The Best Items to Display and Preserve Your Sentimental Items
In many decluttering guides , we tell you how to figure out what you can and should let go of, and what gives you the right to keep. Saying goodbye to sentimental items is really hard, and even if you’re obsessed with decluttering and decluttering, there are some things you might want to keep.
While I’m a major proponent of ditching nostalgic items in favor of moving forward into a brighter, tidier future, I totally get it; there are some things you just have to hold on to. If they are that special, they should be placed where they are safe and out of the way. Here are some ideas for displaying those meaningful items that you just can’t get rid of.
Try a high shelf
I’m not a particularly emotional person, so I do n’t have a lot of soft, sentimental or nostalgic items. However, the ones I have are kept out of reach to prevent accidental damage. If you have photos, knick-knacks or, in my case, pet ashes and a rare bobblehead, consider a corner shelf for them to rest on.
I’m five feet tall, so I stood on a stepladder to attach the corner shelf about six feet up so I would never, ever hit it or disturb it in any way, but I also took the precaution of placing it in a corner out of reach and removed from daily activities. It’s simple, like this:
In my opinion, anything delicate and important should be separated from other decorations, not on a larger shelf or mixed in with other things. Show your sentimental pieces the respect they deserve by making them stand out from the rest.
Safely store and display sentimental items
If you have photos that you can’t part with, I recommend digitizing them as the safest way to preserve them forever. However, displaying physical images in your home can be a meaningful way to associate with fond memories, so obviously you need photo frames. Instead of delicate glass, choose a more durable acrylic frame with UV protection. This will prevent glass shards from damaging your photo if it is dropped, and the UV protection will help prevent the image from fading or yellowing.
For any paper, such as old children’s drawings, a certificate or something similar, you want something easy to use that won’t damage the paper while you’re inserting it. A secure frame that opens on hinges and does not lock. Don’t rely on getting the paper through the unforgiving slot.
I only recommend an eyeshadow box if you plan to store it somewhere where it won’t be touched as they can be quite fragile. However, they are great for travel souvenirs, medals and small trinkets, and they look very stylish too. However, if you have the space, a safety cage is a better alternative. Yes, it’s big, so there’s a risk of bumping into it, but it’s so big that hopefully you’ll be aware of it and walk around it carefully. This is the best option for collections, expensive items or anything delicate.
If you do want to display some of your meaningful or delicate items among your regular decor, at least consider isolating them from everything else. Display domes come in glass or plastic , so if you want something that looks stylish or can withstand a beating, you have options. There are even backlit versions like this one to keep your item safe and illuminated:
General Rules for Sentimental Items
Always store your items in a dry place away from sudden temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight, even if they are displayed inside a container. Just in case, place a bag of silica gel inside the case to absorb excess moisture. Also laminate special paper; No matter what frame you choose to put them in, it won’t be as noticeable, but it will be much safer.
When I’m cleaning and it’s time to dust and clean the shelf that holds my special items, I take them off and put them in a box with a t-shirt or two so they sit on something soft and out of the way. This may seem like overkill, but I would be heartbroken if I accidentally damaged them.