Gifts remind us of memories of friends and family. Over the years we can collect a lot of personal items that have meaning to us. Sometimes we end up boxing away these treasures and it can get out of hand. Let’s take you on a sentimental journey and help you declutter these treasures, so you feel good at what you keep and what you give away.
What’s worth keeping
Look at each piece very carefully. Each item may remind you of a place or time. But remember you don’t necessarily need many items to remind you of one person. However, if you have certain pieces that you can’t part with… then don’t. Try to attach more to the person and not to things.
Don’t burden down with gifts
If you have been holding on to gifts for years and years… it is time to let them go. If you have duplicate wedding gifts that you’ve had in your basement for 10-15 years you need to declutter. Not every person who gives you a gift expects it displayed in your home.
Don’t feel guilty
Often many of us feel guilty if we part with a gift someone has given us. If we keep everything we have been given over many years, our home will be bursting at the seams. Again, which items give you a lot of “joy” then keep these. You can always find a home for some of your other items either through charity or donating to those in need.
Pass on heirlooms to the family
For example, if you have a prized dinnerware set, you can always pass it on to a family member who would love to have that item. They may want to keep it going down the line for generations. You can also look at a museum or archive that would also treasure it.
Keep one out of the bunch
Are you keeping boxes or bags of stuffed animals or records? Time to look at keeping one and donating the rest. If you have been collecting figurines or plates that are stowed away in cupboards. It is time to go through and keep one or two. If you have a collection of plates, you can now showcase these as a feature on a wall. There are many designs and displays that you can do to arrange plates to make them look eye-catching and modern.
Try scrapbooking!
If you have a favourite letter, pictures, or other artwork, display it in a scrapbook. This can be a timeless memory and ease up on the clutter.
These are just some ideas on how you can get through the boxes of items when you are decluttering. We know this can be harder for some people than others. Our Anne Winch Real Estate Team also provides you with some packing boxes when you are ready to sell, to help you pack your specific treasures away.
If you need any ideas on how we can help you declutter before you put your home on the market, give us a call. We can help make this process so much easier for you. Let us help.