5 Downsizing Tips: How to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter
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Are you considering downsizing, but dread the thought of getting rid of all your sentimental clutter? You’re not alone! Parting with sentimental items can be one of the hardest parts of downsizing. It can be tough to let go of things that have emotional ties. But if you want to make the most of your downsizing move, you’ll need to get rid of as much clutter as possible.
If you’re like most people, you probably have a few sentimental items that you just can’t bear to part with. Whether it’s your grandmother’s china or your child’s first pair of shoes, these items can be tough to let go of. However, when you’re downsizing, it’s important to be realistic about what you can keep. After all, sentimental clutter can quickly become actual clutter.
If you’re having trouble parting with your sentimental items, try following the tips below.
1. Sort your sentimental clutter into three piles.
When it comes to parting with sentimental clutter, the first step is always the hardest. But once you get started, it’s not as bad as you think. A great way to get started is to sort your sentimental items into three piles.
The first pile is for items that you absolutely cannot part with. When you look at it, you think there is no way I can get rid of that!
The second pile is for items that you can part with, but only under certain conditions (for example, you might give them away to a family member). You are ready to pass it on or donate.
The third pile is for items that you can let go of without any hesitation. You have no emotional attachment to it any longer. Yeah!
This will help you to focus on what’s really important to you and let go of the rest. Of course, some things will be easier to let go of than others. If you’re struggling to let go of something, ask yourself if it truly brings you happiness and enjoyment. If not, it’s time to say goodbye.
Parting with sentimental items can be difficult, but it’s worth it in the end. By being selective about the items that you keep, you can make sure that your home is filled with things that bring you happiness.
2. Go through the keep pile again at a later date.
After you’ve gone through your belongings and made your initial decisions, it’s natural to feel a mix of relief and nostalgia. However, it’s important to resist the urge to hold on to everything.
It’s important to remember that sentimental clutter is still clutter. If you’re downsizing or trying to live a more minimalistic lifestyle, sentimental items can quickly become a problem. That’s why it’s important to go through your “keep” pile on a regular basis.
Every few months, take another look at the items you’ve been holding onto for sentimental reasons. Ask yourself whether or not you really need them. If the answer is no, it’s time to let them go. Remember, you can always find other ways to keep the memories alive without hanging onto physical objects.
Trying to keep all of your sentimental items when moving into a small space can quickly become overwhelming, and it’s important to be ruthless when downsizing. That doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to everything that holds meaning for you. Instead, try to be selective about the items that you keep. For example, you might want to choose one special photo instead of a whole album. Or, you might want to keep a favorite piece of jewelry but get rid of all of your other costume jewelry.
3. Take photos of sentimental items before you get rid of them.
A great way to deal with sentimental clutter is to take photos of the items before you get rid of them. This way, you can keep the memories without hanging onto the physical objects. So next time you’re feeling attached to something, ask yourself if a photo will suffice. Chances are, it will.
If you’re really struggling to let go, you can always print out the photos and put them in a scrapbook or print a photo book. Photos of your special keepsakes would make an excellent coffee table book. And who knows, you might even enjoy looking at the photos more than you enjoy looking at the actual items. Especially since you won’t have to dust them anymore!
Also, with a photo book of your sentimental items and collections, it will be easier to reminisce about them since you’ll have easy access to a book and you won’t have to dig through boxes in the attic! So if you’re feeling sentimental about your possessions, don’t be afraid to take a few pictures first. It just might make the parting a little bit easier. Take a look at your “keep” pile, start taking pictures, then pass on or donate.
4. Ask your family what they want passed down to them.
Sentimental clutter is a real thing, and it can be tough to part with items that have sentimental value. However, it’s important to remember that sentimentality is subjective. Just because an item has sentimental value to you doesn’t mean that it will have the same meaning for someone else. What you pass down to others might not be as meaningful to them as it was to you.
One way to avoid this issue is to ask your family what they want to be passed down to them. This can help you to determine what items are truly meaningful and what can be let go. It can also help to prevent hurt feelings later on.
Plan a time for family to come over and go through the house (together or individually) and let you know if there’s anything that’s special to them. Once you find homes for the stuff that has special meaning to you, be ready to let it go to its new home. It will no longer be around for you to store anymore. You can do it!
On the flip side, if your family doesn’t want what is sentimental to you, be ready for that too. This can feel disheartening but remember, what has special meaning to you will likely not be the same for someone else. So, it may be time to donate or sell items that you won’t have room for. This can be very hard. If you aren’t actually using it, it may be time to let it go.
Keep in mind, that there are other people outside of your family that will appreciate some of the things that you treasure. Your sentimental stuff can give a new meaning to someone else’s life and brighten their world. Be open to this. It’s a great feeling when someone else is excited to receive something you hold dear to your heart.
5. Give your kids their childhood stuff (if they want it).
If you’re downsizing or decluttering your home, don’t forget to ask your grown children if they want any of their childhood belongings. It can be hard to part with sentimental items, but it’s important to remember that your children are adults now and probably don’t have the same attachment to these things as you do.
If your children do want some of their childhood things, great! Set a date with them and pass it on. However, if they don’t, don’t hold on to stuff out of guilt. Remember, you’re doing this for yourself and your own peace of mind.
Of course, it’s fun to go back and look at your child’s stories and artwork and remember how cute they were. A great way to reduce the clutter and still be able to reminisce about these types of things is to take a picture! Having a digital memory is a great way to revisit that cute painting any time while still getting rid of the clutter.
It’s time to part with sentimental clutter.
Sentimental clutter can be tough to part with, but it’s important to remember that what is sentimental to you might not be sentimental to someone else. If you’re struggling to let go of your possessions, try taking pictures of an item first and see if that makes parting with it a little bit easier.
You can also ask your family members if they want any of the items that are sentimentally important to you. If not, be open to the idea of giving your stuff to someone else who will appreciate it. In the end, you’ll be glad you got rid of the clutter and you’ll be one step closer to your downsizing goals!
Do you have any other tips for getting rid of sentimental clutter? Share them in the comments below!
Happy decluttering!
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