A lake house souvenir from many moons ago. To keep or not to keep?
Let’s face it, part of moving is also learning to let go of the past while continuing to honor it. I confess to being on the sentimental side. In fact I am guilty of hanging onto a storage unit in Canada for an embarrassing amount of time to house my late parents’ antiques from their lake house, which we sold after my parents passed away.
This lake house held treasured childhood memories of canoeing through swampy rivers, kid-only excursions into the mossy woods and diving into the cold clear blue lake. I grew into an adult there, got engaged and married there, and proudly brought my newborn babies to introduce them to my extended family and friends.
Of course, saying good bye to this home was difficult. Years later, I read something that resonated — “all your past except its beauty is gone, and nothing is left but a blessing” (A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson). Memories are a beautiful gift that remain in our heart forever, but time and tide wait for no man. It’s up to us to evolve and adapt, and our past equips us to do this well. What we can’t take with us, will serve as fertilizer to prepare us for our next chapter.
So says me, the supposedly practical Realtor, only now dispensing with the stuff in my storage unit (Okay, it’s been 9 years, or 118 months, or several thousands of dollars. WOW. This sh*t just got REAL). Like I said, embarrassing.
Right. So what does this mean for home sellers?
Curate your belongings and only keep what, as Marie Kondo says, “sparks joy”. For the rest, gift, donate, or say goodbye with gratitude:
Gift meaningful and thoughtful things to friends or or relatives with growing families, who may share some of your memories and welcome the gesture.
Keep in mind, tastes change over time so if you can’t find a taker, don’t be hurt. Instead, donate and feel good about changing a stranger’s life for the better.
If you are selling antiques to a dealer or through consignment, the reality is that the antiques market isn’t what it used to be. You may sell some pieces for less than you think they’re worth. Accept it, times change.
Finally, celebrate your next chapter and look forward to what life has to offer today and everyday. Love your memories and take them with you on your journey forward. Here’s to new beginnings!