We all have items that hold some sentimental value. That is not the problem. The problem comes when those sentimental items start commanding so much space in our homes and we don’t know how to get rid of them and/or organize them. Today, I am going to share how to purge and organize sentimental items.
I want to start with something that really helps me with how to purge and organize sentimental items. The “sentiment” is not in the thing itself. It is in your heart and mind. Know that and accept that right now before moving on. I am telling you, this is the one thing that is going to make this entire process so much easier on you.
Let me say it again for the people in the back.
The items themselves do NOT hold the sentiment.
It is the thought and memory in your heart and mind that has all the sentiment.
How To Purge Sentimental Items
Guess what?
You don’t have to throw it all away!
Can you breathe a little better now?
The rule of thumb I live by is the “one box rule”. Allow yourself one small box or tote for sentimental items you can’t part with. Let me repeat – ONE. SMALL. BOX. We are not talking about huge totes or moving boxes here. Think more along the lines of a shoebox size. Anything more than that and then the items inside aren’t that special. You are hoarding more, that’s all. If you allow yourself only a smaller box, then only the most sentimental items get space in that box.
With the small box rule, the sentimental items will never become overwhelming. When a new thing “makes the cut” for space in the box, you have to remove something else to make room. That is okay. The items inside the box changing over time is part of the process. And, that is also okay.
Who started this? Who told us that the only way we can hang on to memories and thoughts of people and times from the past is to hang on to “stuff”? It isn’t right and it isn’t true. You will not remember a person, place, or thing more if you hang on to stuff. With the stuff or not, you still have the person, place, and/or thing in your heart and mind. The sentiment can’t go in a box. It will never clutter your home. It will never take up space in a room.
The sentiment can’t be purged or organized. You get to keep that for as long as you want to remember and recall it. It will always live there. It will always be there to grab on to when you need it. Isn’t that a comforting feeling? Doesn’t that make it so much easier to let go of the “stuff”? It is just “stuff”. It doesn’t hold anything but the physical space it is taking up.
Sentimental items look different for every person. To some people, it is old letters and photographs. For others, it is furniture and collections that past relatives had. To others, it may be the entire estate from a family member who has passed. Whatever the sentimental items are for you, how to purge and organize sentimental items is the same.
How To Purge Sentimental Items
When people say they struggle to purge and organize sentimental items, those items are already consuming too much; too much space, energy, mind space, etc. Sentimental items should give you peace, happy thoughts, and great memories. The feelings of anxiety, stress, angst, and dread around items are all signs that you have more clutter than you do sentimental items.
I created a FREE guide that will help you purge sentimental items. This guide is designed to make the process easy and cut and dry. Using the guide will make sure you are only keeping those items that really hold something special for you.
Click HERE for the Free Guide.
Sentimental items shouldn’t be taking up so much space that it becomes overwhelming. When it gets to that point, it’s not sentimental anymore. It is clutter.
Sentimental Items From Family and Friends Who Have Passed
I still have my parents here but all of my grandparents are gone. I don’t have any items from some of my grandparents and only a few items from the others. With the few items I do have, I never get them out to think about my grandparents. Those few items don’t hold the sentiment. But, I can be baking cookies and get sentimental in a heartbeat. I have fond memories of my grandma and baking. When I would bake with her, she would always check the bottoms of the cookies when they came out of the oven. She would inspect them to make sure they didn’t get too dark.
Now, every time I pull cookies out of the oven, I look at the bottoms. It makes me smile every time. I know grandma is either proud or shaking her head depending on the color of the cookie bottoms. (She was particular with cookies 😉 ). The sentiment isn’t a thing from her. It is a memory that comes to me whenever I bake cookies. That is sentimental. I still have it. I don’t need stuff to have it.
Sentimental Items From The Kids
Purging sentimental items from kids is another pain-point for a lot of parents. I know this one. We have two kids and I have been dealing with sentimental items from them since they were born. A lot of stuff comes with our kids. From doctor’s notes and growth charts to handprint ornaments and first drawings.
Our kids have been creating since they could because I stayed home with them and had them doing all kinds of things as soon as they were able. BUT…. I didn’t hang on to everything. I did my same “one box rule” with each of our kids. Only the items that were really special made it into the boxes. Our kids still talk about those activities and things we did. Some of my favorite memories are all of the days we created, laughed, learned, and made messes. Those memories are sentimental. The piece of paper they cut for the first time does not hold that memory for me.
When I pull things out of the small totes I have for the kids, sometimes we remember that specific thing and sometimes we don’t. That tells me that the thing itself doesn’t hold the sentiment at all. It is an item. It is stuff.
What To Do With Sentimental Items You Want To Get Rid Of
So, you have used the guide and are finally getting rid of what you used to think was sentimental. Congratulations!
Depending on what you have to get rid of, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Sell items that other people can use. You can use the money for anything or donate it to a favorite chaority of the person that item came from.
- If you sell old toys, clothes, shoes, etc. of your child’s, use the money for an experience with them. Take them to a new restaurant, schedule a play date at a new place, take them to a museum, a vacation, etc. An experience is so much better than more stuff and the experience will bring about even more memories.
- Give the items to other family members who would like them or use them.
- Donate them to a local shelter and/or thrift store.
- If they are antiques, contact a local dealer/auctioneer to find out their value so you can get the most from them.
- Host a yard sale if you have enough stuff.
How To Organize Sentimental Items
Now, it is time to organize the items that you still have. Always stick to the “one box rule”. Keep all the items together on one, small box. If the items don’t fit in a box, showcase them. You are keeping them for a reason. Why not use them? Why not “feature” them in your home. If it is so sentimental, why are you storing it away in a box or in the basement or attic? If it means that much to you, display it. Use it.
Take the items out of the box. Make them easily accessible to look at and use. Frame letters, recipes, and photos. Create a gallery wall. Use the piece of furniture or the kitchen tools. The person that these items belonged to would love to know that you are still getting good use out of them and not just storing them somewhere. Your kids will love to see their artwork displayed in a frame on a gallery wall. Make these items part of your home, not stored away in your home.
I hope this post on how to purge and organize sentimental items is helpful. If you have any questions or I didn’t cover something in this post, please let it in the comments.
Take charge of your home with my Organization Challenge!
Join me as I guide you through a step-by-step process to declutter and organize your space. This challenge is designed to help you create a more functional, stress-free environment that will inspire productivity and creativity. With daily tasks and helpful tips, this challenge will empower you to take control of your home and transform it into a space that reflects your unique style and personality. Start your journey to a more organized life today!
Not sure if you are ready to commit just yet?
Check out my free webinar to learn more about this Organization Challenge.
You can also check out the 5-Day Organization Challenge to get started, or grab a copy of the Templates if you are looking for some tools to help you stay on track!
PIN THIS POST!
If you like this post, you will also love these organizational tips:
Organization Resources To Get Your Home Organized
The Best Way To Organize Winter Gear