🏠 LETTING GO of SENTIMENTAL Items: EXTREME Whole House DECLUTTERING! How I did it. How you can too!

Why do we keep all this sentimental stuff?! I really don't know. I am a very sentimental person; So it's always been hard for me to get rid of things I like or that remind me of good things in my life. But now I've got a house full of stuff and it's running my life instead of adding to it. Join me as I attempt to downsize my sentimental clutter into a manageable amount. We talk about pictures, school stuff, baby stuff, and even my wedding dress!
This video is part of my whole house extreme decluttering series. Find the other videos in this series in this playlist:
• EXTREME Whole House DE...
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[@rebeccam1027]

Thinking about what I'd let go of (of yours) if it was me, the only thing I couldn't let got of was the 1st grade pictures. I think my kids would like that eventually or they could make the decision to let them go, since pics don't take up much room. In any case, my hat's off to you. I could not let that go. I'm working on letting my Easy Bake Oven go, and that tells you how long I've had it! I'm finally to the sentimental stuff. It's quite a process.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

It absolutely is a process and not an easy one. I think that's why it's taking so long for me. I'm glad I'm doing it though because the value I place on my things is nothing compared to how I feel when my space feels calm and manageable!

[@rebeccam1027]

@@simpleandhealthymama That's what I've found so far. I've been decluttering for a year and a half, and I have the garage and a store room to go, but the rest of the house rarely gets messy, and it's been freeing. I've always been messy and overwhelmed. Getting rid of things has been kind of a revelation.😁I'm really having to deal with sentimental stuff now, and I'm having to do a lot of processing to get to the letting go point!

[@simpleandhealthymama]

@@rebeccam1027 wow, good for you that you've gotten that far! That's already a huge accomplishment. I like that you used the word, "processing" because with sentimental stuff that's exactly what it is. Good luck and congratulations on all your progress so far!

[@brightpurpleviking]

I stopped writing in journals years ago, but when I dug them out of the storage boxes and reread them a light went off. Did I really want my grandchildren to read these and know me for the person I was then? No. People change and mature with time, and my journals were not an accurate representation of who I have become. I burned them all!! And it felt SO GOOD to do so.

[@melissab0515]

Agree! Maybe the journal from Spain would be good but the rest 🔥

[@aaron___6014]

So true!

[@amandamartelli8811]

I bought my wedding dress secondhand and then sold it again after. I have all the memories in the photos and I’ll never wear it again.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Bravo! That's brilliant. I'm still working up the courage to let it go, but I'm very motivated to reduce my impact on the environment, so I think I'll get there.

[@amandamartelli8811]

@@simpleandhealthymama you don’t have to get rid of it if you don’t want to but personally despite absolutely loving my dress I didn’t feel a physical connection to it. Conversely, still got the dress I wore on my first date with my now husband and despite it no longer fitting I can’t bring myself to get rid of it.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I love that. I love that you chose what mattered to you and allowed yourself to keep what was important. I find myself moving away from being very attached to sentimental items to recognizing that there are a few items that bring me joy and many that no longer do. It's quite a shift for me. What I like about what you did is that you honored yourself over societal norms of keeping the wedding dress.

[@KawiLover250]

I did that with my year books too. I just tore out my photo pages so my daughter could see what I looked like as a teenager. Almost every person who signed I had no idea who they were anymore 🤣🤣

[@simpleandhealthymama]

It's funny how much things change. I think it's good to have some memories but not cling to them.

[@DearDragonfly]

Thank you for documenting your process on decluttering sentimental items. You're right, decluttering is like peeling the layers of an onion. It does get easier over time and you can rid of stuff that was hard to let go over time.

[@florenceumpherville8560]

Wow my journals, I shredded two years ago, there is stuff in those books th hat I wouldn’t want to leave for my husband or kids to go through

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Oh that's a good idea. I don't remember what's in all of mine and there are probably some that could get shredded since I'm not to to read them nor do I want anyone else seeing them!

[@jandljacobsen]

I literally just went through boxes of school projects saved for me. Through everything out.

[@WeAreBullets]

blows my mind every time i hear about people journaling, especially that much, cause then theres just soooo much to go thru (like with a huge photo album) if you ever want to re-read things. the only way that ive ever journaled really was simply by doing basic scrap-booking, and i mean basic, like taping a ticket stub or dried plant into a booklet and writing a little context for it.

[@lindasokolnicki5286]

I just threw out my 1980's yearbooks and it was so liberating!

[@simpleandhealthymama]

It is freeing, isn't it?! I still feel like I'm drowning in stuff in some areas, but the areas or rooms that are decluttered/minimized feel so much better to be in. It's amazing how much your stuff can weigh on you.

[@cassandraknight8804]

Funny, me to 👍 the exact year as well.

[@rebeccam1027]

I got rid of a college yearbook, but can't let go of high school yet. I feel that coming on, though, because I can't remember liking HS that much. 😆

[@jensilver6535]

I love your idea for everyone having their special keepsake boxes . Definitely going to start this for my family

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Thanks for watching! Glad some ideas were helpful. I'm still working at getting rid of more things, but I'm very happy with how our house is currently functioning after already simplifying so much. Good luck to you on your journey!

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Remember guys, the objects aren't the memories. You have the memories even if you don't have the objects. If something is really special, still brings you joy, and you don't want to get rid of it, don't! But if you're holding on to items that make you feel guilty, sad, or regretful, it might be time to give yourself permission to move them out.

[@jeh02571]

I honestly think it is ok to keep yearbooks, pictures, and journals when doing extreme decluttering. Especially if you have kids! It is always great to give your family a view of you and holding onto the memories. Those things are not replaceable imo.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I agree. I kept a lot of photos, but just didn't need all of them or the yearbooks. It was way too much. But I do love pictures!

[@nadja9674]

Agree. Especially for journals and photos. They are like a window into a past. When I read my old diaries, I feel like I’m knowing myself from before… IF somebody in the future would like to read and “get to know me”, my journals will be there. I know why I’m like this- I have a very limited knowledge of my family history and a very big interested of knowing. Yeah, I would give a lot to have journal(s) or photos (or both) just to peek into a glimpse of my family who already passed…

[@mariavazquez5765]

My wedding dress was preserved for 35 years and I sent it to a company called unbox the dress and they made my daughters getting ready robe for her wedding 100% from it. I will present it to her next week at her Bridal shower. Also from my dress I had 3 pocket squares made for each of my sons & husband to wear that day and handkerchief for me I have material left over for maybe in the future a christening gown for a grandchild.

[@mhtammi]

I use my sons graduation tassels as tree decorations at Christmas. There are only two so they don’t really take up room in ornament storage.

[@jessicaboyd934]

Such a great idea to take photos of the photos and make them into photo books! Great space-saver! Never thought of that, so thank you!

[@jodi9295]

I still have my 4th grade cheerleading outfit because my mom made it. Some things are really hard to part with. But I did give away my wedding dress to goodwill. It took up a lot of space. I felt guilty about that until my daughter said that it was definitely not her style. She got to pick out her own beautiful dress for her wedding later which was a special day for both of us with wonderful memories. So don't feel bad getting rid of that type of thing. (It is a good idea to ask those you think would be interested first though)

[@simpleandhealthymama]

That's a great example of keeping what really matters to you and not what you think you should keep. My husband is tall, so I'm guessing our daughter will pass me up at some point, so I have no expectation that she will ever wear my wedding dress. I still have it though, and although I will probably get rid of it at some point, I'm in no rush because I have plenty of other things I can focus on for decluttering.

[@Tamara-gl5vk]

I started like you with sentimental items. Fist I had a box for under the bed, a smaller box and some of my bigger sentimental items in my closet. Since then I have now 1 box under the bed and some of my more decorative items hung or placed as decor. Most of it is travel sourverniers from childhood and my shell/crystal/butterfly collection. I sold quite a vew of my butterfly collection and kept 3 frames. Same for my shell collection. I did keep most of my crystals and donated the smaller pieces. Im looking to get a new hobby so I might need to go trough all my items again. Some sentimental items can be a hobby or a part of past you you just cant seem to let go off. One of my most sentimental things are letters from my cousin when we where kids. A story I wrote as a child, a small owl sculpture I got from a overseas friend. I have more stuff but on the top of my head those mean quite a bit to me even trough they are not functional items. I do go trough my pictures sometimes. I took everything out of books and just kept my favorites. I just dont know what to do with my digital photos. Id love to add them to my photo stack. Not selfies or anything. But fotos from moments I care about. I remember being quite sad as a child so to have more phosos of my teen/adult favorites might help. And truefully I never look at my photos on the computer. Its just not the same. I also do not want to be reminded of the pas all the time. I really want to move on and start living in the now.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I think you're right - that past hobbies can feel sentimental. Having kids has really helped me see that I was keeping a lot of stuff for hobbies I no longer have time for and won't for a very long time. BUT, I still have my tap shoes. It feels so silly. I could get rid of them now and get a new pair if I someday started taking tap dance lessons again. We all have our things that are our sticking points though. So, I did what I could for now and then will take another pass at it again later. For me the main goal of decluttering is that I don't want to spend my time managing stuff; I want to spend my time with my family and friends and living - just like you said. It's nice to have a few reminders of our past, but definitely not so many that our belongings prevent us from living in our homes and living our lives to the fullest. It sounds like you've got a good start and great mindset!

[@Beth1300]

You can get your own photo books printed and they look really professional. So instead of tons of loose photos you could have even one book of all the special ones

[@j.c.3386]

I had a stillborn baby and will donate my wedding dress to a group who makes burial clothing for babies.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

What a lovely way to honor and remember your tiny angel. I think this is a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing. ♥️

[@tllw0209]

I donated my dress last year to be made into angel gowns. I have not regretted it!

[@WeAreBullets]

like that Friends episode "The One With All The Wedding Dresses" where the girls all went wedding dress shopping but ended up all renting a dress and just hung out in the living room eating junk food and chillin lol. it's a thing, i think you can make it happen if you want to.

[@chloeruegg2352]

Boy, this video has hit home. Must tell you, I’ve been watching vids about decluttering, photo organizing, sentimental items and I watched AT LEAST 40 of them. But this one has hit home. Your saved items are exactly what I’ve saved also and I just needed someone to talk out loud about ‘the stuff.’ Thanks so much. I’ve just subscribed and looking forward to binge watching what I’ve missed, no less future videos.❤

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Oh my goodness, what a sweet compliment. I'm so happy this was helpful. I watched many videos as I was learning about minimalism and decluttering and I know they helped me change my mindset, which was a necessary first step. I've been away from my channel for a while and am excited to start getting videos out again. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@leastidyworld4365]

I am currently in my childhood home decluttering all my leftover stuff as my Mum has been getting annoyed with it. It’s not easy as I so far have kept more than I have gotten rid of, and I have a big maybe pile as well. But I am trying my best. I need to reduce it by 50%.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Never was a journaler. Feeling slightly superior I ditched those tassels within a few years of graduation. 🤣

[@antekpiekutosky818]

Beautiful clip please more sorting, ripping decluttering old papers, documents mails, photos..! ❤️

[@simpleandhealthymama]

The sentimental stuff is so hard, isn't it?! I think people are really relating to this video because they can't imagine getting rid of anything sentimental. Are you someone who keeps a lot of things or only a few special items? Did you watch my videos on paper clutter? I've been using that system for a year and LOVE it.

[@pecharka5]

I found this hard! I was like no!!! How can u not keep this? That?!! You are right to let it go…. And I’m encouraged to go through my stuff again… but it was like everyone else’s box with all the same stuff we all hung on to …..

[@deborahr2236]

I donated my wedding dress to a place in the uk that makes outfits for stillborn babies. ❤️

[@simpleandhealthymama]

That is so beautiful.

[@deborahr2236]

@@simpleandhealthymama ❤️

[@WeAreBullets]

actually doing under-the-bed storage really annoys me when vacuuming tho so i put those containers in a closet off the floor somewhere if i can

[@bethcummings9493]

Hey! For the wedding dress there are places that you can donate h to at then then Into beautiful gowns for babies to be buried in ❤❤

[@simpleandhealthymama]

That's such a beautiful idea. Thank you.

[@LadyGreyBlack]

9:51 I have just gone through my journals. The older ones, I just tore out and kept my favorite entries, which were compiled into a life's writings collection. I bought 2 beautiful Dayna Lee journals to transfer these entries into. For my more recent enties, I have a Penzu account, and if I especially love an entry, it gets written in the bound journals.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

It sounds like you've got a good handle on what you want to keep and not. I think journals are one of the hardest things (which maybe someday I'll downsize) because they feel like a record or a witness to your life. Even if no one else ever reads them, they're hard to simply dispose of. I like that you've got a balance of not keeping everything and storing thoughtfully what you want to keep.

[@Bu11yMagu1re]

I have hardly anything left from my developmental years due to the constant moving I did. I only kept the most sentimental of things, mainly mementos of people no longer with me.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I do like having a few things that remind me of loved ones who aren't physically with me anymore. What I've learned is to either display or use those items when possible because then the items actively remind me of them and become part of my present life as well, not just a past memory.

[@Bu11yMagu1re]

@@simpleandhealthymama I always try to find ways to repurpose things if possible as well.

[@peggycaruth7694]

I would make the journals a project to turn digital. That way you could always go back and read but not take up space

[@simpleandhealthymama]

That's a great idea. They are taking up quite a bit of space. That would also mean looking through them, which would be really fun.

[@beccahday]

Wow, you are quick and brutal! i wish I could be. I have 200+ boxes in storage to deal with and need to get further faster in my process, complicated by childhood and other traumas of losing everything in fires, etc. I handmade my own wedding dress! For me, I'll keep it in my box of my art. Loving the idea of each person having their own memory box in their closet, because as of now, I have responsibility for everyone's stuff. It will be good to separate out each person's stuff for them to take governance over. ha

[@simpleandhealthymama]

It's certainly not easy, but I'm so happy with the progress we're making. Our house is easier to live in and feels bigger when we don't have too much stuff in it. We've also gotten so much better about not bringing in new stuff unless we really want it. Our sone recently went through his memory box with me and was so excited to see the things I'd saved from when he was a baby. Then we tossed a couple of things that seemed important at the time but no longer seemed worthy of the space. I went through an apartment fire in college and it made me cling to the things that did survive, which is the opposite message I wish I'd taken from it. I feel like it's taken time, but now I have a better grasp of what role I want my belongings to play in my life. Good luck to you in your journey!

[@beccahday]

@@simpleandhealthymama thank you, and thanks for the fresh perspective you offer.

[@vickithornley5056]

I could never get rid of my yearbooks. Too many memories. I need to get rid of alot of letters and cards. But, I know it is going to be hard!

[@simpleandhealthymama]

It is hard. And don't push yourself to get rid of more than you're ready for. Take pictures of things so you don't need to keep as much. Allow yourself a set amount of space for what you will keep. Good luck!

[@TheImperfectReader]

Got married on a sail boat wore a little summer dress. I've heard people have gotten their dress turned into something else.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I've heard of that as well. I do wish my dress was something I could wear again. I have a friend who wore a formal dress and now she gets to rewear it for big events, which is pretty fun.

[@gerilynne1955]

I won't get rid of letters. They are part of history. Unless it just says hello, I keep them. I kept my yearbook and tassel. I have very few high school items. My mom saved my furst dresses. I used one for myv walking doll to wear. The others were put away for my children. Which I didn't have. Blue tissue is best for white. My wedding gown is store away. I keep thinking of cuttin it up to use the fabric to make items from.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I think it's great to keep things that are very meaningful to you, as you have. I certainly do too. However, I have learned, and am encouraging others, to be more intentional about what we keep so our stuff doesn't overrun our living space. I was watching the Netflix show "Maid" recently, and at one point the main character was helping a mom who was a hoarder. The mom expressed that she couldn't bring herself to get rid of anything of her kids. The maid said to her that they needed to make space for her kids to live and play. I fully support keeping special items if you have space and if they aren't keeping you from living in the present moment. I have a few cards that have sweet handwritten notes in them in my memory box.

[@LadyGreyBlack]

You know, you could make your daughter's gown part of her (or your room's) decor by either getting it framed or hung from an antique clothing hanger. As for your wedding gown, you can eithewr save it for your daughter, or donate to an organization whioch makes burial gowns for stillborn infants.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Oh that's a good idea for adding her gown to her room. Her room even has an accent wall that's purple, so it would fit. I've heard about these organizations that will repurpose your wedding gown. I think if I decide I'm ready to donate it, that's a great idea of a way to do it so that it would feel meaningful.

[@Beth1300]

​@@simpleandhealthymamaI saw a lovely idea where a person snipped a piece of lace from underneath their wedding dress, where you wouldn't see it, and put it in a locket with a wedding photo. Then they donated the dress

[@lisacarter3952]

Thanks for the great ideas ❤

[@leastidyworld4365]

5:08 This is actually not a bad idea at all. 😆 But unfortunately, nobody did that. 😆

[@helenconnell5195]

Please treasure being able to ask your Mum anything. Treasure your Mum. I can't ask my mum how she feels about me getting rid of the soft toys she made me...so I just treasure them.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I do. I am very fortunate. ❤️

[@maryannpapandrea3086]

Just wondering-why would you ask your mother if you can get rid of the dress she made? When somebody gives you a present it’s not there’s anymore. If she asks about it you could always say you gave it to a friend who needed it-which is true.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I actually totally agree with this, but in this case I didn't know if she'd have a preference of who it went to next. Generally I do love the idea that once the gift is given, it's the recipient's decision what to do with it.

[@crystalfolse3208]

Thanks

[@simpleandhealthymama]

I hope it helped a little!

[@prta1895]

Any advice on sentimental clutter based around dead immediate family?

[@simpleandhealthymama]

First of all I am so sorry you are going through this. That is so hard. Secondly, I think it's important not to rush yourself or force yourself to get rid of anything you don't want to or aren't ready to. That being said, if there are things that are easier go ahead and get rid of those first. If you can have someone there to help you who is not so emotionally attached to their items, that can really help because they can then just support you without having their own grief to manage. Lastly, go ahead and start working on it but give yourself breaks so that you aren't emotionally exhausted. And please remember, that the memory of them is not gone even if their things are gone. ❤️

[@sallystreeter6828]

Where did you get your jumper - it's fab

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Pact Organic - they do organic cotton clothes and fair trade. I'm trying to buy less and more responsibly. This sweater is so comfortable and versatile. Thanks for watching!

[@qormi1000]

Well done.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Hey thanks! And thank you for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@Samsamhereiam]

Subscriber 674 here. Just establishing my territory. Don't mind me.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Welcome and thank you!

[@mercyorbit9351]

You lost me at “when we all get vaccinated.” ✌🏼

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Yeah, I didn't forsee so many people refusing the vaccine. So there's no "all" is there? It's sad that we have the tool we need to prevent more death and yet so many people are refusing to get it.

[@paulabroadway1697]

I was interested in what you had to say until: "...when we all get vaccinated." At that point, you lost all credibility.

[@simpleandhealthymama]

Yeah, I didn't realize how many people would refuse a vaccine that saves lives. It's odd that people get vaccinated against other deadly and dangerous diseases, but not this one.

[@sg9584]

You've been sold a lie. Sorry to be the barer of bad news. They don't care about your health. Just look into the animal testing alone.

[@coastalfarmhouse1820]

@@simpleandhealthymama Both the CDC and Pfizer now state that the vac does not prevent getting the Cov nor prevents transmission of it to other people. How is that “lifesaving”? SaHM, you have been lied to and you have done zero research to educate yourself. Are Myocarditis, blood clots, and weakened immune systems “lifesaving”?

[@apples_and_orchards3205]

You lost me at the “and when we are all vaccinated “