Same answer in every state and territory
How to declutter sentimental things
Anywhere in Australia, sentimental things have no bin and no scheme, only a decision. Photograph the object and keep the photograph. Keep one from the set, displayed where you will see it, rather than twelve in a box in the garage. Anything precious deserves a real home. Never sort a loved one's belongings while grieving.
What do I do with sentimental things?
- Photograph it, keep the photograph Works for children's artwork, trophies, and the shirt you'll never wear again. The memory isn't in the object.
- Keep one, not the set One teacup from your grandmother's set, displayed where you see it, beats twelve in a box in the garage.
- Give it a real home If it's genuinely precious it deserves better than a storage tub. If it doesn't deserve better, that tells you something.
Items with genuine local history are sometimes wanted by a local historical society, library or museum.
How do I let go of something that reminds me of someone?
You are not deciding about the person. Photograph the thing and keep the photograph. Keep one item from a set rather than the whole set, and put it where you will actually see it. A memory sealed in a tub in the garage is not doing the job you are keeping it for.
What should I do with a deceased relative's belongings?
Do not sort them while you are grieving, and do not let anyone rush you. Get the paperwork, jewellery and anything of value out first. Put the rest aside with a date on the box and come back when you can. If the house has to be cleared on a deadline, the house clearance page covers the sequence.
Is anyone interested in old family things?
Sometimes. Items with genuine local history, like photographs of a suburb, club records, wartime letters or old business papers, are sometimes wanted by a local historical society, library or museum. Ring before you donate; they take documents far more often than furniture.
What about children's artwork and trophies?
Photograph it, keep the photograph, and keep one or two originals a year in a single folder. The memory is not in the object. Trophies have no resale market: the metal ones can go in the scrap metal bin at a transfer station, the rest is general waste.
Need it gone this week?
Pick your state to compare removal options:
This answer is the same in every state and territory, so there is one page for it. The answers that change at the state border are listed at where does it go.