Organizing and Decluttering Sentimental Items-Get Organized RVA

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Organizing one's home always comes with challenges, but organizing spaces containing sentimental items can be particularly overwhelming. Sentimental items represent significant moments in our lives, making it difficult to declutter or organize them. Holding onto these items can be a way of preserving memories and honoring the past, but it can also lead to feelings of grief, loss and sadness.

When these items take up valuable space, it's important to consider their impact on your physical and mental well-being. If sentimental items are causing you feelings of stress and overwhelm, you will benefit from making decluttering decisions that support your current needs and goals.

There are several transitions in life when you may become overwhelmed with sentimental items:

Losing a Loved One

While initially it may be too painful, you will eventually feel ready to go through these items.  Sometimes it is because enough time has passed, and other times it’s because you have to meet a deadline for a move, or family members are encouraging it. Deciding which belongings to keep or let go when dealing with grief and loss, however, can be very difficult. And if you have moved into a new home after the loss of a spouse or partner, the empty spaces can make it upsetting to part with items that remind you of them. This can contribute to a feeling of paralysis when it comes to decisions.

Merging Households After Divorce or Separation

When merging households, each individual brings their own set of belongings, including sentimental items that may hold conflicting memories or associations. This can lead to tension and disagreement as couples navigate the process of combining their lives and possessions. Oftentimes, the better coffee maker is kept and the newer couch is the one that remains; however, reminders of the former partner or spouse (or their extended families) can be trickier to handle.

Family Heirlooms

Inheriting family heirlooms can be a source of joy and honor but may also be a source of stress and anxiety for you, parents and siblings. While heirlooms may hold familial and even cultural significance, they can be a burden if they are not wanted or appreciated. The guilt and pressure to preserve these objects can weigh heavily on individuals, leading to feelings of obligation and resentment.

Tips for Dealing with Sentimental Items

Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process:

1. Recognize that letting go of sentimental items can be emotionally challenging. Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. When merging households, be sure to give your partner this grace as well.
2. Start with one category at a time and don't rush the process. Give yourself time to reflect on each item and its significance. Start with those items that feel easiest to address. For example, clothes may be easier than a loved ones’ collections or books.   
3. Take photos. Photos of sentimental items are a wonderful way to preserve the memories without physically holding onto the objects. Seeing a photo of the item can produce the same positive memories.
4. Focus on the memories associated with the item rather than the item itself. Consider writing down your thoughts and feelings about the object and preserve just the notebook (you can even add the photos to make a scrapbook), rather than all the actual items.
5. Consider giving some of the items away to a worthy cause. Donating to your favorite charity or one that honors your loved one can give new meaning and purpose to an item.
6. Be honest with family if an inherited item is something you do not want.  We have had clients with entire sets of furniture that they felt guilted into keeping, yet they had no space in their home for these items. Gently but firmly setting the expectation from the start is essential.  If you already have these unwanted items in your possession, consider offering them back to other family members who may enjoy them. 
7. Create a special bin(s) or display area for the items you decide to keep. There will be items you decide to keep because they are incredibly significant to you. Create a display area for those items you cherish and want to see daily. Alternatively, you can bin items that you want to keep, but don’t want visible. Storing them in a less frequently accessed area will allow you to decide when you want to take a trip down memory lane.
8. Seek support if needed. You don’t need to do it alone! If you're struggling to make decisions about sentimental items, ask for support from a professional organizer, therapist, or grief counselor.

Remember, the goal of organizing sentimental items is not to erase the past but to create a space that supports your present and future well-being. By thoughtfully considering each item and its significance, you can create a home that is both organized and honors your cherished sentimental items.

If you need assistance from a caring and non-judgmental place, please reach out to us via phone: 804.905.8475 or email us at info@GetOrganizedRVA.com.