Today in the Decluttering Sentimental Items series, we're decluttering pet items. Particularly, things related to pets that are no longer with you.
Why Pet Items Are Hard To Let Go Of
Whether they are practical items you don't use any more (cages, beds, bowls, leftover food, etc.) or items that bring back memories of special times with your pet (leashes, collars, toys, etc.), pet items can be hard to let go of because we miss our pet.
Tips For Letting Go Of Pet Items
Here are some tips to help you let go of your pet items:
- If you don't plan to get a new pet soon, find places you can donate your pet items, such as shelters, animal organizations, or pet stores.
- Or maybe a friend or neighbour with a similar pet could use them.
- You may also be able to sell some of your pet items online and then make a donation to a local pet shelter in memory of your pet.
- It will be easier to let go if you know another animal will benefit from your items.
- If the loss of a pet is fairly recent, you can box up the pet items and set a timeline to let them go if you don't get another pet by then (6 months, 1 year, or whatever time frame you choose).
Ways You Can Reuse/Repurpose/Display Pet Items
If you're finding it hard to let go of some of your pet's items, here are a few ways you could honour your pet:
- Use your pet's tag as a keychain.
- Turn a favourite pet toy, collar, or tags, into a Christmas ornament.
- Make a bracelet out of your pet's collar or leash.
- Pick one or two of your favourite pet items and display them with a photo of your pet in a shadow box frame {affiliate link}. Maybe a leash or a collar or a special toy, in a frame with a picture of your pet. This one is cute... it has a little paw print that says Best Pet.
Don't Start Your Decluttering Journey With Sentimental Items
Just a quick reminder that if you have "regular" (non-sentimental) clutter in your home, it's better to deal with that first and set aside your sentimental clutter until your home is less cluttered. Decluttering your everyday items will likely make more of an impact on your daily life than sentimental decluttering will. And sentimental items are generally more difficult to tackle so it's better to build up to them.
Whether you're decluttering sentimental items or general clutter, join our 365 Items in 365 Days Facebook group! You'll find lots of encouragement, motivation, and tips as we all declutter our homes and lives together. You can find more details about the 365 Items in 365 Days challenge here too.
For More Decluttering Sentimental Items Tips
Want more tips? Check these the 31 Days of Easy Decluttering series!
Or the Decluttering From A to Z series from last October!
If you'd like more decluttering ideas, you can check out my Decluttering/Purging Tips & Ideas board on Pinterest.
Your turn!
What pet items have you struggled to declutter? Are they treasures or clutter? What makes it hard for you to let go of pet items? Is there a way you can use, display, or re-purpose your pet items?
As you declutter your pet items, take pictures and share them on social media using the hashtag #declutteringsentimentalitems so you can inspire all of us to declutter our sentimental items!
If you decluttered your pet items, where did you donate them? Who did you give them to? Or if you decided to keep a few treasures, how are you using them? What tips can you share for those who are having trouble letting go of pet items?
If you've got a picture of how you displayed or re-purposed pet items, please share it in the comments or on one of the series' social media posts. I'd love to see how you are giving honour and respect to your sentimental items!
Happy
Here are all the posts in this challenge in case you missed any or want to share some with your friends or family!
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