No one would ever accuse me of being a minimalist. But, after spending the last year clearing out my mom’s house, it’s looking quite a bit more appealing…
Over the past year, I’ve been emptying the house for sale. The process has been, in turns, overwhelming, frustrating and of course very sad. My biggest surprise, however? My mom had way too much “stuff!”
Why is this surprising? To a casual guest, the house looked serene. Mom had impeccable style, surfaces were clear, the rooms were tastefully decorated and there was virtually no visual clutter. But… open a closet, cupboard or drawer and it was a completely different story! If you are a “Friends” fan, envision “Monica’s Closet” avalanches in every single room.
I’ve been diligently clearing, giving items to family and friends and donating to charity. Some things were easy to re-home like the waffle iron, hundreds of books, a collection of shoes that took over an entire extra bedroom closet and four complete dinner sets (including the set pictured, which was a dinner service for 24 people.) But I admit I’ve gotten hung up on anything I consider “sentimental” (which is a lot, as it turns out).
So, I’ve been researching the most painless ways to sort, categorize and dispatch items she treasured, but may not have a place in my life (and my home). If you are facing a home clear-out, or if you just want to simplify your own house, here are some of the best strategies I’ve discovered.
Don’t let the past hold you prisoner
In Southern Living’s “9 Tips for Decluttering Sentimental Items Guilt-Free,” expert Quincy Bulin suggests you tackle the guilt associated with letting items go. “The memories of the past are valuable, and at the same time don’t deserve to impede on your present and future.”
Second hand memories have no power
I also recently learned about understanding what constitutes “second hand memories.” Basically, if I have a direct, positive memory of an item (having dress up tea parties with my grandmother’s pink tea set, as an example), that may be an item I’d like to keep. The other three sets that came from relatives who were long gone before I was even born? Those are mom’s memories, not mine. And those sets can go.
Ask yourself how you’ll use the item
Ask yourself how important an item is and why it’s so important to you. “Ask yourself how often you use, see or interact with the item,” says Lauren Piekos, vice president of business development at Atlas Van Lines in the Real Simple article “How to Get Rid of Sentimental Items (Without Feeling Guilty).” If the item is destined for a box in the attic because it’s not actually useful or not your style, let it go.
Consider reselling when decluttering sentimental objects
One of the biggest barriers to parting with sentimental items can be perceived value. Knowing a piece from your Great Aunt Myrtle was expensive, antique or highly collectible makes holding on to it seem to make sense… at first. But if you don’t love it, wouldn’t it make sense to let someone else enjoy it? Selling an “ugly” vase and using the money for something you love is a much better tribute than shoving it into a closet. (I think Great Aunt Myrtle would agree.)
Don’t just pass on the clutter
If you absolutely can’t bring yourself to part with items and end up boxing them in the garage, who’s problem will it become in the future? Your kids’! Break the cycle now.
Decluttering sentimental objects will bring up feelings
Many of the items I’ve uncovered, have stopped me in my tracks, bringing up memories long forgotten. And, although I can happily part with china and silver, for me, the photos, newspaper clippings and ephemera are non-negotiable. Lucky for me, these are easy to consolidate and, at some point, could be scanned digitally, so they don’t continue to degrade.
You’ll have some non-negotiables, too. And that’s okay. The key is to limit the pieces you save to those that have true sentiment.
If you have additional tips on decluttering sentimental objects, please share in the comments. I can use all the help I can get!
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