One of the most common questions I answer is sentimental items. “What should I do with sentimental stuff?” Like baby clothes or grandma’s china.
I suggest a “some not none” approach. In my home, I display my grandma’s decorative plate. I pass it several times a day and smile as I think of her. Some is also her silver locket, a timeless piece, inspiring questions when I wear it and an opportunity to share her story and influence.
My grandmother and I were a lot alike. So, it was difficult to part with her Christmas sweatshirt. It wasn’t the sweatshirt I loved, but rather the picture of her wearing it. I embrace life with less, but sentimental stuff is hard.
Tips for Handling Sentimental Stuff
- Do This Last– Save the memory-laced items for last. Declutter other areas of your home first. Gain momentum and the ability to let go with other categories. Start with spaces you encounter daily to realize immediate benefits.
- Some Not None – If everything is special then nothing is special, so choose 1 or 2 favorites. Get them out of storage and give them a place of honor in your home. Donate the rest.
- Memories are Not Locked inside Stuff – We can keep memories without the stuff. If you are having trouble getting rid of a particular item, take a photo of it. Create an album on your phone of sentimental items.
Set Limits – I can’t lie, baby stuff was hard. My husband and I are blessed with one child. We envisioned a house full of kids, but God had a different plan. His plan provided an empty closet where I store a pack-n-play to babysit for my friends. There’s a small stash of baby toys too. Whittling the baby stuff down to one memory box was difficult, but time helped. Our son is growing up fast and I don’t want to miss it because I’m re-organizing clutter.- Ask for Help – Invite a friend who can be objective and doesn’t have the same emotional tie. Often we just need to hear that it’s ok to let go. Friends will hold your hand, enjoy the stories and help you box up donations.
What items are you holding on to? What tricks help you to declutter sentimental stuff?
Excellent point about revisiting. 2 years ago I tackled the ‘memoryboxes’ of my daughters (my saving, not theirs). Threw out much due to the different perspective of time. Hardest thing I gave away that I still have twinges on — clothes my mom sewed for my daughters. I just felt they were beautiful and needed to be used. I have my photographs, but…
When my grandmother died and my aunt and I were going through her things, we had the usual piles (keep, donate, toss), but we also had a “not ready to get rid of quite yet” pile. This was helpful, for the items that were hard right after her passing but we knew we wouldn’t keep forever. Kind of a permission to hang on a little bit longer, if needed.
Kelly that does sound very helpful. Permission granted! My sons baby clothes and toys were like that. After a few passes, the box got smaller because I was ready. So wise if you to take your time. Thanks for reading and commenting.