Warmer weather is approaching quickly which means it’s time for a good spring cleaning – a great time to get rid of clutter and start the year fresh with an organized home. Although it isn’t easy, clearing out sentimental items is an important step in keeping your home clutter free.
Emotional De-Cluttering
In her article “8 Rules for Ditching Sentimental Clutter”, Lauren Piro of GoodHouskeeping.com shares 8 tips that will help you part with those not-so-easy sentimental items.
Start with the bathroom
This is a good place to begin since bathroom items don’t hold emotional value.
You can ditch the item without ditching the memory
People tend to keep stuff given to them by family members despite whether or not it is needed. Kell says a good question to ask yourself is: “Would your relatives want this stuff to weigh you down?” Most likely, the answer is no.
Find closure by giving the object a last hurrah
Remembering the joy particular items brought you is always important when looking for closure. Snap a photo on your phone and share it with friends–have a hearty laugh or good cry. This will make it easier to part with.
Everything you own should make you feel good
This is obvious, but a little easier said than done.
You can keep the best — if you toss the rest
Kell suggests making a tasteful display of your favorite heirlooms or collectibles. “They’re living things now,” she says “and not just dead energy.”
Recognize what’s really meaningful, and what’s just stuff
When deciding if items are sentimental or not it’s good to classify them into two categories: handmade and heartfelt vs generic. Keep the things that really and truly “contribute to the memory.”
Digitizing memories can soften the blow
Scanners and digital storage now make it possible for certain memories last forever.
Make this your new mantra
“The barn’s burnt down now I can see the moon.” It’s important to remember that you aren’t letting go of your memories. While creating freeing yourself and your space from clutter, you are creating space and allowing for some much-needed breathing room.
Clearing Sentimental Clutter – How to Get Rid of Emotional Items
Finally discarding the pile of catalogs that’s hiding your dining room table is one thing; getting rid of old photographs, hand-me-downs, or life’s other souvenirs is another. Read the full story here…
Image credit: Getty Images via GoodHousekeeping.com
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Home + Garden to HOME DECOR & GARDENING on 09/12/2023.
