I am a big fan of decluttering, if you have missed it I have written about it before and not just in your home, but decluttering your social media too! Check out these posts;

Why are you still friends? To see how to declutter your social media. And . . .

Decluttering. For tips on decluttering your home.

But is there such a thing as going too far? Can you declutter to the point where your home becomes a display piece and no longer feels like a ‘real life‘ family lives there? I am not sure what your opinion is on this, but I would love you to share it in the comments section. But my opinion is YES you can go too far! It’s a fine balance, and one that can be tricky to get right. So here are my top tips for decluttering  without depersonalising your life.

  • Pick up some cute storage boxes from stores like Target, Kikki K, Kmart or Pottery Barn, and label them clearly. Make a space to store them somewhere you can access them whenever the mood hits. Store some fav photos from your childhood or teenage years along with a few favourite mementoes like your first concert ticket. If you pop the boxes somewhere handy you will be more likely to look at them rather than if they are stored away in the roof space or garage.
  • Make a photo wall. You don’t have to match frames for it to look great. Select some photos that really make you smile, holidays pics are always great at that. Think about putting up a photo of you when you were little with parents or grandparents, or one of you and your childhood best friend. Make the wall a showcase to good memories. Keep the rest in a cute storage box and throw out any photos you no longer want. It can be hard to throw photos away, but you don’t need ten copies of virtually the same photo!
  • Display items you have picked up during travel, or items that were handed down that mean a lot to you. It is a great idea to declutter items that no longer reflect who you are, but items that bring back memories of wonderful people or times should find a place in your home. The key is to be fussy, only keep the items that truly evoke emotions or that you feel reflect your style and personality. I have lived in any homes since I left home to go to University. But my taste and decorating style has changed dramatically since I was 19. It might feel like a waste getting rid of items that are still in great condition, but it is a waste to keep them stored away in a cupboard too! So think about donating them to a woman’s shelter, or a charity shop.
  • Keep your wedding album within reach. In my last home I had my wedding album away and never ever looked at it! I have decided to keep it out now on my coffee table. My coffee table has a shelf underneath and I keep it there. This way I can look at it more and guests can feel free to look through it too.

Things that mean something to you should be out and about, include them in your everyday life, don’t hide them away where all they do is gather dust. I have a very expensive, beautiful vase that was a wedding gift. I thought about putting it away when I had kids, I was worried it would get knocked and broken. Luckily for me it never did (so far), that is 14 years of enjoying a vase that I could have hidden away after having Aspen, what a waste that would have been! Yes by displaying things it does place them at risk of being damaged, but I would rather enjoy things than hide them away! 

If things do not hold particularly great meaning then don’t keep them. We tend to hang onto things ‘just in case‘, or because it seems like a waste of money to get rid of them, but just because they are of no use to us does not mean they can not find a new and happy owner. Some people even keep storage units full of things that they no longer use because ‘one day’ they might want them again. But really if you don’t need them right now are you really going to need them ‘one day’? The money you are spending on a storage unit could go into savings for rainy day emergencies or saved up for a trip! Really think about what you are hanging on to, do you really need to keep all those baby clothes? Do you really need to store those toys because one day you will have Grandkids (even though your kids are all still under 10)?

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There are things you will want to keep, but really consider the things you are hanging on to, think about whether they are enhancing your life? As I mentioned in my previous post on decluttering it will be hard, you may even cry when packing up things like old baby clothes, but decluttering is good not only for your home, but also for your mind and soul.

You are essentially clearing away things you no longer need in your life, and inviting in new and wonderful moments! 

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In my previous post I shared some tips like put on some fun positive music whilst decluttering and do it when you are not in an overly emotional mindset! For more tips head to this LINK.

Most of all remember that life is a collection of moments and it is OK to hang onto and display those moments most precious to you. When done in moderation displaying meaningful mementoes can really add personality and charm to your home. You don’t need to hide who you are, or live in a display home. Of course there are some items close to your heart that you may want to keep in a special box that is just for your eyes. The key is to find the balance that suits you, and your family. Always remember it is your home, your sanctuary, never style to please others. Keep the things that truly mean something to you, and know when it is time to let the other things go.

Do you have any tips to share?

Thanks for joining me, love Mackenzie xx

Don’t forget you can follow me on Instagram  @macglanville.

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Living my Imperfect Life
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