Memory Lane...Is It Worth The Trip?
LET'S FIND OUT NOW!
Keeping up with the past can often result in a crowded home. Don't get me wrong, I am very sentimental
(an unusual trait for a professional organizer) and have many things that are from my past, but its just enough.
There is nothing wrong with being sentimental, enjoying collections or keeping photos and strange gifts, but...
If you have it -
Love it - Does it make you smile? If the answer is yes, absolutely keep it! Then think about what is the best way to keep it. What is it? If it's an article of clothing, it could go on the closet shelf. A pig from your Uncles collection may deserve a spot on the built in bookcase or maybe just in the guest room. Make those decisions from the heart and have fun doing it!
Honor it - Again, think about the things that are accumulating in your home. Make sure these are the things that really are what make your house your home. Honor these items by using them as home decor or storing them properly so when you do want to visit memory lane, your memories are preserved and fun to see.
Treat it with respect - Not all memorabilia is meant to be displayed. It does need to be in protective storage bins or tucked neatly in a drawer. Often I find things that were once special in a cardboard box in the garage. More often than not, especially in Houston, TX, these items are ruined from rodents and mold. How special is that?
If you want it, take the time to store it properly.
If you don't want to have it any more -
Ask another family member if they would enjoy it. Listen to their answer, if they say no, hear it. If they say yes, happily pass it along. Please don't just assume they need it, and hand them a box of stuff off your shelves. It only puts them in the position you are struggling with yourself. Also keep in mind when you are cleaning off your shelves and you remember your neighbors daughters friend just had a baby and this little item would be perfect for a babies room, think again. Unless you know for sure this is a gift they would cherish, let it go. And, one thing I know for sure, is that item has the potential to sit around your house waiting to be delivered until that baby is five years old!
Letting go is hard, especially when it includes memories from generations past or just your favorite pair of skinny jeans. If you
can't use it, love it and honor it, I strongly believe you should let it go. If you decide donate your extra items, chances are the right person will find them, adding joy to their lives.
Selling items is another option. It can be time consuming and often not worth the trouble. But you may have valuables that should be looked at by a professional.
Do your homework and consult with the person that is best suited with the knowledge about your valuable items.
Other ways to sell items are:
- eBay
- YardSales/Garage Sales
- Consignments Stores
- Antique Stores
- Auction Houses
- Estate Sale Company
There are Pros and Cons to each of these venues and I highly recommend you research what is the best option for you.
Now that you have kept the sentimental items that make you happy and shared the excess that that you no longer need or cherish, take today and run with it!
Enjoy Visiting The Past, But Live For Today
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