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We usually get attached to objects that bring us back to memory lane. Those old postcards, clothing, old books, and all other items that have associated significant memories are very hard to let go of. They bring sentimental value. They make us smile or cry.
These objects accumulate over time and fill our garage, our attic, and storage boxes. They become sentimental clutter.
It is true that these items are special to us. The invaluable emotions that they induce are reasons enough that we hold on to these items.
In addition, there are a lot of other reasons why we want to keep these sentimental items like:
- The money we’ve spent on them
- We think we’ll be using them again
- We don’t have time to declutter
But in time, if we keep on holding on to our sentimental clutter, our house will become more of a dumpster than a home.
We have to learn how to let go of the things we hold on to just for the memories they bring. It is tough but we need to declutter. In this article, we’ll guide you through the decluttering process and provide you with tips to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Let’s start.
Schedule Your Sorting Sessions
You have to set a time and day to sort out all the things you’ve accumulated through the years. We recommend a three hour per day schedule.
Get a couple of boxes labelled “DON’T NEED” and “FOR DONATION” at your side. You’ll be placing the things that are for disposal in these boxes. If the items are too big to fit the boxes, set them aside in an area near the designated box.
Here are examples of criteria you can use in your sorting sessions:
- Look for the things that you’ll no longer use in the next year or so.
- Identify the things that occupy too much space.
- Prioritise the things that have less value or none at all.
If you find items that are still difficult to let go of, set them aside for now. You’ll have to revisit them again during your next sorting session.
It’s Time to Get Into Digital Memories
Going digital is the modern way of keeping the memories from the things you got from the past. Take a picture of the first letter your husband gave you then store it in your phone or the Cloud. You can do this to all other emotional clutter you have had in your life.
It’s time to let go of them.
Remember, you are getting rid of the items and not the memories they gave you.
Pick a Charity for Donations
Giving out to charity is probably the best way to dispose of your items that are still in good condition. There’s always a home for those items and people who need them more than you.
Remember the “FOR DONATION” box we mentioned earlier? It is time to get rid of the items that are in here.
Items that are in good condition can be donated to various charitable institutions in your area. Start making calls and ask about the items they need.
Keep Only a Few Really Valuable Items
There’s no sense to hold to an item if there’s no use for it anymore. That skinny jeans from 15 years ago won’t fit you anymore. That guitar you never learned to play can be of use to someone out there. That old stuff toy can give joy and happiness to a child rather than accumulating dusk in your room.
Only keep the things that are valuable like family heirlooms and jewellery. You can start sharing the heirlooms with family members while keeping the jewellery in a small box.
Call a Rubbish Removal Company
Rubbish removal companies are the perfect partner to have when doing a decluttering session. We at Aussie Junk have the expertise and equipment to handle your clutter. We also have a network of connections that we can send to all the things you want to donate or just want to get rid of.
What are your thoughts on disposing of sentimental clutter? Do you think it’s a good idea to let go of these items you’ve kept all these years?
