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.
I have given away many of my mother’s things to my nieces and nephews who have their own families. I feel so good that they now have a (sometimes useful) reminder of her in their daily lives. For example, my niece and her husband have a beautiful bedroom set that was my mother’s. Makes us both happy.
A treasure shouldn’t be stashed away. Display it or pass it on.
I find myself emotionally attached to the things my Mother bought for me throughout my adult life. I know they are just things to most people. I realize I think of them as more than just things because they remind me of her kindness, her thoughtfulness and her love for me. I had five new homes over the course of 14 years and the material gifts she gave me were thoughtful items that enhanced my homes. I cherish them, because I cherish her! I believe I will first have to determine not to think of it as “getting rid” of things. I would never want to get rid of anything my Mom blessed me with. I certainly do not want to get rid of the memories of her generosity! I will have to focus on allowing others to be blessed my her, as well. In doing so, perhaps I can begin to let go of a few items at a time. Thank you Mom! I love and miss you!
A cemetery for things we cant throw out? Had a friend who passed away and in the following weeks his life’s treasures were on the curb waiting for the garbage man.
Yes, perhaps a drop off “donation” area in every town where once or twice a month people can drop off usable items for others to have for free. Anything that doesn’t get picked up could be given to Am Vets or the Salvation Army.
Going through the same thing…so hard to part with these things… I can’t bring myself to do it.
I’ve also collected sentimental pictures and art work the kids have created at school, each year. The collectin is now huge. But I’ve minimised by cutting out one part out of a painting ( for example )and using it as a backdrop for their school photo in each of my kids albums. I have taken a photograph of them holding their work of art and popped it in too. I have also dedicated only two pages to each year at school. So I’ve had to think creatively sticking with such a small space for each child. All three kids are wrapped with their pages. And it took me a little while to feel comfortable to cull.
I’d love to share a picture of this if I can to show you!!
Very cool ideas ☺️
A photo would be helpful too, if possible. Thanks.
Wonderful idea to “shoot your stuff” and create a special photo book. I design photo books for clients and will be sure to make this suggestion to older folks looking to downsize or busy parents. Personally, I am working on this same idea with my son’s artwork, scanning or shooting, and then laying out in a digital photo book.
When my kids were growing up, I took photos of them holding some of our favorite art work. I made scrapbooks, and we all love looking back at the art and remembering how the boys looked when they created it.
What a great idea…to not only capture the artwork but how the children looked at the time…I think this would make it less difficult for me to let the original artwork go!
That’s an awesome idea, thanks!
I recently posted on my Facebook page that I was donating 21 bags of clothes, shoes and dresses. The following week I posted I was donating 8 boxes of books and several of my friends asked if they could look through them before I gave them to my library book sale. Instead, I gave each of them other books because it gave me an excuse to get rid of even more stuff to special friends I loved and they were all thrilled!
Usually I do not read post on blogs, however I wish to
say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do so!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice article.
Thank you for post
Thank you for post :)
Great info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!