It’s always sad when a marriage ends. But sometimes, when it happens, people hang on to things that keep their lives tangled up…and not in a good way. Here are ten things you shouldn’t keep after a divorce, according to divorced people that answered our poll. Which one do you think would be the hardest one for you to let go of?
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Joint credit cards
Many couples forget to actually shut down their joint credit cards, and that causes problems because it means both names stay attached. Anything that gets charged later shows up on both credit histories. It doesn’t matter that you’re not using it. Your bank still considers you responsible, so closing it will clear your name & cut off future surprises.
Auto insurance with your ex as a driver
Usually, car insurance companies calculate rates based on everyone listed on the policy. Any tickets or accidents that your ex has, even their mileage, could affect your premium. You don’t need to wait until renewal to take them off. In fact, most companies let you remove a driver & re-quote anytime. Get a separate policy to stop any spillover.
Spare car key for your ex’s vehicle
Speaking of cars, you don’t need any spare keys that open your ex’s car. You probably forgot it was even there. Yet holding onto it just means you’re keeping access to something that isn’t yours, so give it back to them. You could also drop it off at the dealership to make sure that it stops being your problem.
Old medical insurance cards
Hardly anyone ever remembers the old insurance cards that tend to pile up in wallets & folders. But they’re there. Any papers like this that still have your ex’s name on are no good anymore, and trying to use them would just mess up billing. The simplest solution is to shred them. It’s less clutter & fewer mix-ups at the doctor’s office.
The “couple” coffee mugs
His & hers mugs are more than simple dishes, as they remind you of what happened every time you open the cabinet. They’ll take you back to mornings together & inside jokes. Why keep something that literally has “couple” baked into the design? You’re better off swapping them for mugs that fit your life now and don’t remind you of your divorce.
Their favorite blanket on the couch
Sure, keeping that throw blanket hanging over the armrest may look harmless. Yet it’s loaded with history. Maybe it smells like them, maybe it’s the one they always reached for, but either way, you’ll feel the sting whenever you go past it. That fabric is tied to someone you’re trying to move on from.
Love letters and cards
Don’t bother cracking open that shoebox full of old cards. You’ll be left reading words written to the old version of your life, with pet names & promises, as well as notes from anniversaries. It’s heavy stuff that’ll keep you emotionally stuck. Unfortunately, the longer those letters stay, the easier it is to keep reliving what’s gone instead of letting it go.
Printed wedding programs or vows
It doesn’t matter how important you think that programs from your wedding ceremony or a copy of your vows are. They’re sure to pack a punch when you stumble across them later. In fact, these are snapshots of one of the most emotional days you’ve ever had & seeing them will set you back hard. Stop reminding yourself of something that ended.
Old joint utility accounts
So many couples forget about the basics like water & power bills. But leaving both names on the account will tie you together in ways you don’t want, as an unpaid bill will cause issues for both your credit scores. The truth is, collection agencies don’t care who left the lights on. They chase whoever’s on file.
Co-signed loans or credit lines
Co-signing is something that doesn’t end simply because the marriage did. Whether it’s a student loan or a personal loan, the bank still expects you to pay if your ex drops the ball. You might not even know about any missed payments until collectors start calling…but by then, it’s already too late. Your financial stability is tied directly to someone else’s behavior.
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