Boxes of photos, piles of children’s artwork, souvenirs from trips and gifts from friends and family – we all collect pieces of our past. But how do you part with these meaningful “things” when they bring back happy memories, yet are starting to take over your space and leave you feeling overwhelmed?
As a home organizer, this is one of the most common and emotional challenges I help clients navigate.
Once, while helping a client pack for a move, we came across a box that belonged to her late husband. Inside was his collection of wooden ducks. Tears filled her eyes as she shared stories about his love of all things duck. While she didn’t share that passion, she loved him deeply and didn’t know what to do with the collection.
I asked her to take each duck out and hold it. She told more stories, laughed, cried and reflected. In the end, she chose one duck to keep and donated the rest. That single duck now sits proudly displayed in her new home, not tucked away in a box in the garage.
Letting go of sentimental clutter is hard. But asking yourself a few thoughtful questions can help you decide what to keep and what to declutter.
1) DOES THIS ITEM BRING ME JOY?
If the answer is no, consider letting go. The items in your home should support your happiness and help your space feel tidy and uplifting. Holding onto something that brings guilt, sadness or obligation often adds emotional clutter as well as physical clutter.
2) IF I PART WITH THIS ITEM, WILL THAT MEMORY BE LOST?
Will you forget your first date if you let go of the movie ticket stub? Probably not. Will you remember your wedding day because of a dress tucked away in the closet, or because of the photos and memories you carry with you? If something is taking up valuable space but no longer serves you, donating it may be the kinder choice.
3) DO I HAVE A PLACE TO DISPLAY THIS ITEM OR CAN I USE THIS ITEM IN MY EVERYDAY LIFE?
Parents, you know how quickly kids’ artwork piles up. It’s simply not realistic to keep every piece. Consider taking photos and creating a digital album, screen saver or photo book. This allows you to preserve the memories while keeping your home tidier and more manageable. You can still save a few favorite pieces each year, just not all of them.
4) WILL THIS ITEM BRING SOMEONE ELSE JOY?
Why are you holding onto that sweater that doesn’t fit, the handmade gift that isn’t your style or the extra set of wine glasses from a trip years ago? Give yourself permission to pass them on. Letting go allows someone else to enjoy what you no longer need.
When it comes down to it, focus on what’s truly meaningful and release what’s simply “stuff.” And as always, if you need help getting started or want hands-on support, reach out to Smart Organizing Solutions in Denver, CO. I love helping families declutter their homes, create custom organizing systems and learn practical solutions that make it easier to stay tidy long term.