Sentimental Clutter
We all have sentimental clutter – whether it is your mother’s collection of figurines or your father’s favorite sweatshirt. The questions, then, are what should we do with that clutter and how can we let go of it? If you enjoy the items and have space for them, then maybe they are not a problem. On the other hand, if you are only keeping the items is because of sentimental reasons, then maybe it’s time to let go. Organizing consultant, Ellen Madere, suggests the following steps for dealing with sentimental clutter.
Step 1 – Box it Up
Toss the obvious junk, then put the sentimental items in a box, and put the boxes in a place that is safe and dry. If you are in a tender emotional state, perhaps due to a death or empty-nest situation, it is best to wait about 6 months before sorting through the items.
Step 2 – Enlist Help, If You Need It
If you need help, decide what kind of help is best for you. Do need support because the job is painful? Do you want a techno-whiz who can help post your items to sell online? Do you just want company?
Step 3 – Work in Short Intervals
The work of sorting through sentimental items is emotionally draining, so limit your work sessions to no more than 3 or 4 hours. You will be the most productive and objective when you are fresh and rested. If you can’t decide whether to let an item go ask yourself: What’s important about this item? Does it have genuine, lasting emotional value? Do I like it enough to display it, or will it be in a box forever? Would it be more valuable to someone else?
Step 4 – Take a Picture (It Lasts Longer)
Admittedly, a digital image is not the thing itself and you can’t actually touch the thing in a picture. However, storing something on a computer saves space and may preserve the image longer than the actual object. You may even want to take a picture of an entire room to remember the house you grew up in. Objects can fade, get lost, or break; households may be dismantled. Aside from storing pictures on your computer or on a CD, you can also create lovely books to preserve memories in a form you can hold. Contact a photo organizer for help in creating these beautiful books.
This is a good time to say a brief word about children’s artwork. Help your children photograph their artwork and then create an electronic collection that is visible online to friends and family. Originals can then be sent to grandma or recycled. This way, their hard work is preserved, but not taking up physical space.
Step 5 – Save the Best, Toss the Rest
It’s not necessary to keep everything, so concentrate on keeping the most important items that represent the many. For example, if you have a teapot collection, keep only one or two of your favorites that you would want to display in your home. If you are a senior moving into a retirement home, keep one place setting of your China to enjoy; you will not need service for 12.
Step 6 – Give Things a New Home
It’s easier to part with beloved objects if you know that they will be enjoyed by someone else. Consider who would enjoy the items, and then ASK them whether they would like the items. Sometimes your friends and family have no interest in your treasures, but there are always great places to donate in your community where someone will cherish the items as much as you do.
So don’t let that sentimental clutter fall into the black hole. Follow the steps above to deal with it. You will be much happier and less stressed in the long run. Happy organizing!
