The Fine line Between Saving Treasures and Hoarding “Family Heirlooms”
We all know the expression, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Never is this phrase put more to the test when trying to declutter or downsize one’s own home. It is hard! What if I throw away something I later regret? Or what if it’s a valuable piece of history? Could this family heirloom be something important or actually worth something? What if… it’s the key to a family story?
The questions we ask ourselves when sorting through our things are overwhelming and paralyzing.
Judging other people’s “stuff” is easy. I do this every time I watch Antiques Roadshow and see something ridiculous, weird, or downright ugly. I want to scream at the tv…”nobody wants that piece of crap you’ve had in your attic for fifty years!” Unless it looks like my crap. Then, suddenly I’m on the edge of my seat.
Of course, I can’t help but think of my “treasures” and how future generations will likely see them as junk. I mentally take notes of things that have economic value. Watching the show, however, I realize most of the time, the things we’ve cherished out of ancestral obligation don’t have much financial worth. Sure, there is the occasional “wow” moment on the. Still, the generational consumer is fickle. The line between worth and worthless of any old object is shaky at best, as evident by the changing “now and then” valuations. Add to that the old, blurred lens of family history, and the line between treasure and trash can be downright fuzzy.
It’s The Sentimental “Stuff” That Gives Us Pause
For many of us, the idea of letting go of family memorabilia can be a difficult one. We are sentimental creatures; we often fill our homes with treasured items that remind us of our loved ones and the memories we’ve shared. But there comes a time when we must consider whether the things we hold onto are truly treasures or just clutter.
So, the question is: are you saving treasure or hoarding trash?
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by family memorabilia. These items have sentimental value and are typically passed down from generation to generation. They can include anything from old photographs and letters to furniture and jewelry. (Learn more about what we mean by Family Heirlooms.)
While our parents or grandparents may have treasured these items, it’s important to remember that our attachment to them may not be as strong. And let’s be honest, it weakens considerably with each generation unless new memories are imprinted on these old things.
When deciding whether to keep or let go of family memorabilia, there are a few things to consider:
- Does the item hold emotional value for you? If an item brings up happy memories and makes you feel connected to your loved ones, it’s worth considering keeping it.
- Does the item serve a practical purpose? Some family memorabilia may have practical uses, such as a piece of furniture or a set of dishes. If you can use the item daily, it’s worth keeping it. If you follow me on Instagram, you know one of my favorite and practical family heirlooms is a 1913 Roberts Lightning Mixer. It’s my “go-to” whipped cream maker.
- Is the item taking up valuable space? If you aren’t using or enjoying an object and it’s taking up valuable space in your home, it’s worth letting it go.
- Can the item be passed down to another family member who will treasure it? Suppose you have children, nieces or nephews, or other family members who would appreciate and cherish the item. In that case, it’s worth considering passing it down to them.
Ultimately, deciding to keep or let go of family memorabilia is personal. However, it’s important to remember that letting go of certain items doesn’t mean letting go of your memories or connection to your loved ones. By keeping only the things that indeed hold value for you, you can create a clutter-free home filled with treasured memories rather than the keeper of other people’s junk.
And if you do decide to let things go, be sure you’re capturing the stories. Learn more about How to Safeguard Family Stories.
What About You?
Have you ever held on to family memorabilia, only to decide later you were just holding on to someone else’s junk?
