How Can I Let Go of Sentimental Items

Items that take up space but have stories behind them can be difficult to let go.

While I was growing up, my mom often told me her stories about where she got her belongings. And since we did not have much money, we always took care of our items. So, they last a lifetime, even inexpensive things. This can make you very attached.

Over time your belongings increase, and now that your older you may have a lot of things and want to pass it on to your kids, but they can feel overwhelmed from having all their items and now yours. Or now you are realizing how much work it takes to care of so much stuff and want to live more simply. But how do you deal with the emotions when letting go of some items you own?

The First Step Toward Letting Go of Sentimental Items

First of all, I want to emphasize I am not a psychologist. If you are in need of their services, please do seek it out. Everyone deserves to be happy, healthy, and secure.

To begin, before you let go of any of your items you can always ask your children if they want any of it. That way they don't feel hurt by you not checking with them about their feelings. But don't be insulted if they don't want anything. They may be trying to live a very simple life. Calm communication is kye. Let them explain their feelings on the matter and ask them to let you tell them a few stories before you let the items go.

It is important to discuss our feelings between generations.

With my experience, I find it takes time to realize you can live without a lot of these items. A suggestion that has been out there for a little while is to take pitchers of your items before you get read of them. I like to take that a little further and suggest putting the pitchers in a book with a short story next to them. This way your memories can live on.

When you are simplifying, it is important to not just throw everything out and say you will just push through the emotions. We all need to be given the chance to express our feelings then be excepted for them, as long as you have done the same for the other person.

Now what to do With What You are Letting Go of

For some items that are in mint condition or are very old, you may want to see if there is any kind of museum that would like it for their collection. This way you may be able to visit it from time to time. And your kids as well as others who may have had the same item but theirs was lost, or broken, now they can visit it too.

Some other ideas of where you may bring them would be thrift stores, homeless shelters, and maybe some prop company like ones who rent props for movies or tv shows. Or companies that stage houses for sale.

Results of Letting Go

Organizing your space and letting go of your belongings helps your mental clarity, productivity and well-being. When your surroundings are orderly, you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. For personalized tips and encouragement.