Harvesting Simplicity - Decluttering Sentimental Items
- Melissa Cotton
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Melissa Cotton is the creator of this series of posts, published monthly, entitled Harvesting Simplicity. She covers a variety of topics presented by Joshua Becker and others to help guide us all to live a more 'stuff-free' lifestyle. Just because it is free, does not mean we need to take and give it space in our lives.
When you begin decluttering, it can be tempting to tackle whatever takes up the most space. But there is one category you should probably save for last: sentimental items.
Sentimental belongings are difficult because they carry emotions, memories, and stories. A box of old photographs, your grandmother’s dishes, or a collection of childhood keepsakes can feel much more important than an ordinary object. Getting rid of these things can sometimes feel like you are getting rid of a memory or even letting go of the person connected to it.
Here is an important distinction: letting go of an item is not the same as letting go of a person.
Your grandmother is not the teacup she once used. The love you shared with someone does not live inside a sweater, a vase, or a piece of furniture. Memories exist in you, not in the objects themselves.
That is why inherited belongings can become especially tricky. Just because someone in your family owned something does not mean you are obligated to keep it forever. Family history can be meaningful, but keeping every object simply because it was passed down can turn your home into a storage space for other people’s lives.
Instead be selective. Keep the sentimental items that genuinely bring you joy, connect you to an important memory, or have a meaningful place in your life. Maybe that really is your grandmother’s teacup because you use it every Sunday and love thinking of her when you do. That is meaningful!
But if you have twenty teacups sitting in a box because they belonged to someone you loved, you probably do not need all twenty.
Decluttering sentimental items is about choosing the memories you want to actively keep, not preserving every object associated with your past. Start with easier categories first and build your decluttering confidence. When you eventually reach sentimental belongings, remind yourself that you are not throwing away love, memories, or people. You are simply making room for the things that matter most now.
Keep the treasures you truly enjoy. Let the rest go with gratitude.
Melissa is a first grade teacher with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. After reading T. Colin Campbell’s book, The China Study, she stopped eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) and has been eating a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet. In December 2023, she earned Dr Joel Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Coaching Certificate. Melissa is an active member of the National Health Association (NHA).
Melissa is also the writer/creator of our 2024 blog series Exploring GBOMBS. Her love for teaching and learning will support others on their journey for optimal health and wellness.
(currently publishing monthly)
(previously published)
6D Living
Wellness in Balance
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