Organizing with Heart: Navigating Emotional Attachments.
STORAGE CHALLENGES!!! What do we keep and what to get rid of?
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My Spouse and I recently downsized homes. So with smaller homes comes storage challenges. What do we keep and what do we get rid of? We have carried our wedding toasting glasses around with us for 47 years. We used them to toast our first anniversary and they have been sitting in the box since. What about our grandkids baby pictures that were framed and on our wall for the last 18 years and now they are pre-teens and teens. Is it time to move on? It is an emotional process, no doubt. Here are some ideas to help with the cherished objects we love but what do we do with them in a small space?
I took the wedding toasting glasses out of the original box and discarded the flowers and beads around the stem and placed the glasses in my china cabinet. (I am sure they were happy to see the light of day. LOL) But decided it was time to throw away the cake cutting knife that was tarnished and I never planned to use again. Photos on right: Before & After.
For the grandkids framed photos that have been hanging in our former home’s walls for years, I decided it was time to move on. So I selected two photos to display in the new home and removed the others from the frames and placed in a photo album for future viewing by all the family.
Baby Items: What do you do with all those adorable baby items you have been saving for years? One way is create a shadow box which is a wonderful way to preserve and display precious mementos from those early days. Consider including items such as your baby’s hospital bracelet, their first pair of booties, a favorite pacifier, a tiny outfit worn home from the hospital, or a special blanket (or cut out a piece of the blanket.) You might also want to include a birth announcement card, a stamp of the footprint, a first lock of hair, or sentimental items like a toy or rattle. Adding a small photograph from the first days or months can further personalize the shadow box, capturing those fleeting moments and creating a cherished keepsake to treasure for years to come.
CLICK HERE to see step by step instructions on how to build your own shadow box.
Quilt – How to: Creating a DIY quilt pattern centered around a distinctive design, such as the dragon on the front of a baby’s shirt, offers a personalized and creative way to repurpose cherished fabrics and memories. You can use the quilt pieces as a blanket, a throw for the couch or a decorative pillow. You can also repurpose quilt pieces into a stuffed animal or keepsake toy. (Photo on the right is the one I made. CLICK HERE for free pattern and instructions.) This project may look difficult but I found it easy. Cut, straight stitching into a large square, cut square into cat shape, and sew and stuff. See instructions and pattern for more details (see above link.)
A loved one that has passed: Preserving the memories of a loved one who has passed away is a deeply personal and emotional journey, allowing you to honor their legacy while finding comfort in cherished moments shared. You could create a dedicated space or memorial area in your home where you can display photographs, keepsakes, and other mementos that evoke fond memories of your loved one. Consider creating a memory box or shadow box or scrapbook filled with letters, cards, photographs, and meaningful items that represent their life, passions, and personality. To preserve their belongings, prioritize items that hold significant sentimental value and utilize proper storage solutions such as acid-free boxes, protective covers, or display cases to protect delicate items from damage, dust, or deterioration. While it may be challenging, recognize that it’s okay to let go of some items that no longer resonate with your memories or serve a purpose in your life. Donate, gift, or repurpose these items to honor your loved one’s memory and bring joy or comfort to others. By striking a balance between preserving meaningful memories and letting go of unnecessary belongings, you create a lasting tribute that celebrates the life of those you love.
Wedding Items: How to honor your cherished memories without overwhelming your space. If you would like to keep items that hold deep emotional significance, such as the wedding gown or a cherished keepsake made from fabric, I would recommend talking to a bridal shop. They often provide expert advice on proper storage techniques and offer preservation services tailored to the specific fabric and design of your dress. They may recommend using acid-free garment bags or preservation boxes to shield the dress from light, dust, humidity and potential discoloration. Also, consider repurposing decorative elements, such as centerpieces or linens, for other events you are planning in the future or donating them to charity. Consolidate smaller sentimental items into a wedding memory box. This could include invitations, place cards, and small mementos and discard the rest. To save I would recommend an acid free preservation box. If you have extra wedding announcements, you could frame one alongside a favorite wedding photo for your home and one for your office at work or as a gift to close family members and friends.
Selling Items – How to: If you have “extra” anything you are storing (for example, multiple glass hurricane lamps that you placed on each table as a centerpiece) you may want to sell them rather than storing them. Some tips on doing so: Clean and insure they are in good working order. Take a good photo with a white background and plenty of light. Maintain a steady hand or utilize a tripod for stability. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the item’s dimensions and unique characteristics. Avoid using flash to prevent harsh shadows or reflections. Once you’ve captured several images, review them to select the best representation of the item, ensuring that the photo accurately portrays its condition, size, and any notable features. Multiple platforms are available to sell online. Create a detailed listing on online platforms such as wedding resale websites, auction sites, or local marketplace platforms, providing accurate descriptions, dimensions, and pricing information. Consider bundling the items into sets or offering discounts for bulk purchases to attract potential buyers. Utilize social media platforms or wedding forums to showcase the lamps and reach a broader audience of engaged couples or event coordinators tha may be seeking your items. Additionally, consider reaching out to local event rental companies or wedding planners who may be interested in purchasing the items for future events.
Give yourself a Hug: Letting go of sentimental items in your home can be an emotional and challenging journey, as each piece often holds cherished memories, stories, and connections to significant moments in your life. The act of decluttering and parting with these belongings may evoke feelings of nostalgia and loss. However, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone in this process. Many of us face similar sentiments when confronting clutter or simplifying their living spaces, and there is strength in acknowledging and embracing the emotions that arise. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, or professional organizers who can offer guidance, understanding, and encouragement as you navigate this transitional phase. Celebrate the memories associated with each item, express gratitude for the joy they brought into your life, and recognize that letting go does not diminish their significance. By focusing on creating a space that reflects your current priorities, you empower yourself to embrace new experiences, opportunities, and memories that await you. You’ve got this!!!