The more life that we live, the more sentimental things we collect. And on the other hand the more we collect the more we have to organize, store, and dust.
The idea of strolling down memory lane can bring great memories and give a sense of connection to growing up, holidays with family, and those horrible teen fashion choices.
But what do you do when it starts getting overwhelming?
Here are some tips to coexist better with sentimental items.
Give yourself time to go through sentimental items.
If your goal is to declutter, understand that these items are going to take more time to go through. As you work through other rooms in your home, group these items together.
The next thing to do is make time to start working on it. Understand that you may not be able to go through everything in one sitting and give yourself time. If you are in a rush, you may get rid of something you still want or even keep everything (which isn’t going to make decluttering successful).
Pressure is no one’s friend when it comes to sentimental items.
The feelings of regret for letting something go too soon is something we want to prevent.
When in doubt keep it!
Feel like you accomplished something even if you only parted with a few items. Stay positive and forgiving to yourself.
Holding on to several similar items.
If you are the sentimental type these items are going to hold more priority over other items.
This is a great opportunity to look at similar items and keep those that are more sentimental.
Create a memory box.
Memory boxes can contain, preserve and protect your cherished items. You could also try to limit yourself to a certain number of containers and only things that can fit stay.
It also helps to go through your memory box every so often. If yearly works for you then go for it.
Enjoy the trip down memory lane and if something isn’t quiet as sentimental you could give it to someone else or part with it completely.
Could a photograph of the item do the same thing?
If you said yes, then it sounds like taking a picture of the item and letting the item go may be a good idea.
To give this a try, take a photo of the item and make a point to look at it later. If it gives you that nostalgic feeling again, you can feel good letting go of the item and freeing up some space.
Take the pictures, have them printed out (seriously you can still buy photo albums), or put them together in a simple Shutterfly book (they have tons of deals so you can do this for fairly cheap). Five 8 by 8 inch Shutterfly books take up much less space than the same number of tangible items.
You are the one that keeps the memories.
Could someone who has a connection to the item like it?
When we revisit a memory, we may not be the only person who would find enjoyment in the item. Here’s a great example where you could take a picture and give the item to someone else so that they can also find enjoyment.
You are then creating a wonderful new moment when you bestow a cherished item to someone who will love and cherish it.
If you don’t have someone like this in your life and you are ready to let it go, it may find itself in the sight of someone else who will also find it nostalgic. I can’t help feeling nostalgic going to a secondhand store and seeing a toy that I had as a kid.
It brings a smile to face.
Gifts!!
We all get items as gifts that we feel obliged to keep.
Reality is, it is not a requirement to keep every gift given to you. If the item doesn’t fit with your personality, go with your aesthetic, or have any purpose in your home, feel free to let it go.
I give you permission! 😊
This is where regifting might be good. You could have someone in mind when you see the item and you know they would totally love it. Give it to them, even as a holiday gift.
Whatever you would feel good doing. If you don’t have someone like that in mind, donate it.
Would you expect your family (most likely kids) to keep everything that you cherished?
This part if a little morbid, but bear with me.
I think most people, when they think of this would say no. I have personally received items from a family friend’s child after their parents passed away. The items have more use in my position than in any of their kids. And as we get older it might make more sense to pass on items, keep a picture, and leave fewer things for our loved ones.
Remember to be kind to yourself through this whole process and love the items you choose to keep.
Give these ideas a try…
Use your mom’s China and silver each year for a holiday or special occasion.
Put small items into shadow boxes and display them in your home.
Create a box of your mom’s memories and go down memory lane each year on her birthday.
Love your space and the items you choose to keep in it.
“If you have clutter, you’re richer than you think!”
― Donna Smallin
If you are ready to simplify and love your home again and you live in the Chicagoland area...