Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Courtney Carver of Be More with Less.
“I have memories – but only a fool stores his past in the future.” – David Gerrold
As you simplify, you will notice that the most important stuff is left. This applies to kitchenware, toy boxes, closets and even to your sentimental treasures. Often times, the most difficult stuff to get rid of, is the stuff soaked in memories. We become attached to things that remind us of our past, and our loved ones. Your great grandfather’s pocket watch, your first pair of roller skates, or your son’s artwork from kindergarten, all transport you to another time, and usually fill you with lovely memories. Unfortunately, because you don’t want to clutter your home with stuff, these treasures are buried in boxes in the garage or attic, only to be rediscovered during a move, or a trip down memory lane.
I must admit, I am a sap and a sentimental fool. I get teary driving past a wedding, hearing stories about my grandparents or cooking one of my favorite dishes from childhood. In my life, I have saved notes from the 4th grade, albums from my first rock star crush, my daughter’s first bathing suit, heart shaped rocks from hiking with my husband and jackets my dad gave me that never fit, but were so cool, because they were his.
How do you get rid of the stuff that means so much, and evokes so much emotion, in the name of minimalism and simplicity? There are several ways to simplify the sentimental. Each concept includes focusing on what is most important and honoring your history.
Share the love. Unless you are on a mission to live with less than a certain number of things, why not display some of your sentimental items? Less does not mean none. Paring down your objects of memory does not necessarily mean ridding yourself of them all. Instead, paring down your sentimental items allows you to focus on the most meaningful. Chances are, the things with all the memories are in a box in the garage or attic. Sort through those boxes and choose the things that mean most to you and your family and display them. Sometimes we hold onto things to hold onto people that have left our lives. Honor the ones you love by sharing what was theirs.
After all, a box full of memories stashed in the basement is far less meaningful than 3-4 specific items displayed proudly in your home. So go through that box of mother’s things in the basement, select the 3 that most represented her life and the influence that she had, display them proudly, and remove the rest.
Make it useful. Did you save the china that your parents received on their wedding day or a special necklace that was passed down to you? Why not use it? Donate your everyday plates and eat off the dishes that mean so much. Wear the memorable piece of jewelry every day instead of waiting for a special occasion, or forgetting about it completely. You may come across things that you can’t use and don’t want to keep, but someone else will find your sentimental items to be quite useful. Use them or pass them on.
Put it in the cloud. If you have been saving printed photographs, documents, receipts and other paperwork for years, it might be time to digitize your docs. Sort through it all and toss the trash. Scan the rest or hire someone to do it for you, and organize in folders. From there, back it up through Dropbox.
Shoot your stuff. When you are uncluttering, save the things that mean the most to you, and take a picture before letting them go. Preserve the memories inspired by stuff through photography. Group items creatively or take pictures using the things. For instance, if you saved a baseball hat from your childhood little league team, take a picture of your child wearing it. Create a digital photo book with images and descriptive text, so you can enjoy your memories without the clutter. A book like this makes a beautiful gift to someone else in the family who wants to enjoy the memories without the clutter.
Tell your story. The most powerful thing we can offer is our story. As you simplify your life, you will come to the realization that the most sentimental things aren’t things at all, but stories of the people and places we love, and how we spend our time. Write about the things you love, instead of holding onto them. Start a family blog or keep a personal journal. Your words may start out describing your mother’s watch, but turn into a beautiful story about an afternoon the two of you spent together.
Approach each area or section of your life the same when it comes to letting go, and revel in what unfolds. Not only do you make room for the good stuff, but you can clearly identify what is most meaningful to you. Instead of filling boxes with the things that define your life, spend more time creating your life, giving to others and sharing your story with actions, thoughts and gratitude.
What other ideas do you have for shedding sentimental stuff?
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Courtney is a writer and fine art photographer. She writes about simplifying and living life on purpose at Be More with Less. You can also follow her on Twitter.
e-Fables says
I used to feel like everything contains a memory so I had difficulties throwing things out (my garage can provide evidence for this). I remember that when I was young, I would say that no matter what I would never sell the house my family was living in because it had so many memories. But then things changed, we had to sell it to move to another one. I didn’t feel as bad as thing I would feel. You know why? Because my family moves to the new house too. When I realize that, I stop holding on to things but I do hold on to pictures. I like pictures better because they bring back memories faster and vividly. With stuffs, I have to think awhile before I remember the reason I kept them in the first place. So now I’m stacking albums instead of stuffs, hopefully this will keep my garage from cluttering any further.
Peter Bryenton says
I like the suggestion to make a digital photo book.
Jill says
What great tips! This will definately help people clear some of the stuff from their lives and help with mind clutter.
Lucent Imagery says
I have a growing digital folder of photos of sentimental things I’ve got rid of. I agree with this tip completely. It helps me to hang on to the memory of it without the clutter of having it around. And it’s easy to email someone the photo and say “remember when…?” I did this recently to a friend who is working overseas when I scanned the pages of my highschool yearbook. We shared some laughs over the images from one side of the globe to the other.
Great article!
Cara says
Very nice! I think the hardest thing for me was realizing that giving away the things didn’t mean I’d lose the person, any more than I could keep them alive or bring them back by keeping the things.
McKella says
Awesome post. I’m definitely a sentimental packrat, so I’ll be using these tips. I also have tons of old journals, but maybe I’ll type up some of the ratty ones.
Courtney Carver says
McKella, You could always scan the pages of your journals instead of retyping.
Jane Jackson says
Yes, scan the pages rather than spend time typing because that was the journal is preserved in your own handwriting. Exponentially more authentic and meaningful!!
Amy Bosma says
This was a such a great piece of information! Thank you. My sensitive soul self all too often struggles with those sentimental items tugging at my heart.
Ramblings of a Woman says
We all have memories, and what a lot of people don’t realize is that a lot of those memories we have are tied to or triggered by photos we have of those memories. So again, what better way to preserve a memory without keeping the item, is to photograph it. And especially now, since we don’t even have to have a physical ‘picture’ but a timeless digital memory!
I do not want to be remembered as the eccentric old woman who had a huge house floor to ceiling of ‘stuff’ she couldn’t part with! Not looking forward to cleaning out my MIL someday soon…
my latest post touches on this as well. http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/pruning-away-to-be-more/
Bernice
Jean at The Delightful Repast says
Courtney, this is the perfect post for so many of us “sentimental fools.” So many things I’ve read on this topic tell you to get rid of things but offer no ideas for ways to preserve the memories. These are great ideas!
Courtney Carver says
Jean, Even though I don’t have as much sentimental stuff around, there is still plenty each day that brings happy tears to my eyes!
Jessica V. says
I love the idea of “shooting your stuff” before getting rid of it. The items may be gone, but the memories are still there. Great list!
Amanda says
I do this with my sons artwork from school!
Nathalie says
Hi I have been taking pictures of all objects I have sold or that I got rid off and it’s a lot. Sentimental or not it’s nice to remember the journey towards minimalism. Nathalie.