On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi is joined by Tonya Kubo, the illustrious leader of the Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. Kathi and Tonya talk about a pretty big issue- how to get rid of sentimental treasures without getting rid of the memories.
On today’s show you’ll learn the three questions to ask when it comes to decluttering the sentimental items:
- Is this the best representation of my relationship?
- Does this bring back good memories?
- How can I remember the person without the possession?
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Meet Our Guest
Tonya Kubo
Tonya Kubo is the illustrious, fearless leader of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. A speaker and writer, Tonya makes her home in the heart of California with her husband, Brian, their two spirited daughters and one very tolerant cat. Visit her at www.GreatMoms.org.
I have no understanding of how people can think that decor they buy in a store can replace family treasures. I am so grateful for the things in my home that are one of a kind, that you can’t buy at Restoration Hardware or Crate and Barrel. One thing you failed to mention is that there is an increasing number of people who are growing older and experiencing memory loss, and for those people, the tangible items are the one and often only link they have to their memories of the past. Photographs of the objects do NOT work. These objects, like a box of hand written letters, many times take up very little room. It’s the GIANT JUNK we buy at Walmart and Amazon that is cluttering up our lives and needs to leave. I have a 12 piece set of china that my grandmother gave my mom when she got married in 1959. I always loved it and my mom gave it to me when I bought my house. Does it take up a lot of room? NO, it does not. Even wrapped in all its protective packaging it fits into a few drawers in a hutch. Just because the styles change and right now people are eating off of slabs of logs and getting married in suspenders like a bunch of hillbillies doesn’t change the value of that china. I do get it out and use it. it’s amazing and it makes my mom and dad both so happy when I do. My house is mid century modern so it all fits right in, but even if it weren’t, the memories of all the happy meals we had on that china growing up would make it a joy to use. We need to honor what we love, and enjoy the lives we live.
I couldn’t keep (i.e. lift or move) the anvil my ferrier grandfather made in his forge, nor all his tools (one chisel, one set of tongs)! However, I found a photo of him using that anvil AT his forge! Now, that is doable. So is just one set of horseshoes he handmade (out of thirty found in a box), for the horses he logged with over the years.
Over 50 years since my grandfather’s passing…I still remember his h-u-g-e, strong hands.
Excellent points and perfect timing as we are downsizing to move into the parsonage this summer!
Thank you!
Something that really hit home to me on this podcast is finding a place to “honor” the thing that you are keeping that are sentimental. My FIL passed away in December and he was a war veteran. We have the flag presented to us from his funeral as well as a beautiful glass case to hold it. However, it is just sitting on the floor by our fireplace. That is ridiculous. I need to find a place to bring it honor. Thank you.