Welcome, summer! And hello, space!

Summer’s finally here, and I couldn’t be happier! What a great time to catch our breath, roll up our sleeves, and give our homes a good decluttering. 

It’s not just tidying for tidiness’ sake. I like to think about decluttering as the space we give ourselves to process our past, make room for our future, and maybe even find a few forgotten treasures.

All those little stories…

Do you ever sit and think about how much value these inanimate objects we call ours can hold? Our children’s handprints in clay, grandma’s old brooch, every little thing around us tells a story. These sentimental items make us smile and relieve the good but fleeting moments of our busy lives but they can also easily turn into clutter. 

Reinventing memories

I always say that decluttering doesn’t mean we have to part with everything. Some things can be repurposed and given a new life. 

When I was growing up, my dad would make it a point to send me a postcard from everywhere he traveled to. It was such a sweet gesture and I still remember how happy I would get each time I received a new one. I loved and collected these postcards and kept them organized neatly in a box and always had them with me through the years.

But a few years ago I had an idea to actually get them out of their box and give them a new life somewhere I could actually see and enjoy.  So, I turned them into artwork. Now, instead of cluttering a drawer, they’re a unique piece of decor that I love looking at every single day.

The same can be done for plenty of other things we find it hard to let go of. 

For example: 

Letters, photos and postcards can be scanned and turned into a beautiful coffee table book.  

Children’s artwork can again, be scanned, turned into a book or used as a larger decor piece. 

If you’d like an ever-changing display you can buy a frame box. Keep all your child’s current art pieces in the box, and change the top display periodically. 

There are also Bluetooth digital photo frames that can be used for this purpose. All you have to do is take a picture of your child’s artwork and send it to the frame. This is such an easy process that also gets rid of a lot of paper clutter. 

Family heirlooms can be brought out from storage, displayed and enjoyed as well. It also offers a great opportunity to let your children know their history and connect them to the past. 

And if you come to the conclusion that you no longer want to hold on to a family heirloom, I encourage you to listen to that feeling and not let guilt dictate your actions. It’s hard to get rid of such things but sometimes it is a necessary step on our personal journey. 

In this case, you can reach out to other members of your family that perhaps would love to have these keepsakes. 

As for clothes, jewelry and accessories with special meaning, I encourage you to wear them and enjoy them. I know that sometimes the meaning behind an item can make us afraid to use it but if we step back we can see that’s just silly. Things are meant to be loved and enjoyed. 

I have this vintage Chanel bag my grandma gave me that I just adore, but for the longest time I wouldn’t use it for fear I’d damage it. I have since let go of that fear and I get so much enjoyment whenever I use it. It also always brings me back to my lovely grandmother and I feel gratitude for her and the bag. 

Read this also: How to Organize Sentimental Items

It’s okay to find it hard.

Remember, if you’re just starting out, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to find the process challenging. It takes time to learn what to keep and what to let go. And when it comes to decluttering and purging, practice makes progress.

You may also find this helpful: 3 Common Misconceptions About Home Organization

Your home is more than just a place. It’s a personal canvas that narrates your life’s journey. It should be a joy to live in, not a source of anxiety. Whether it’s a pile of postcards, precious heirlooms, or your children’s artwork, with a touch of creativity, you can transform them into meaningful displays or utilize them in ways that work for your lifestyle and not against it.

Saying goodbye to certain items may be difficult, but remember, you’re making space for the new. Each item you let go of is another step towards a less cluttered, more harmonious home. And don’t forget, it’s not about being perfect – it’s about making progress.

For more tips, strategies, and inspiration on transforming your space into a sanctuary of simplicity and joy, I invite you to explore my other blogs on home organization. You’ll discover a world of ideas to create a home that feels genuinely and uniquely yours. Let’s embrace this summer with open hearts and well-organized homes. Happy decluttering!

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