Inherited Clutter - Getting Rid of Things People Gave You
Probably the hardest type of clutter to deal with is the stuff that you’ve inherited from other people. It might be your grandmother’s couch, your aunt’s dining table or even just knick-knacks from friends and family members that have found their way into your home.
The problem is that if you are like most people, even if you hate something you feel like you *should* hold onto it because it was given to you or has a memory attached to it.
Most of us wind up with stuff we can’t use over the course of our lives because we are afraid of hurting feelings or can’t let go.
While hanging onto things for sentimental reasons is fine, it becomes a problem when your house becomes completely overrun with stuff or the items in your home don’t fit with your own style and personality. It can feel like living in a museum filled with other people’s things.
If this sounds familiar let’s take a look at some ways of getting rid of things people gave you and letting go of the associated guilt.
The first thing that you need to acknowledge is that it is your house. You are the one who has to live in it. You are the one who has to spend time there. Because of this your home should be a reflection of you and your personal tastes. It should be a place that you are not only comfortable, but that you love.
If items you have “inherited” are getting in the way of that then it is fine to let them go. Think about the people who gave you the things. If they are a friend or family member there is no doubt that they would want you to be happy and to love your home.
The last thing they would want is for you to hate the place you live. With that in mind, then it becomes easier to get rid of the things that aren’t making you happy. Let’s face it - you are a lot more important to your grandmother than her couch was.
Another way you can get rid of clutter without the guilt is to consider that it is going to someone who can really use it. Whether you hand it off to someone personally who has a use for it or donate it to a thrift store in your area you can bet that whomever winds up with it will be very grateful to have it and will get a lot of use out of it.
Isn’t that better than it sitting around your house getting in the way, taking up space and being resented?
Being a pack rat myself and struggling with guilt over getting rid of things that people had given me, I can tell you personally that it is totally worth doing.
Your home will feel more like your own and you will have a lot more space. You can decorate with pieces you love and look forward to coming home at the end of the day. In the end I believe that’s all than anyone who cares about you wants for you anyway.
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