“If I didn’t know I had it, and I didn’t care, why would I be sad about not having it? Now that I see it, I’ll miss it for a second, then I’ll be fine.”

Those words came from the 14-year-old daughter of a client in response to my question if she wanted something I’d found in the back of her closet. This was while we decluttered her closet and room before installing storage systems. 

When I ask the same question — “Do you want this [lost object]?” — of my clients in their 50s and up, they typically answer: 

“Oh, I forgot I had that. Yes, I need to keep it, so I remember.” 

It doesn’t matter if “that” is a yellowed newspaper clipping or a high school tennis trophy. Remembering is the key to their reason for keeping.

The press writes a lot about the rising unpopularity of “brown” or antique furniture. And “stuff” in general that parents want to hold onto for their children who really don’t want it. 

Maybe children are much more likely to live in the now than reminisce. To me, the 14-year-old’s candid response makes so much more sense! 

While I honor all my clients’ “need-to-keep-that!” refrains, it’s troublesome to have to buy another bin in which to put more memorabilia that will never be looked at again. Until it’s final removal… to a dumpster.

Need some help living in the now? Give me a call at 508-246-6120 or drop a line.