Tips on Organizing Sentimental Items
Fall is in the air, and the Holidays are just around the corner! Chances are, the excitement and energy are ramping up, and so is the stress. With all the fun traditions and family time, it’s important to stay organized so that we can enjoy the added chaos and energy. I like to keep my house under control by constantly purging items that are no longer used or needed. While this may seem like an easy task when dealing with extra Tupperware or mismatched socks, sentimental items are a lot harder to sort through and purge.
When working with sentimental stuff, I often remind myself that my stuff isn’t me. My stuff is mine. Our memories live in us. Not in our things. Switching my mindset makes it easier to sort through what is really important and let go of the stuff that isn’t.
Tips and tricks when dealing with sentimental items in your home:
Purge sentimental items last, after you have practiced purging less meaningful items.
Remember that your sentimental items are things that YOU have attached meaning to. Your memories live in you, not your items. They are inanimate objects that don’t have feelings.
Ask yourself, “Do I feel sad or guilty when I hold this item?” If so, it’s time to let it go, along with those feelings.
Ask yourself, “Is this item a celebration of who I am today? Or is it keeping me in the mindset that the good days have come and gone?”
Taking pictures of an item is a great way to remember happy memories.
Less is not the same as none.
If you decide to keep it, consider using it (if it’s usable) or displaying it (if it’s beautiful).
If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break.
This is hard work, but it gets easier as you go!
How to go through sentimental items
Go through your home and put all of your sentimental items in one place. This includes pictures, journals, trophies, etc.
Take the least meaningful category (maybe it’s your trophies?) and hold each item. Evaluate whether or not you will keep it. Keep only truly meaningful items. If you get stuck, use some of the tips mentioned above!
Work through the rest of the categories one by one. Remember, if you get overwhelmed, take a break! This is hard work.
Find a way to safely store, display, or use the remaining items.
Keeping what is truly meaningful and letting go of the items that are taking up valuable space will make you feel lighter and help you celebrate the person you are today!
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and 'Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.
Marybeth Welty helps women create calm and healthy homes and lives. With over 12 years of experience in organizing, interior design, sustainable building, and mindful living, Marybeth is passionate about improving your mental health, your work, your relationships, and supporting the life of your dreams by starting with where you live, your home. You can book a free meeting with her at https://sustainablelifestylesolutions.com/20-min-free and connect with her on Instagram at @this_sustainable_lifestyle.