Let’s face it – every parent knows the struggle of trying to keep a tidy home while being overwhelmed by piles of things that hold so many memories. You know the ones: crayon drawings from nursery, the first pair of shoes your child wore, or that mismatched mug from your wedding day that’s just too special to part with. You don’t want to be a hoarder, but getting rid of these sentimental treasures feels impossible. It’s like an emotional tug-of-war, where every decision feels like you’re letting go of a part of your family history. So, how do you navigate this and still have a home that doesn’t look like a mini-museum of past lives?
The Emotional Attachment
Before you pick up the first item to toss, it’s important to recognise that your feelings are valid. You’re not just holding onto clutter; you’re holding onto pieces of your life, your children’s childhood, and your family’s journey. Emotional attachment is completely natural, especially when it’s something that reminds you of a specific moment in time. Understanding that your memories are in your heart (not necessarily in the physical items) can help you start the process without guilt. The trick is finding a balance between holding on to what really matters and letting go of what doesn’t serve a purpose anymore. Okay, but how?
Keeping, Tossing, Honouring?
Now, onto the fun bit – actually deciding what stays and what goes. I adopted a method I call ‘Keep, Toss, Honour’. You go through each item, and you make a decision. Do you want to keep it because you actively use it or because it brings you joy? Does it need to go, either because it’s past its prime or because you simply don’t have space? Or, is it something that holds sentimental value, but it isn’t something you need cluttering your house every day?
As you go through your home, the key is being honest about what adds value to your life and what you’re just holding onto for the sake of it.
Create a Memory Space
Once you’ve made those hard decisions, it’s time to think about where to store those sentimental items. Creating a designated memory space is a game-changer. Whether it’s a special drawer, a box, a shelf, or even tucked away in an underutilised space – like under the stairs – giving your keepsakes a proper home keeps them organised and stops them from taking over your house.
It’s tempting to shove everything into a cupboard, out of sight, out of mind. But creating a dedicated space means that you can look at those items whenever you want without it feeling like a constant reminder of things left undone. I keep a box for my kids’ artwork, cards, and small mementos. It’s organised and easy to access when I want to take a trip down memory lane!
Digitise It
Now, if you’re like me, you’ll have a stack of old photos, drawings, and documents. Do you need every single one in your drawer or on your shelf? Probably not. But you also don’t want to forget them.
That’s where digitalisation comes in handy. You can scan pictures or take photos of artwork, and save everything on your devices. This way, you still have access without the physical clutter.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Trust me, it’s way more fun (and quicker) when you get the kids involved. Of course, depending on their age, you might have to make it a game, but my kids love sorting through their old toys and artwork. Plus, it’s a great chance to teach them about the value of tidying up and making decisions.
When we declutter, I give them the same choice I give myself: do we keep it, toss it, or store it in the memory box? They often surprise me with how sentimental they get about certain items, while also being incredibly practical about what they can live without. It’s also a good chance to help them feel more in control of their space. And I’m not left alone in the trenches!
