Why is it so hard to let go of certain items? From a favorite tattered sweater to boxes full of old cards and photos, it may be hard to part with things that hold certain memories. But it could also be freeing to let go of some of this sentimental junk. Here are a few reasons why some people choose to hold on to items when it could be better to let them go.

Why Keep Stuff You Don’t Use?

How many clothes in your closet do you actually wear?
How many books on your selves do you actually read—or plan on reading again?
When’s the last time you looked at the photos in your albums?

It should be easy to toss the tiny mementos taking up space on a shelf or in a box that’s never opened. No one is forcing you to keep these things but yourself. Usually things are kept because of what we think it gives us:

• Memories. Whether handed down or gifted from a loved one, sentimental items create and hold memories. But those memories and emotions are not stored in the item. It’s held in your mind and heart. It won’t go away if the item isn’t there.
• Image. That studded leather jacket may make you seem cool. That shelf full of books may make you seem smart. That expensive accessory may make you seem successful. But if these items aren’t worn, read, or used, they’re really not doing you any good.
• Security. How many items do you have stored away just in case you need it? While keeping one extra roll of toilet paper in the bathroom could be useful, hoarding multiple packs in the basement is not.

It’s not practical to keep things that aren’t practical. We make up these memories, images, and feelings of security in our mind. What you should keep comes down to what you need right now. Keep the stuff you use on a regular basis. Consider letting go of the rest. It’s a freeing feeling not being weighed down by certain memories, living up to certain standards, and worrying about a secure future. You may not know how freeing it is until you actually let everything else go.

How to Let Go of Sentimental Junk

What item can you get rid of today that you’ve wanted to get rid of for a while? That stack of old love notes you’ve been holding on to? The unique bowl that was gifted to you but you can’t find a purpose for? The pile of books you’ve been meaning to read, but have sat on the shelf for years now? Start there. Here’s how:

• Books. How many books have you read in the past six months? That should give you an idea of how many books you’ll read in the next six months. Only keep this amount of books on your shelves. Donate the rest. Books are easily loaned from the library or read on an electronic device. While having a robust library may make you feel highly educated and informed, you can still be this way and not have dusty stacks to deal with.
• Photos. You may have inherited old family albums or captured plenty memories of your own. These days it’s much easier to save them digitally. You can still view them on digital frame and share them with friends and family without digging through stacks, boxes, and books.
• Gifts and mementos. Does it have a practical use? Or is it collecting dust? Consider taking a photo of the treasured item and save it digitally. Then donate the item to someone who will benefit. Also rethink the way you give gifts or collect souvenirs. Prioritize more practical items or experiences and collect less stuff.
• Clothes. Have you worn it in the last year? Are you saving it for the image it elicits, the fact it was a gift, or you may need it someday? You know the drill. Time to donate.
• Equipment. From exercise machines to tools for a forgotten hobby, you may have had good intentions buying it, but it does you no good if you don’t use it. Think of all the free ways you can exercise and spend your time.
• Just-In-Case. How hard will it be to do without the random cords, empty boxes, and stockpiled items waiting in storage? Donate what’s usable and start shopping smarter.
• Expensive. If you’re holding on to something just because it’s worth a lot, it’s not worth much if it’s just gathering dust. Maybe you can return it, but you should let it go.

Depending on the item, it may be easier to rip the band aid off and just get rid of things. Don’t think too much about it. That’s what got you into this sentimental situation in the first place. Or you can take smaller, more incremental actions. Pick a few things to part with each day. See how free you feel. Then gradually increase your efforts as you feel more comfortable and start getting down to the essentials.

You’re Not Alone

When you need a partner to help you part with certain sentimental items, call JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. We’ll come haul away Grandma’s old loveseat you’ve been meaning to reupholster for years now. We’ll take the piles of books and clothes you’ve been meaning to read and wear. That treadmill turned drying rack—we’ll take that too.

If your items are still in good shape, you can rest assured that we’ll find a good home for it. We reuse, recycle, resell, and repurpose your items whenever possible to keep 60-80% of what we haul out of the landfill. We also understand that letting go of these items can weigh heavy—on your back and on your heart. So you can trust in our professional and respectful junk removal service. Call 844-GET-JDOG to schedule a pick-up and free yourself from the sentimental junk that may be weighing you down.