I don’t know how many homes I have gone into to organize only to come across a client’s beloved memories packed away in a box. A favorite trophy or knick-knack that hasn’t seen the light of day in years. A token from a trip taken years prior sits in a box labeled “memories” and collecting dust.
For many people there are strong emotions attached to “stuff”. It brings back a memory, a feeling, or perhaps a dream we once had. Some are considered prized possessions yet they sit there in a box untouched and unloved. We fill our lives with clutter that remind us of the past, all the while trying to make room for the future.
I’m going to share with you one of my favorite tips for dealing with sentimental clutter.
Take a picture, it will last longer.
Next time you come across a box of sentimental items, ask yourself if you can use it or display it. Do you really love it to have it displayed on your wall? Does the item work now or can you put it to good use? Otherwise these items just sit in a box and take up space.
I want to challenge you to let these items go. It is time to reclaim your space! Instead of hanging on to the physical item, take a picture and journal your thoughts. This would make a great paper journal or even a blog! Each time you revisit these pictures you can write down your thoughts. Imagine passing down pictures and thoughts instead of stuff!
What are you hanging onto and why? How would you feel about letting the item go in exchange for a photo?
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Wow… This is such a great idea. I find myself hanging to stuff and cant seem to get rid of it because of the memories attached to it. I have been trying to declutter my life and this is one tip that is going to help for sure!! I think I am going to tkae my pics and make a snapfish book with my thoughts printed in it for each item.
thanks
Ooohhh…this is such a great idea. I read about this years ago in a magazine and starting doing it. On the back of the photo you can write down any feelings/memories about the item. And then pass the item on. We hold onto memories, not objects!
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I can see this advice coming in handy in 20 years or so. I don’t have too many sentimental objects as of today, but I can see that number increasing! I have had this rubber ducky for years and I’m going to keep it FOREVER