Sentimental clutter can be the trickiest kind of clutter to deal with!
With so many memories and emotions attached, it’s no wonder we usually struggle to let go of or find uses for these things!
But I’m going to share 5 amazing tips for decluttering sentimental items that will help you to conquer the keepsake clutter once and for all!
1. Mixed Media Journaling/Art
Mixed media journaling is a great way to hold on to all of those small sentimentals that would otherwise be lost in a box or drawer somewhere.
You can create beautiful journal pages that include photos, letters, ticket stubs, maps, invitations, cards, ribbon, jewelry, kids art, notes, magazines, newspapers, sheet music, and so much more!
There’s no right or wrong way to do it so let your imagination run wild!
2. Upycyle/Redo
Upcycling is a creative (and green!) way to hold onto those things you love but don’t fit the style of your home, or are something you’ll probably never use.
Repaint an old dresser to use as an entertainment center (here’s an example!), use an old teacup as a jewelry holder, or get really creative and make it into a diy candle!
I’ve seen vintage bicycle tires turned into wreaths, children’s art made into diy coasters, favorite t-shirts made into blankets or pillows, and that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg!
One quick pinterest search will show that the possibilities really are endless here!
3. Use or Display it
Think about how you might be able to fit the item into your home decor.
Would those vintage letters look nice framed? Maybe you could press those flowers and display them in glass? Fill an apothecary jar with vintage blocks?
If the item is more practical, why not use it?
Let your childhood toys be loved all over again by your own children, use the antique dishware that’s collecting dust in the cabinet, actually read the old books on the shelf.
Everytime you use them, you’ll be reminded of all the fond memories they hold!
4. Take a Photo
If you can’t or don’t want to use the item in question in any way, your best option may be to just part with it. Taking a photo first can make that so much easier!
This can be just a quick snap, or you can get creative and stage your photo however you want.
You can create a folder on your phone or computer for the sentimental item photos, and take a look through it anytime you feel nostalgic!
If you want to take it a step further you can even have an actual photo album for them!
Or keep the photos in a keepsake box.
But however you hold onto them, they are sure to take up much less space than the actual item itself!
5. Regift
If you are getting rid of something sentimental why not regift it to someone who you know would love it?
Vintage cameras could be a great gift for a photographer
Old toys might be loved again by a vintage toy collector.
Maybe what you have would fit right in with a friend’s home decor?
Or maybe another relative would want items that have been passed down through the family?
Give it some thought, and don’t be afraid to ask around, you never know when you might have just the thing someone’s been looking for!
I hope that these 5 tips can help you to cut down on your sentimental clutter, and maybe add some vintage charm to your home as well!
In the end the most important thing to remember is that these are just things. You shouldn’t feel guilty to change them or let them go.
What really matters are the memories you carry with you!
How have you found ways to reimagine and reuse your favorite sentimental items?
What has helped you to let things go?
I would love to hear your stories in the comments!
