Decluttering your home can be a challenging and emotional task especially when it comes to letting go of sentimental items. These items often hold special memories and sentimental value making it difficult to part with them. Decluttering your home however can lead to a sense of freedom and a more harmonious living space.
Deciding which sentimental items to keep or not can be a tricky, but necessary step in creating the organised home you always wanted. If you feel you can’t do this alone, hiring professional house organisers can help make the process an easier and more enjoyable experience.
However, you choose to do it, decluttering your sentimental items will help you feel happier and more in control of your home.
We’ve put together 9 tips for letting go of sentimental items when decluttering your home.
1. Make a plan
Before you start decluttering make a plan for how you will go about it. Set aside a certain amount of time for each room or create a schedule for decluttering over a period of time. This will help you to focus and stay organised as you work through your sentimental items. Decluttering takes time, especially when you’re considering sentimental things. Don’t rush it and give yourself plenty of time.
2. Sort items into categories
Once you have identified those things with sentimental value, sort them into one of three categories – keep, donate or recycle. You may want to sell your sentimental items but ask yourself will you actually get around to it or will they end up back where they started? Donating is a safer option for decluttering, but if you’re adamant on selling your sentimental items, be strict on donating them if they don’t sell in a certain time frame.
3. Take photos
If you’re struggling to let go of something, try taking a photo. This can help you to bridge the gap between keeping something and letting go of it. You can keep the memories and emotions attached to them digitally while letting go of the physical item. You could also create a scrapbook or photo album to keep the memories alive.
4. Store items creatively
If you have items that you can’t bear to part with but don’t have room for in your home, consider storing them creatively. For example, you could store items in a storage unit or in a waterproof, sealed box that can be placed in the attic or basement. If you’re storing things though, just make sure they’re properly labelled, so when you want to look at them again, you’ll be able to find them easily.
5. Remember why you’re decluttering
It can be difficult to let go of sentimental items but it’s important to remember why you’re decluttering in the first place. Decluttering can bring a sense of peace and calm to your home and help you to focus on the things that truly matter to you.
6. Seek support
Decluttering can be an emotional process so seek support from friends, family or professional house organisers. They can offer encouragement and support and help you to make decisions about your sentimental items.
7. Donate to a good cause
If you have sentimental items that you’re struggling to part with, consider donating them to a good cause. This can bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction to the process of letting go as you know that your items will be going to a good home and helping someone in need.
8. Be patient
Decluttering can be a slow process, especially when it comes to letting go of sentimental items. Be patient with yourself and take the time to make decisions that are right for you. There’s no reason to rush a decision but do push yourself to keep making progress. One decision at a time.
9. Keep what brings you joy
Ultimately, the goal of decluttering is to keep what brings joy and happiness to your life. If an item holds sentimental value and brings you joy then keep it. But if it’s just taking up space and causing stress it’s okay to let it go.
Decluttering your home can be a challenging process, but it can also bring a sense of peace and freedom to your life. By letting go of sentimental items you can create a less cluttered, more joyful home.
