We all know that decluttering is bang on trend, but it seems some of us are skipping the skip in favour of simply off-loading our belongings on our parents instead.
Research from Churchill in 2025 revealed that over a quarter of UK adults are still storing possessions at their childhood home, despite having moved out.
But which items are we hanging on to, and why are we so reluctant to simply let go?
The most popular items to store
It’s perhaps no surprise that many of the items that get left with our parents or guardians are those with sentimental value.
The top 5 items include
- Toys and other childhood items (45%)
- Books (41%)
- Photos and posters (40%)
- Old schoolwork (35%)
- Clothes (29%)
Other popular items that are simply too precious for us to say goodbye to include school or university exams or certificates, birth certificates and other important documents (26%), music and video collections (25%), things that relate to old hobbies (23%), and those all-important childhood medals and trophies (20%).
Why do we store stuff?
Of those surveyed, almost half of those who still store items at their childhood home say it’s because the items hold sentimental value.
However, a whopping 29% admit they don’t really want the items but simply can’t bring themselves to throw them away, while a quarter (25%) don’t have space for the items in their homes.
Parents also find it hard to let go, taking an average of just over three years to repurpose their child’s old bedroom after they’ve left home.
In fact, almost one in ten adults who’ve moved out (8 %) say their room has stayed the same since they left. Some adult children admit they enjoy revisiting their rooms and look forward to passing on stored items to their own children one day.
What about contents insurance?
While parents may be only too happy to provide a home to your childhood sports trophies and sticker albums, it’s important to make sure they’ve included them in their contents insurance.
Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, warns: “While many sentimental items may not have a high monetary value, there are certain toys and collections which have dramatically increased in value over the years - so it’s important that people do their homework and check they have appropriate cover in place.”
Khan adds: “While it is heart-warming to hold onto memories, it is also a reminder that homes are evolving spaces, and keeping them protected, no matter how they are used, remains essential.”
So, if your prized Pokemon collection is still at your childhood home, it’s a good idea to check that the right contents cover is in place.
