10 Ways To Declutter Sentimental Items
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2024
- Decluttering sentimental items feels nearly impossible, especially when there are years of memories, emotions, and stories we draw a connection to.
And regardless of how deeply we want to live with less and achieve a minimalist life, we’re still struggling to clear that stubborn sentimental clutter. But why?
That's exactly what we're going to uncover in this video as I walk you through 10 ways to successfully declutter sentimental items.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:25 Lift the burden of just because
2:12 Donate in good condition
3:05 Think in layers and stages
3:55 Determine what's worth more
4:34 Ask questions
6:03 Make firm decisions
6:52 Start small and start slow
7:35 Ditch the guilt and embarrassment
8:37 Ask for help
9:05 Enjoy the things you choose to keep
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// A B O U T
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Ronald L. Banks is my journey through lifestyle habits + personal growth. Follow my journey and learn how you can live your meaningful life.
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There is no obligation to keep things we will not use. Absolutely.
About 10 years ago, I decided to get rid of my family 'treasures' that could possibly be broken or lost. This included vases, china, ruby glass, wind-up music boxes, jewelry, etc. I was just tired of having this stuff, I never used it because I was afraid of it getting broken so most of it was stuck in a closet. I ended up keeping only an enameled steel colander and a heavy dutch oven. I use them almost every day, they will never break or wear out and I never once missed the things that I gave away.
You are a realistic minimalist and bring the human element into all your videos. Amazing.
Thank you so much!! I appreciate that and I’m glad you’re finding value in my content!
I keep very few personal „sentimental“ items. However, heirlooms to me aren‘t clutter and if I enjoy and use them, I am very happy to have those memories of family and friends around me. If they break, at least I used them! I find it sad to see homes full of brand new stuff (furniture, pictures, decor etc.) with no history or story. Mine have endless fascinating entertainment built in!!
I agree. Both heirlooms and antique or thrift pieces have so much more meaning to me than something bought new. While I try to minimize my attachment to my personal items, I want those that I have a bit of story as I feel it gives it more purpose.
@@TylerLloyd I should add that I am in my 50s and have begun to lose family and friends that were dear to me, so for me, it's nice to have those little reminders as I go about my day! When I was younger, I felt differently...
I have hung on to things out of guilt of spending money on them, I tried selling items to no avail so I donated and I am rid of the burden.
Finally cleared out my clutter off to salvation army it went. For 5 days I was lost and so unfocused. The space is so open. For years this STUFF defined me. I'm lost...who am i...GULP?
Refocused... Quit my job...started growing vegs on apt balcony...started writing a book...learning to sew. Doing things I want to do. Still strange feeling but it feels right (for the 1st time in my life!). Thanks Ron. Much love & laughter☺💞
#Maureen Thats so interesting. If you don't mind me asking - if you quit your job how are you making ends meet then?
Sentimental objects don’t have hands. They are not holding on to us, we are holding onto them. Brilliant phrasing!
It helps me to take a picture of it before I get rid of sentimental items!
I do that too
Ronald, your videos are so polished and full of great tips and realistic lessons. When I watch you these days I feel as though I'm watching a SkillShare master class. You really are a great teacher!!!!
Thank you so much Gena! I really appreciate this! I guess in a way these are my own little master classes.
Yeah and I see his growth. I found him looking for black poets and got lots more.
Thank you, I’m going through the last of sentimental items from my grandparents, photo albums depicting their friends from 100 or more years ago! I’ve done the stages and this is the final stage because I knew it would be difficult. However I learned through the process of a couple of years, even if I took pictures of things, I would never look at the pictures of the things! It was a journey that I’m glad I took and that I have learned to let go so I don’t burden those I leave behind with my clutter. Great tips, thank you.
I've limited my sentimental items, at least the things that don't make sense to have out or in use, to a single box. This gives me the freedom to keep sentimental items but provides a good limiting factor. I also try to make it a regular practice to look at and enjoy the items in the box as what is the point of keeping them if I don't enjoy them (also an opportunity to declutter things more).
I have accumulated plenty of clutter over my life primarily from emotional/sentimental attachments. It can be difficult to go through the process of letting go even with consistent practice, so I definitely agree with giving yourself grace through it. We can keep the things that make us happy and display them or use them, but stuff that burdens us can be let go.
A hard question I like to ask myself sometimes when struggling is this: if I had to evacuate in an emergency what would I take?
It helps me remember what is really important to me and focus on what I need at the same time. Hope this helps someone in the comments.
These are the best suggestions I've ever heard about this subject. I'll listen several times so it will sink in. Great advice, thanks 😊.
I took notes!😂
“How can I use this in my everyday life?” Great question!
It may sound a little harsh, but now that my son is 11,I decluttered his sentimental items and artwork from his Elementary School Days. It was hard and the whole process took about six months. In my small crossbody bag I carry five small items that he made for me. And I have pictures of everything else on a memory chip that I carry around with me in my crossbody bag. There are three larger pieces of artwork, that my son especially likes, and I keep those displayed neatly at my house. It was such a relief to get rid of piles and piles of papers and things in my house. I have a greater sense of Joy when I look at the things we do have and I look over the pictures in my digital artwork Library.
I hope you will remember to renew your memory chip as technology changes - I have digital stuff from 10-20 years ago that I can no longer access because the technologies change so fast... the 'cloud' and current devices are anything but "forever"!! And yet I have physical photographs of ancestors from 1895 onwards in sharp detail... Especially with children, time flies.
@@Woeschhuesli Thank you, good advice!
My sentimental attachment to things has been crippling, but after watching I feel confident to tackle part of my sentimental clutter today. Thank you for this video!!
You’re welcome Chloe! I’m glad I had an opportunity to share this with you.
You’re such a calming presence
I just started my minimalism journey and I started with decluterring my sentimental items I had dating back to 2008 😩 I minimized my items by a lot but I've still got some work to do. These tips are very helpful. I love the advice "start small and start slow" Thanks for another great video. Your content is so helpful and insightful. Keep it up 🙏🏾
Such fabulous advice and perspective. I have been struggling to declutter items which belonged to my brother (he died at 44yrs and unmarried, so the bulk of his possessions came to me). In my last pass at his belongings I realised that I am holding on to some items as I am actually scared that I will forget him which is utterly insane when I say it out loud. I’ve been working on that mindset for a while now. I quickly identified a few (three) key items which are non-negotiable and every other item does not stand up to them. Sub-consciously I’d already picked them as they were the items I literally had out on display with the rest shoved into cupboards and under the spare bed. I do still have some of the other items, but each time I declutter a little bit more. I now know that I will declutter these items but that each item has its own time and I am just not quite in that space yet. And if I find that actually those three non-negotiable items are really four or five then that’s fine too. My only condition now is that any new non-negotiable items are proudly put on display/used and not hidden under the bed!
I can listen to you for days, thank you so much.
Always sound advice. I ask myself what will happen to them when I'm gone and that helps me let go, sooner someone else gets hoy from them when I get rid rather then just being clutter in my house and thrown away when I'm gone. You taught me that, thanks Ron x
I especially like #2. From the perspective of the receiver, it would be nice to receive something that's really usable. Too often, we give stuff that we ourselves wouldn't be able to put to good use. Thanks for keeping the faith on minimal living Ronald. PS - #6 also resonated with me. Gone are the days when we'd keep the best china for special occasions.
This is a really great video. One thing I'm realizing is that it's possible to hang on to sentimental items not because they hold a positive memory, but because they represent something negative that you haven't dealt with yet. I have one of those, and I think my first step is getting it out of my living room and stored away. That is not the final solution, but it's my first step to getting rid of the excess weight.
I could listen to you for hours.
Awesome! I’m happy my videos are resonating with you so much that you feel this way. I definitely welcome you to continuing watching! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you!
Was not expecting a video on decluttering to make me cry for 50% of the video.
I hope you were crying in a good way Jessica!
My mother loves to dump stuff she saved from my childhood at my home. I have a huge bag filled to the brim with 90s baby clothes. She even gifts me stuff she saved from HER childhood. Honestly I just want to throw away everything. But it's hard without feeling guilty.
First of all, you and your videos are awesome. You are so eloquent and direct, and I don't feel like I wasted 1 second watching your videos. So glad I found you! I am a hoarder with many psychological events behind it, and I just wanted to comment on one thing I found helpful when letting go of sentimental items. I keep the mega important ones, but the rest I take pictures of. I personally create yearly photo books of everything that happened throughout the year online and have them printed like a school yearbook (hoarder, remember? Can't delete pictures, lol) then I can add a little comment or story about that item. But I don't see why a person cannot start a scrap book, or a plain ol' photo album, or even a photo book for just sentimental items. My family and I love looking at them. I literally couldn't even let go of my sons homework, so I just took pictures of everything and now I have a nice little stack of 8x11 photo books in chronological order that we look at all the time. They don't even take up a whole book shelf, and we can revisit countless items with minutes. Keep up the good work :-) ❤
These r some of the BEST tips I have come across to handle the most difficult part of living with less to live more! Well done!!
This is great advice about an area of decluttering that I think most of us struggle with, thank you for sharing 👍
New subscriber. Excellent advice. Ive a few boxes and bags from my elderly mother who died in November 2023. I dont honestly want to keep all of it, just a memory box would be nice. Ornaments, handbags, diaries, photo albums..... i was cluttered b4 i had my mothers belongings. The guilt is real. Over 10 boxes and bags piled up in my spare room, i hate it, and her for leaving me all this stuff to go thru. I just took things i wanted and hired a flat clearance, gave things away, bedding, towels, so much stuff.
My Mom died 2 weeks ago. She didn’t have many things compared to other people. Her belongings are still in boxes at my place that remain untouched.
Thank you for this 💗
So sorry for your loss Midnight Cat. Unless you mother’s things are making it difficult to move around your place, set them aside in a safe place where critters and moisture can’t damage anything and take your time. When you are ready, start with what is easy. 💞
@@debswall Thank you 🌷
@@SpeakTruthBeKind Thank you 🙏
Another awesome video! Thank you. At 65 years old I have SO MANY sentimental items. EEK! Something I decided to do was to take pictures. I sure as heck don't need the item - but I would really like to keep the memory. I organized some special folders and my pictures (with descriptions) go into those folders. Now I feel like I can get rid of the items and still share the memories with my family. Extra Note: I make sure to back up these folders in 2 places. I don't trust computers, lol.
Thank for sharing a great idea!
I've just bumped into your channel. Very good indeed. Keep up the good work!
I clicked on the video because the thumbnail picture is very similar to my mother’s jewelry box that I JUST pulled out of my closet! I am giving it a makeover so that It can match the colors I have going on and actually use it/enjoy it.. Enjoyed the content!
I have the hardest time throwing away gifts from family and friends that I don't use, not my style, and/or just collecting dust. I feel as if I'm not appreciating them or their gift. Or they will hate me if I get rid of something they gave me... even when they will never know that I have gotten rid of it. Even when it has become a burden on me and sitting in the back of my closet. It has become such anxiety for me.
You are truly a blessing. Your words are so wisely accurate that I cannot consciously pretend I didn't hear them. I feel as if you justified my state of being. Thank You.🤟✌🤞
I'm sitting in my home on my land in the middle of a lot of lost loved ones' possessions. Some of their possessions belonged to their lost loved ones. So many of my people have passed very suddenly and unexpectedly... very recently. My head knows better, but my heart still feels the feelings. I need your questions to motivate me. Grief clutters my brain terribly all on its own. Stuff makes it worse. You are so right about so many things. I want to make posters of all the questions and tape them everywhere until all that is left is FOR me. You are a gift, an angel. You've leveled up in the humanity game.
Best final question I’ve EVER heard during my decluttering journey😯 How can I enjoy this item in my every day life ? Thank you for it- I believe this will move me past my plateau.
I have been struggling for years with how to let go of "stuff". I thank you for these insightful videos!
I really appreciate your phrasing on so many aspects. One that just really jumped out at me was that "items do not have hands, they are not holding onto us".
Yes!! We have learn to let go because those things are not holding on to us! Keep growing and learning on your journey Angela! 🙌🏾
In the middle of this , thank you! Your videos always add peace to my day
Thank you so so much. I am terrible at hanging onto things because my family gave them to me, as heirlooms etc before they passed away. I put emotional attachment on everything, even clothing, hense why my wardrobe is rammed full.
You have explained this so so well and gave the the confidence to start, which I know I need to.
It might be worth something one day, my dad gave this to me, it might be handy one day, I wear that tshirt all the time (even though it's discoloured and frayed.) these are some of the excuses I make. Probably the same as millions of others stuck in the same rut.
I'll have to start slow as I'm recovering from covid but I will do this.
I'm going to watch your video over and over each time I need motivating.
Thank you.
Wow, wow, wow!!!!! I have several items from a child that we lost and items from my Mom. I’ve been hanging onto these things forever. I will say that I have been donating a large amount of books. What I did was to start slow. Ten books here….ten books there. Made it easier. Now it’s almost time to let some of those Christmas ornaments to walk out the door. I have many. Thanks so very much!!!!
So glad to have found this video today. I have been struggling with this for years and have listened to and followed advice of many others. Your suggestions and ideas have resonated with me today and I will refer to your video again. Thank you so much for putting into words the things I've been hoping to figure out, but couldn't.💗
I’m bad with gifts given to me by family members. I don’t like them but find it hard to let them go because I feel guilty if I get rid of them.
I had a similar struggle for a long time but came to realize that many of these things were given as a sign of love, and that it was the act of giving rather than what was given that was important. If something didn't serve me, was adding to clutter and my stress, I don't think my loved one would want me holding onto it.
I really agree with you, but I also had an ah-ha moment. I don’t remember and expect people to put EVERY gift I give them on a pedestal. In fact it wouldn’t upset me if they donated it because they were done with it or it wasn’t right for them. I bet most of the *gifts* I hold onto were long since forgotten by the person who gave them.
I really like your ending bits saying to always stay true to ourselves. Thank you 😊
Such good information!
Great advice. Ty♥️
Wonderful help! Thank you.
Great video! Thanks! 🤓🙏
I’m happy this resonated with my friend!
Great tips!
You videos are so good! This is a hard topic especially after losing a parent. You have great advice.
Thank you.
Thank you this video has really helped.
So glad I accidentally bumped into your channel. It is fantastic and is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you!
I’m really glad you found me Sue! If you have any questions regarding sentimental items don’t hesitate to ask!
TALK THAT!! I'm actually decluttering today..a lot of school projects, cards from bdays Xmas anniversaries etc from my wife and kids...definitely harder to get rid of them but necessary...always forward! Def subscribe to your channel so thank you 🙏🏾
Excellent advice, delivered in such a helpful way. Thanks so much!
Nice…very helpful. Thanks
After watching this video I was able to let go of my Mom’s treasured thimble collection that I had been holding on to for years because of a painful memory. I had already taken the ones I wanted to keep, but still it sat in the garage. Thank you so much for your thought provoking steps to help let those go on to my favorite thrift store. I have it all packed up by the front door so I can drop it off in the morning and be free of the pain and just have the sweet memories of the ones I am treasuring.
Wow that is so brave of you! Thanks for sharing. I pray to sum up the courage to clear what I no longer need!
I'm a new subscriber and I'm currently decluttering. I find these videos very helpful! 😃 Doing the decluttering I'm overwhelmed with the amount stuff that's accumulated over the years that I felt too guilty to throw away.
I also really like your personality. Your videos are a joy to watch!
I really appreciate these videos. Thank you!
I’m happy you’re finding value in them Michelle! If you ever have questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Long time no comment! I have to say, this is the EXACT video I needed to see today! Thanks for the thoughtful video as always!
I’m glad I could share this with you! I love when I can provide true value others are looking for and need. Keep growing and learning on your journey my friend!
I do have problems with this.
My grandma died and my Mum gave me some of her things.
Some have meaning, others I have no idea why I have them (my mum and I don't speak, or I'd ask).
However in one bag was a cosmetic bag of makeup. With it in my hand it triggered a memory of playing dress up, putting awful makeup on her, which frankly made her look awful(!).. but I'd forgotten all about having ever done it. There's probably so many things that would trigger my memory.. which tbh gets worse over time.
I decluttered some things, the makeup was in the box I was decluttering.. I couldn't let it go.
I've gotten rid of drawings, DVDs, my hobby is going, clothes have gone.. but I'm not ready to let the makeup bag go just yet x
Wow! What a great video! I can totally relate to everything you have discussed in this video. This is probably your best video yet, and I mean that as a complement. I can truly can have a full conversation with you about it all!!!! Thank you for being so motivating!!!
I’m glad you enjoyed this! And thank you so much corn the compliments. Means a lot!! 🙌🏾
Thank you. 🌹🌹🌹
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed this!
I so needed this video. Thank you so much for the detail and care you put into this video. Amazing. I feel I can use this as I start the process of decluttering my sentimental things. I am culling through my stuff and I am not carrying things I don’t truly love into the new year ! 🎊
I’m excited for your journey! Sentimental items are tough to deal with at times, but it can be done. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
@@RonaldLBanks ok, so I right-sized from 5 to 2 tubs of memorabilia. I am feeling good about this first pass.
I like this video.
The only clutter I still have is what's left of my mom & sisters. I've been hauling 20 tubs for over 20 years now.
Been using some of the steps already mentioned, like the ones you said to add. Down to 5 tubs
For my fellow runners (and other athletes) with too many event tee-shirts, you can use them to make a quilt.
Yes on layers! I spend over a year and half decluttering. As soon as I thought I decluttered everything that I could I would catch myself going back through every so often doing another layer.
I do catch myself limiting myself a bin of memories per each family member in the house. Yet, I find myself questioning if those bins are to big because once full it will be extremely heavy. So I am thinking of finding more decorative boxes that are smaller that can be stored in everyone's rooms for those days they just want to pull it out to look through them. Instead of just storing them.
I've always struggled with yearbooks. I don't consider myself to be very sentimental, but my mom and grandma are very sentimental, so they make me feel like I need to keep them. I've maybe looked at them twice since finishing school (I'm 24). I know it might be cool to see them at a later date, but I can't imagine holding on just to hope that I will.
I’m kinda glad I live in a country that doesn’t do yearbooks. Sometimes with sentimental items I just take photos of them before I let go. It’s a transition step for me.
I'm 61 and just threw away all my yearbooks except for senior year. Seriously, good riddance! Those elementary report cards were a good laugh also before they hit the trash.
I just stumbled upon this series and it’s hitting home hard and I needed this! I’m looking for a video that tackles the “what if’s” and “when COVID is over I can wear this out”, “after I lose the weight I gained from baby a year ago, I’ll want to wear this again because it was my favorite”, “I don’t wear this everyday, but it’s a mainstay/staple and everyone needs at least one of these” (ie little black dress I can’t fit, red lipstick I’m wearing no where right now.) do you have a video on that one?
I don’t have one about this directly, but I do talk about these ideas throughout all of my decluttering videos. Especially those titled “mistakes you should avoid”:
ruclips.net/video/m_zYVdbeBXk/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/qLejpYUsf-c/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/CWfFH17GUZ8/видео.html
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ruclips.net/video/_m9KxgXE5K8/видео.html
I will say however that you have inspired me to create one that addresses these struggles directly. I’ll put some thought into it and see what I come up with. Keep growing and learning on your journey DeLonna
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I've made tons of progress this year, and have had lots of stuff feel a bit sentimental.... at the same time, many of those things are still in use, so easy to keep. The 3 totes in the closet though.... I really liked what you said about finding value in the every day from the sentimental....
Need this for my collection of stuffed animals that I kept since childhood. I just can not keep all of them, but what about THEIR feelings! 😂
The key word here is.. "reasonable' amount of things to keep. Some people have a hard time understanding what the word Reasonable means.
For me its not sentimental objects such as furniture or vases, but rather objects made by myself or that someone else made for me. Such as old artwork, old writings, things made by hand. What is your thoughts on those? These are not usable for any one else, it holds value only for me…
things you own end up owning you - fight club
What does Is it keeping me from my why mean?
Decluttering pictures and obituaries are a real problem for me.
I think sentimental items should be displayed for viewing; otherwise, there is no point in keeping them.
I like your videos but they sound very scripted. Am I misinterpreting tone or are you reading something? Are these just articles you’ve written that you read aloud?