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Kicking the Clutter: Here’s how to recover treasures at home

'Shopping' in your house can lead to significant benefits
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Many of us have items at home with significant sentimental value, often inherited from family and friends. Parting with these treasures can be overwhelming as they represent precious memories and relationships.

Benefits of shopping at home
"Shopping" in your house can lead to significant benefits: saving money, reducing clutter and inspiring creativity. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you uncover and the forgotten decorative pieces that can beautifully enhance your space.

When you repurpose items, your home becomes a true reflection of your personality and history.

Reimagine sentimental gifts
Instead of storing these gifts away, consider reclaiming them as a source of inspiration for your home décor. By including these meaningful pieces in your living space, you keep the memories alive while giving your home a unique touch.

Holding onto items merely for sentimental reasons can be seen as impractical, especially when they sit unused and collect dust. Displaying what you have can breathe new life into your space, making it warm and welcoming.

Share your gifts
If you find that you have lots of keepsakes from your family, consider sharing them with other family members or friends. Maybe your niece would love to have grandma's tea set, or your brother would love to have grandpa's tools.

Seeing these things being used and valued by everyone in the family is rewarding.

Embrace creative thinking
Let your imagination run wild when considering how to repurpose items. A decorative retro box can be used for small things you want to contain. An old picture frame can be transformed into a chic tray for your dresser.

Don’t limit yourself to an item's original function; let creativity guide you to new possibilities.

I love local thrift stores, where I buy old-fashioned vases, flower pots and tea kettles. I use them for a year or so and then I donate them to a thrift shop or any local charity. After that, I buy something else to refresh my home.

Refresh space by rearranging
Sometimes a room needs a fresh perspective. Try swapping décor items between rooms, rearranging your books or rotating your artwork. You’ll be amazed at how significantly these small changes can refresh your environment without adding clutter.

By repurposing the treasures in your home, you can cultivate a personal, inviting atmosphere without breaking the bank. Start your treasure hunt today and discover the unique charm that awaits right at your fingertips.

Keep inventory of treasures
After revamping your space, consider creating a catalogue of items that can easily be mixed and matched. Record pieces such as lamps, throw pillows and baskets that can be used throughout your home. This inventory will help you save both time and money by using the treasures you already own. 

If your inventory feels sparse, local thrift stores can be a gold mine for affordable and beautiful décor, allowing you to enhance your home while supporting your community.

I wish you fun and success in creating a home you love.

Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email [email protected] or call 604.578.8954.

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