Clutter accumulates for a reason. Sometimes it can be paralyzing to let an item go that you have held onto for years. The old flyers from your friend’s band in high school are reminders of good times…but do you really need them? AND don’t even get me started on old photos and wedding memorabilia. Clearly items can hold memories for many of us.

As the process of trying to de-clutter my life began this week, it started off surprisingly easy. I used some of the Nate Berkus advice from a previous boot camp week and addressed the stuff that means something to me and the stuff that doesn’t. Cool trinkets from unique stores and great finds from Goodwill soon find their way to the donation box.

The problem is when my hands hold something that takes me back to a special memory…because I have a LOT of that. Although I will never be able to get rid of my mom’s old t-shirts that I have grown to love and wear, I have been able to move forward and eliminate a few things. The shift for me came after reading a short article by Peter Walsh about freeing yourself from memory clutter.

One concept that was easy for me was to never hold onto something that doesn’t hold a positive memory. I am already in the process of making this change, but it is an important one. If you hold it and it makes you sad, dump it!

Peter also reminded me that people do not live through items. So, if I let go of my grandmother’s cup, I’m not letting go of her. I believe many of us have items that encourage us “to keep up a ritual based on grief” and it is important for us to let that go…focusing on the positive allowing us to move forward. Only keep the items that hold special meaning and truly represent your loved one. Those are the pieces that matter. So, save the quilt and get rid of the old thread and fabric.

Another great tip he offered was to be sure that the items you keep are a good representation of my past BUT that to remember to leave space to “celebrate the present and plan for the future.” That particular piece of advice hit me…I don’t want to get trapped in the past with my memories. If I fill all of my space with the past, how can I live in the present? The items I keep should lift me towards making new positive memories, not hold me back.

When trying to do this, Peter Walsh offered a 3-step process to make it a little easier:

Step 1: Place all items in another area.
Step 2: If you’re looking to renovate a room, decide how you want to feel in that space.
Step 3: Sort everything into three categories: charity donations, keepsakes and items for a memory chest.

I don’t expect miracles from myself in this process, but I know I am off to a good start. This OYou Boot Camp has been all about baby steps for me and this was a good solid step forward! If you are having a hard time, start small…one box or one closet at a time. Before you know it, you will be breathing a little easier in your clutter-free home.