Are we our stuff?

Every time that you are moving house you become aware of how much stuff you have accumulated over the years. Especially as you become older it hits you even more, because each item in your house has a memory that you cherish. The cabinet that you bought with your first salary. The clock that was a wedding present. The teapot with a crack in it… with which you have enjoyed many cups of tea with friends and family.  It may seem as if each item is a line or a chapter in the story of your life.

So there you go again, packing up all your memories and moving them to your new home. However, what if you are shifting to a retirement village and your new home is a lot smaller and you are unable to take all with you? Now you have to make some tough decisions and choices.  However difficult this may be, it’s a chance, an opportunity. First, you need to tell yourself that your possessions are not who you are.

The memories are in your head, not in the item. Your possessions are just reminders of them. Even if the nice sofa goes to the recycling shop, memories of the wonderful afternoons spent with your friends are still there. Perhaps take some photos and make an album of your beloved items so you can always be reminded.

How do you decide what to keep and what to throw out? Many home organisers and declutterers will give you the following advice: “What are the items you cannot and would not want to live without?” And your answer may be: “Everything!” because that is why you have kept it all those years.

​What if you turn things around, and decide on keeping those things that give you HAPPINESS?

Especially when you are getting on in age, you want to enjoy your life and not be held back by cluttering your possessions in a smaller space. So here’s an exercise for you. Look around in your living room while you’re reading this and check what makes you smile. Those are the things that make you feel good. Keep those and discard the rest!

Your other belongings can have lots of memories and be useful, but I bet you could live without them. However, would you be able to live without joy and happiness? Go ahead and try it for yourself.

And once the big move comes closer, and you’re still undecided; get a listening ear from a trusted person. Handle With Care assists people of all ages. We can walk you through the process step by step to make the transition enjoyable and easy.

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