Heirloom for one; clutter for another

Heirlooms hold memories and family connections for one person but for another, it may just become an item to clutter their home. But you can find a middle ground between honouring the person who bequeathed it and maintaining a clutter-free home.

Heirlooms or clutter with Clear Path professional organisers

We collect so much during our lives and sometimes we cling to possessions in the belief that someone will want them as a keepsake or because it was a tradition to use them on high days and holidays. 

That may not be the case with your gilded frames, ball and claw furniture or even the crystal glasses you have hardly used. The reality is that times and lives change constantly and your children and family may not be hoping to receive the crystal vase or inherit your stamp collection.

Heirloom? It’s ok to let it go

When downsizing to move to a smaller home in a retirement village, or elsewhere, consider that your children and family may very well be guilted into taking on those items. 

In times past, an heirloom was bequeathed to the next generation to enrich them. Today that is no longer the case and it is quite acceptable to acknowledge the significance to you but to recognise that personal tastes vary and you shouldn’t feel guilt in letting go of these items.

It’s also ok for the intended recipient to decline the item, however, if there is an item that you want to keep as a memento of your family, then find a way to incorporate it into your home. Update it with innovative DIY techniques, and find a way to highlight it as a talking point. 

Ditch the guilt and get outside help

One way of downsizing your home is to get an outside company like Clear Path to work with you to downsize and move. Having an independent person with no personal attachment to your possessions means you will have guidance when deciding to sell, donate or toss without guilt. To find out how Clear Path can assist you, email admin@clear-path.co.za. To read an article about the difference between a mover and a senior move manager, click here.