How to Part with Sentimental Items
Often, we associate memories and feelings with the things we own, making it immensely difficult to part ways with items we just don’t need anymore. When we are going through the decluttering process it is so easy to seemingly overlook an unused item because it is attached to a strong memory. Taking a breath to evaluate your items for their true purpose will allow you to remove the excess from your space. These quick tips should give a new perspective to help you get around the sentimentality involved in decluttering.
1. Get Rid of Duplicates
The absolute easiest way to get started parting with sentimental objects is to identify duplicates or copies. Whether you received a set of antique mugs from your grandmother or a stack of photos from your great aunt, find the extras. Once you locate objects with doubles, separate them out and let them go. Taking the extra step to make sure they go to the right home will ease the stress of letting go.
2. Organize and Pinpoint
The first step to removing sentimental items from your home is to organize. Make sure you know what you have before you begin decluttering. If you can’t remember half the items you stored years ago, it might be an indicator to part ways. Once you organize your things, pinpoint the items that mean the absolute most to you. When you have found your favorite items, it will make it easier to get rid of the rest.
3. Display Your Items
If you are overwhelmed with sentimental objects but have absolutely no space to store them, consider displaying them. Shadow box frames are a popular home décor option for sentimental clothing and textiles passed down or worn at important life events. That way your good memories are there for you to look at in a polished way.
4. Separate Your Feelings
The hardest thing to do throughout the process of decluttering is to separate your feelings. This can be especially hard with a wardrobe; our clothes remind us of certain events or moments in our lives. Unfortunately, clothes tend to either outgrow our style or even quite literally our bodies. If you haven’t reached for a particular clothing item for over a year (or ten) it might be time to say goodbye.
5. Remove the Guilt
This tip is perfect for those who never want to get rid of presents. The guilt of giving away an unused present is a big reason people hold on to so much clutter. Recognize your guilt and then toss it out! It will not help you in the decluttering process.
I hope this article provided some concrete tips on how to remove special items from your space. We might not want to part ways, but the feeling of lightness afterward is completely worth it.
