SUBSCRIBE
How to Let Go of Sentimental Items
We all get attached to items for sentimental reasons from time to time. However, if left unchecked, this can result in clutter and can even lead to unnecessary hoarding at home. If you’re struggling to let go of sentimental items and the clutter is starting to build up around you, it’s time for a cleansing session! Read on for a few tips to help you form healthy habits and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
Does it Make You Happy?
One of the first questions to ask when it comes to items of sentimental value is, “Does it make me happy?” The item in question may have been very important to you at one time or hold precious memories of times gone by, but the real question is how you feel about it now. Does it hold a significant place in your life? Is it something you wear, use or look at frequently? When you hold it, does it bring you feelings of joy? Or are you simply holding onto it because you’d feel guilty getting rid of it?
Items like old jewelry are designed to be worn, not kept shut away in a drawer. If you don’t wear a piece or even look at it very often, then why not let it go? You may decide to get rid of sentimental jewellery and only keep the pieces you wear or intend to pass on to loved ones. Alternatively, if you don’t want to part with sentimental jewelry, consider giving it a makeover. Jewelry redesign allows you to preserve the memories connected to it while giving new life to it. It is also a great way to update a piece to your current style and make it more meaningful.
Be Firm
One of the biggest challenges when letting go of sentimental items is to be ruthless. Being ruthless doesn’t have to mean being harsh – we all have special items in our lives we want to keep, but you do need to set boundaries and be firm. Your instinct might be to let something go, but when you place it in the pile, you might end up feeling bad and taking it back out. You need to trust your decisions and know when it’s time to let go. When you’re having a clear-out, set yourself a target, such as “I want to donate one full bag or box of items to charity” or “I’m going to fill my car”, and don’t stop until you’ve reached your goal.
Think of the Space
One of the best ways to get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose is to visualize how letting go of them will improve your life. Look at the spaces in your home and imagine how much nicer they’ll look or how much more practical they’ll be if they aren’t filled with unnecessary clutter. Visualize what it will be like to have an empty shelf to display the things you really love that are important to you or how it would feel to have space in your wardrobe or cupboards for new items. It’s also a good idea to focus on the other positives that come with getting rid of things – you can pass items on to others who may need or appreciate them more or help charities raise much-needed funds.
