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7 Tips for How to Declutter Sentimental Items

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The most common question I answer is "How do I declutter sentimental items?" As I learned the hard way, memory-laced stuff is the most difficult to let go of. And many people don't realize they are having trouble letting go because the item is sentimental. Through conversations with my clients I can quickly spot an item that is being held onto for sentimental reasons. What not to do I had a few childhood items that were sold without my permission. Understandably, the seller expected I would not want them. While this is true, we all need time and space to process sentimental items. Time to reminisce about the memories and take photographs. And the opportunity to decide where the items should go. Perhaps passing them on to someone or somewhere specific. So, I won't be selling my husband's Hess Truck collection anytime soon.  I'm also accused of not being very sentimental which is completely untrue. I am just very intentional about the sentimental items I keep. The items that …

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5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff

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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 …

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Kid’s Artwork, Who Are You Saving It For?

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Kid's Artwork is abundant in our house even with just one child. Households with multiple kids struggle to tackle the volume of paper clutter. And every parent finds their kid's artwork difficult to get rid of because of the memories. Artwork more appropriately falls under sentimental clutter versus paper clutter. And sentimental stuff requires its own process. Currently, I am working on a small scrapbook for my son's elementary years. I collected some photos and artwork over the years. With each passing grade, there is less and less. In the end, I asked for his help with a few large books of his first writing samples. We read them together and laughed at the funny sentences. He noted 6 or 7 pieces that he truly remembered. I snapped photos of those. Without prompting, he said, "I think I'm ready to pass these on. I don't need them." Here's 3 Reasons Why Time - Several years had passed since he wrote the stories. He's not attached to them. And he won't be more attached …

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