Many millennials and Gen Xers dislike clutter. This reaction comes from being raised by Baby Boomer parents who collected various items like antiques and fine china, often used only on special occasions. Along with these possessions, many adults today believe they should keep sentimental items, storing them away as they are seen as too valuable for regular use. A new study is questioning this belief.
Research by Dan Grossman and his team in the Journal of Consumer Psychology aimed to explore sentimental value and how it can evolve. In their studies, Grossman observed how people interacted with and felt about meaningful items, even simple ones. For instance, Psychology Today noted that 214 college students personalized a keychain with words tied to a favorite memory. One group was told to put the keychain away for two weeks, while the other group used it daily. The findings showed that students who used the keychain felt more connected to it. Regular use enhanced its sentimental value, compared to simply keeping it stored away.
In her article for Psychology Today, Janina Steinmetz, Ph.D., explained that the researchers think using objects helps strengthen ties to memories connected to them. This happens through more frequent reminders of why those memories are significant, reinforcing their connection to our identities.
Clutter has become a significant issue for many people in the U.S. The BBC reported that over half of American adults feel “overwhelmed” by the number of possessions they own. The demand for self-storage has surged, with The Wall Street Journal stating that this trend has reached a critical point. Approximately one-third of Americans have so many belongings that they need external storage units.
Bev Hitchins, a professional organizer, told the BBC that people collect items to feel safe, but this often leads to unhappiness and stress. She noted that maintaining possessions takes a lot of time and energy, and it often stems from trying to fill an emotional void.
Many individuals find it challenging to decide what to do with their accumulated items, especially sentimental keepsakes like children’s artwork or family heirlooms. In fact, guilt can keep them attached to these things more than fondness does. The new research provides a refreshing perspective: it suggests using items instead of storing them away and retaining only a few truly meaningful ones. Scientists indicate that using fine china regularly could create a stronger bond to family memories compared to letting it gather dust in a cabinet. Even a souvenir mug from a vacation should be utilized rather than kept away.
Southern Living pointed out that if something is not accessible within ten minutes, such as items in a distant storage unit, it may not be very important. While cherished items may break or wear out from frequent use, the connection to those memories gained is far more valuable. After all, the memories will remain long after the physical items are gone.
What are your thoughts on using sentimental items regularly instead of storing them away?
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Source: Upworthy, by Evan Porter