10 Steps to Going Through Sentimental Clutter
/
When I asked my email subscribers (sign up here if you’re not on the list!) what their biggest struggle is when it comes to decluttering, the most common answer by far was struggling with decluttering sentimental items.
Mementos. Sentimental items. Memorabilia. Whatever the name, sometimes we hold onto these items because they truly make us happy. Yeah! Other times, we hold onto these items because they were handed down to us by relatives who didn’t want them; or they were a gift from a loved one; or we forget we put them in a box at the back of a closet. Decluttering sentimental items is the hardest part of decluttering your home, which is why I recommend that you save this category for last. Practice decluttering on easier items, like clothes and kitchen utensils. Once you’ve learned how to declutter, going through sentimental items will be easier. And it’s totally worth it knowing that in the end, you’re surrounding yourself with the items that mean the most to you.
When you’re decluttering mementos, the goal isn’t to get rid of everything. It’s okay to keep sentimental items that are important to you. The key is finding the balance between keeping what’s meaningful to you and getting rid of the memorabilia that doesn’t bring you positive memories and adds clutter to your home. Be sure to display these treasured items so you are constantly reminded of they joy they bring. But if you have items that are shoved in the attic, it’s probably time to pull them out and really decide what to do with them. If you don’t, they will just be waiting for the next generation to figure out their importance! So instead of delaying the decisions, take control and do it now.
We all have these items. Whether they are from our childhood (such as high school yearbooks, the corsage from prom, the first love letter you received) or they are from our children’s childhood (artwork, school papers, stuffed animals, locks of hair), the volume of memorabilia can quickly take over our homes if we are not careful. It is wonderful to pick up an item and have a strong emotional response…but is it a positive response (then keep it!) or a negative response (then let it go!).
Everyone has sentimental clutter. But how do you decide what to keep and what to jettison from your home? Here are 10 steps to help you decide what to keep and what to let go.
Learn to let go of sentimental items you no longer need. Make sure you’re in the right place to begin the process. Schedule time in your calendar each week for the project, pour a cup of coffee, open a box, and settle in. For each item, ask yourself a few questions such as:
- Why am I holding onto this?
- Does this item conjure pleasant memories?
- Do I have the space to display this item so I see it regularly?
- Would this item get more use by someone else?
- If I were able to purchase this item today, would I?
As you ask yourself these questions, be sure to have empty boxes available labeled Keep, Give Away, Trash and place each item in one of these three boxes as you move through your memorabilia collection.
Throw away unwanted items. You know, the letters from the ex, the items that have been eaten by moths, the items that you don’t even remember why you saved. You’ll appreciate all the space you’re creating for the things you want to surround yourself with in your home.
Prioritize the items you want to keep. If you’re keeping photos, put them in a frame and hang them on your wall. Same goes for your school diplomas, artwork that you love, and a favorite card from your child. For three-dimensional objects, find a shelf or a table in your home to display the items. Just be sure that you aren’t adding visual clutter to your space. You might unearth an old item and decide to jettison something newer instead. Just add those items to your donations box.
Take a photo of sentimental items that you have decided to part with. Pull out your phone and take a quick snapshot of the item that is leaving your home. It doesn’t have to be a perfect photo. Just a final memory (and one that doesn’t take up any physical space!).
It’s okay to keep sentimental items. Just be sure to keep the most important ones that really speak to who you are as a person.
What to do with collections. Have a collection of similar items that sit in a box? Keep your favorite (matchbox car, teacup, letter, etc.), display it and donate the rest. Really what you’re doing is choosing quality over quantity. Keep the item that is in the best condition.
Don’t let gifts you’ve received become burdens. Many people hold on to gifts because they imagine the giver will expect to see them displayed or used when they visit. In reality, the giver might not actually expect that or even remember that they gave you a particular gift. Remember, a gift is yours to do with as you please.
It’s okay to pass on heirlooms. If you received a family heirloom, don't feel obligated to keep it. Your clutter might be a relative's treasure. Before you get rid of an unwanted inherited object or stash it in a box, ask someone else in the family if they would like to have it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is where your closest friends can come in very handy. They know you well, they know your history, and can really help you look at items in a fresh light. Trust their opinions and watch how much easier it is to let go of some of your sentimental items.
Don’t be hard on yourself. Patience is of the utmost importance when decluttering sentimental items. They are the hardest to part with. So, when you come across a bundle of old love letters, give yourself the time to read through them one last time. Be patient and be consistent and you’ll get the job done. It’s worth it when you do.
More Organizing Ideas
Need even more ideas on how to organize your home? Living. Simplified. is ready to help. Take a look at these blog posts or send us an email at lauren@livingsimplified.net and we can work together to reach your organizing and decluttering goals:
How to Organize Your Kitchen in 4 Easy Steps