostalgia). However, plastic can become brittle over time, fabrics can deteriorate, and safety standards can change. For example, older car seats may no longer meet current regulations, rendering them unsafe for use.

While a few sentimental keepsakes (like a baby blanket or favorite stuffed animal) are worth preserving, the bulk of worn-out or outdated gear isn’t doing you or anyone else any favors in storage. Donate gently used items that are still in good condition and safe to use, and dispose of anything broken or expired responsibly.

2. Inherited Items You Don’t Actually Want

This might be the toughest category in the attic to tackle: family heirlooms. Maybe it’s a box of figurines, a stack of old photo albums, or a piece of furniture from a relative  (like grandma’s trunk). While some heirlooms are precious, others end up making you feel guilty because you don’t really want them, but feel bad about discarding. 

So, the attic is often where they are stored indefinitely, but the truth is that keeping something you don’t love doesn’t honor the person who gave it to you. Be selective about what you own, and release the rest. Photograph meaningful items before donating or discarding (even if it’s to another family member who will cherish them more), and you’ll free yourself from both emotional and physical clutter. As with baby and kids’ items, anything that you choose to keep should be carefully stored somewhere else if your attic isn’t climate-controlled.

3. Cardboard Boxes from Old Purchases

Raise your hand if you’ve ever saved the box from an expensive appliance, just in case you needed to return it. Go ahead, we’ll wait! While that may have made sense for a few weeks after purchase, there’s no reason to keep every box forever. Over time, especially in a hot and stuffy attic, cardboard boxes weaken, absorb moisture, and can attract pests who see it as an easy snack or a place to nest.

If the warranty period has long passed and you no longer need the box for moving, it’s safe to toss it. Break down and recycle those bulky boxes to clear out attic clutter instantly or try repurposing cardboard boxes in your garden.

4. Old, Cracked Plastic Bins

Plastic seems indestructible, but the reality is that heat and cold break it down over time. Those plastic tubs you thought would protect your things may now be brittle, warped, or cracked, leaving their contents exposed to dust, pests, and moisture. Even if they’re still holding together, aged plastic may leave an unpleasant odor on anything inside. If you notice discoloration, warping, or lids that no longer snap shut, it’s time to say goodbye. Replace them with fresh storage containers or, better yet, reconsider whether you need all those “just in case” items you were keeping in the first place.

5. Broken or Outdated Holiday Decorations

Few items make the attic trip more frequently than holiday decor. While it makes sense to store the tree, wreaths, and Christmas-themed dinner plates away for most of the year, be honest about which items you actually use from year to year. That strand of tangled lights you’ve been avoiding since 2015? The cracked ornaments that never go on the tree? They’re not bringing joy—they’re simply clutter. Additionally, decorations made of thin plastics, foam, or fabric don’t age well in hot attics, often melting, crumbling, or attracting pests. Keep the pieces you love and use consistently, but everything else deserves to be tossed.

6. Old Suitcases and Luggage

That set of hard-sided suitcases from the ‘90s may have served you well, but if they’re cracked, musty, or missing wheels, they’re just taking up valuable storage space. Attics are notorious for creating a lingering mildew smell in fabrics and linings, which can make older luggage virtually unusable. Plus, bulky pieces take up far more room than they’re worth. If your old luggage is in good condition, consider donating it to a local shelter or foster organization, where it can serve a practical purpose, but if it’s damaged or beyond repair, it’s time to haul it down and toss it.

7. Mystery Boxes You Haven’t Opened in Years

Finally, let’s talk about the boxes you can’t remember packing. If it’s been years since you opened them, chances are they contain nothing you need. Attics have a way of preserving clutter, and those mystery boxes often hold outdated paperwork, broken electronics, or items you’ve already replaced.

Take a weekend to go through them. You may find a treasure or two, but most of it can be recycled, donated, or tossed. If you didn’t remember it was there, you likely won’t miss it once it’s gone.