There are many reasons we hold onto things we no longer need. However, over time, all these excessive items can start to pile up and make a mess of your home. Throwing away something you consider trash isn’t difficult, but what if your clutter is made up of things that make you feel more emotional? A cluttered house can increase stress and anxiety—two emotions we don’t want to associate with the items we once cared for. We’ll walk you through how to get rid of sentimental clutter so it doesn’t become a burden.
Determine What You Want To Keep
Many times, when we hang onto something that triggers a memory we love or don’t want to forget, it’s not the item itself we really care about. When you want to get rid of clutter, ask yourself whether the item itself has sentimental value or if the item simply triggers a memory you cherish. If you find that the item isn’t necessary for you to remember those feelings, it’s probably time to let it go.
Don’t Focus on Guilt
It’s often the case that a piece of clutter we can’t let go of is sticking around because we would feel guilty letting it go. Holding onto something that triggers feelings of affection or nostalgia is completely fine, but if you’re only hanging onto it because you’d feel guilty letting it go, that’s not healthy. If the item in question no longer brings you joy, you don’t need to feel guilty about getting rid of it.
Make a Donation Instead of More Trash
Imagining our once-precious items in the garbage can trigger some very bad feelings, but that isn’t your only option. Just because you no longer have a use for something, that doesn’t mean that the item wouldn’t benefit someone else. You could pass it on to a friend or donate it to a local secondhand shop. This way, you can feel good about freeing up room in your place and making a donation that could help someone who really needs it.
Record Your Memories
Knowing how to get rid of sentimental clutter means not getting too attached to specific objects. If the only reason you are holding onto something is that seeing it makes you feel good, take a picture with it, and let the item itself go. Keep records of the object in photos and photo albums so you can always remember the feeling you got from it, without needing to clog up your home with the actual item.
Authored by Inspire Your Journey
