When decluttering, ‘memories’ are a category which clients often put off until the end of the process. This often means there isn’t time to deal with them before their house move, and more importantly it may mean that they don’t get dealt with at all; boxes of items are simply transferred from one home to another.
Clients regularly say they will do it as their homework, but then find it’s quicker and less stressful if we do it together.
Memories are important. And that’s why they should be looked at. Decluttering memories, isn’t just about getting rid of photos or concert programmes; it isn’t about discarding birthday cards and rosettes; but it is about being intentional and organised so that you remember the things that matter to you and leave them in a way that your family will see what meant something to you.
Much of what we do is talking about our clients’ lives with them as we declutter, and this relates to artworks on the wall and china in the cupboards, as much as letters and other memorabilia. Organising your memories and leaving notes for your family, or deciding what isn’t important to you and discarding it, is a form of therapy, can be joyful, and can also be cathartic.
Don’t put off the difficult to the end – why not ask for help now, whether you are thinking of downsizing or not?