https://www.bin-store.com/blog

If you are trying to figure out how to get rid of sentimental objects, you may feel as if you have embarked on an impossible journey. You might deliberate for weeks over a decision to get rid of an object, only to regret it later. Each choice is more excruciating than the last.

If you are determined to let go of sentimental clutter, here are some ideas to help you out:

1. Don’t try to get rid of sentimental items if you are in mourning.
2. Do not try to get rid of too many items all at once.
3. If all that worries you is losing memories, take a photograph.

Go back to Part 1 if you missed them. Otherwise, read on for a few more.

4. If the same items might have special meaning to others in your life, consider passing them on.

When we attach special meaning to an object, we start to believe nobody else is capable of treasuring that item as much as we do. Unfortunately that is sometimes true. But other times, it isn’t the case at all.

If there is a sentimental object you are thinking about getting rid of, but you are worried no one else can value it, ask friends or family members about it. You might be surprised. Perhaps your sister would love to have that dress your ex gave you, or your son would be proud to inherit your father’s tool set. In fact, they may value these items even more than you did!

5. Don’t force yourself to give up sentimental items that you really care about.

Do you really have to get rid of sentimental clutter? Only if it is really clutter. “Clutter” implies that your attachment to the item is on some level shallow and trivial.

But sometimes that protesting voice inside your head is right. That item actually is important to you, on a deep, irreplaceable level. If that is the case, it is not really clutter at all. It is a valued possession, and you should keep it—even if other people think you shouldn’t. After all, decluttering and organizing isn’t about other people and what they think—it is about you and what you value.

6. Organize or display the items you do want to keep with care.

Once you do have the real clutter out of the way, you will be left with sentimental possessions that you do cherish. To prevent them from being confused with “clutter” again, stop treating them as such.

That means learning how to organize your possessions. Whether you put them in plastic bins for storage or you put them on display, find a way to protect them and honor the memories and emotions you associate with them.

Ultimately, decluttering is not just about freeing up space—it is also about unearthing real treasures and finding ways to connect to the past. So embrace both yesterday and tomorrow, and enjoy the fruits of your efforts.