Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter in 5 Easy Steps

When I was assisting with cleaning out the estate of one of my dearest friends, Steve, his family graciously asked if there was anything in particular that I would like to keep.  “The red kettle”, was my instantaneous reply.  The knob on the lid was missing but that was negligible. The enamel is dented and chipped.  The true value of this object resides in the memories it evokes of endless pots of tea, laughter and conversations with my friend.  In a word, precious. Definitely NOT sentimental clutter. Right?

Sentimental clutter can be the hardest to shift. It’s often left until the end of an organizing project. To many people, throwing away these objects equals throwing away the memories and legacy attached to them. Sentimental items can be anything that evokes emotions and triggers nostalgia. These can be either positive or negative experiences depending on the object and their personal significance. Heck, I have two pair of rotten sandals that I can’t let go of because they remind me of sunny beach vacations with friends.

Before You Begin Getting Rid of Sentimental Clutter

Getting rid of sentimental clutter is not a one-size fits all approach. It looks different for everyone. Someone in their 20’s may not have accumulated such deep attachments to their objects as someone in their 50’s facing a downsizing move or, who is now responsible for managing their parents’ memorabilia. Before starting this kind of project, these steps make the work a little easier to complete.

1. Set a goal-It can be getting rid of things that haven’t seen the light of day in years, unpacking boxes of childhood mementos or sorting through your old hockey cards. This will help you stay focused when the inevitable reminiscing begins to distract you.

2. Focus on what you should keep-Concentrate on what you’d like to KEEP because it’s an overwhelming task to think about throwing away objects with sentimental value.

3. Choose a box for keepsakes-To be clear, I’m not suggesting a refrigerator-sized box. Nice try. A small to medium-sized box, a decorative box or one with a sealable lid for easy access will do. Consider this your guilt-free box.

“If you want to know what to get rid of, you first need to know what to keep.“

4. Be committed-It takes both time and emotional effort to sort through sentimental clutter. Set time limits on these types of projects, 1-2 hour sessions at a time. Be sure to plan for breaks, this is emotionally and physically exhausting work.

5. Ask for help-Chill some beer and call for backup. Give careful thought if you are addressing a larger project, like organizing a deceased loved one’s home. Ask your friends and family or hire an organizer to help. Ahem.

Strategies to Help Deal With Sentimental Clutter

If you get stuck when deciding what to get rid of, and you likely will, ask yourself a few simple questions to get the real reason behind your hesitancy:

Why is this item significant? Do I use this item? Do I want to? Does this item help me remember a person or event? Does it represent that in the best way possible? Am I only keeping it because I think I should?

If you are still perplexed, remind yourself of this quote from Organizational and Hoarding Expert, Peter Walsh:

“The stuff you own has to help you create the life you want. And if it doesn’t, why is it in your home?”

Keeping favourite items helps getting rid of other items easier. Your aim doesn’t have to be to get rid of everything; your goal is to reduce the amount of stuff that you have. If possible, visibly display the objects that bring you happiness. They aren’t serving you stashed away somewhere.

5 Feel Good Ways to Part With Sentimental Clutter

It’s important not to rush through this type of project. You are going to have strong emotions. Feel them. Give yourself plenty of time. Be patient. Letting go of sentimental clutter is HARD! Let’s dig in!

1. Pick the BEST & Ditch the Rest-Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to part with your collection of shot glasses, fridge magnets and weird wooden sculptures from your travels. Pick your favourite to represent the memories of a person, place or time and jettison the rest.

2. Repurpose, Remake, Recycle-You can maintain your connection with an item by reimagining it’s purpose. A drawer full of baby clothes, jersey’s, shirts from rock concerts or your Grandfather’s work shirts can be made into a quilt or memory pillows. A useful reminder, better than being stashed in a closet or under a bed.

3. Digitize, Baby!-For pictures in particular, create a digital memory; scan and file. Instead of boxing up photographs, back them up electronically instead! Another suggestion is to take a picture of a collection, say children’s old toys or artwork, so you don’t need to keep the actual objects.

4. Unload the Guilt-Don’t hold onto something just because it was a gift. It was given to you to do with as you please. People often keep items not out of fond memories or gratitude, but GUILT. When dealing with sentimental clutter, guilt is an unnecessary burden. Don’t hold onto an object that evokes negative emotion. That well intended but hideous sweater from your Nan? Let it, and the guilt, go!

5. Pass It On–Either pass along items to friends who actually want them or donate to a charity. If you are dealing with things that are inherited or heirlooms, find out if someone else in the family is interested. Significant objects like unwanted family documents & photographs may have value to an archive or local museum. A gentle reminder to research what organizations are accepting donations, don’t dump unwelcomed bric-a-brac. Find out what is welcomed first.

Call Me Sentimental

Ultimately, the decision on what stays and what goes is yours. Remind yourself that an object is just an object. You are not tossing away the person or memory it represents. That lives on in you and not your stuff. A fun way to let go of your sentimental clutter is to gather up all of your bounty, invite people over, and let them choose what they’d like. This way, you know that your articles continue to be loved. Just not in your home. Taking up physical and mental space. With that in mind, any takers on my sandals? The red kettle stays.

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed With Sentimental Clutter?

As a professional organizer I can help you: organize your spaces, offer support for decision-making and facilitate removing unwanted belongings. I work with you to set up systems that work for your lifestyle. Complimentary consultations are available either in person or virtually. Reach out at (902) 209-3939.

Yours in All Things Sorted,

Kelly

Have you started sorting through your keepsakes and mementos? I’d love to hear about your sentimental decluttering project in the comments below.

Donation Drop!

Soul’s Harbour Mission Mart is a charity thrift store in Bayers Lake Business Park. They accept donations of clothing & household goods (no furniture). All proceeds go towards funding drop in centres & shelters. Learn more: https://www.shrm.ca