Yes, I know Marie Kondo says to save the sentimental clutter for last. But, if you’re drowning in old greeting cards from holidays past, it can be hard to wait until you make it to that category. Today, I’ll show you what to do with those piles of old greeting cards. I’ll also help you deal with any emotional attachments you may have to those old cards.
If you hurry, you’ll be able to eliminate your greeting card clutter. That is…until the next big holiday arrives.
WHAT TO DO WITH OLD GREETING CARDS
I think it’s important to first address any sentimental attachments you may have to your old greeting cards. Don’t worry! I’m not going to tell you to throw away all of your old cards! I completely understand your attachment to them, I love to receive a handwritten card just as much as you do.
But generally, people tend to hold onto old cards for one (or more) of the following reasons:
- The person who gave them the card is deceased
- Reading what loved ones wrote inside them brings back happy memories
- They are attracted to the artwork
- They appreciate the fact that another person is thinking of them
All of these reasons for keeping old cards are valid. However, if we kept every single card we have ever been given, eventually, we will be drowning in greeting cards!
Good news! There are ways you can hold onto the memories/good feelings of old cards without holding onto the clutter!
Step 1: gather up all your old greeting cards
The first thing you’ll need to do is to gather up all of your old cards into one location. Choose a comfortable spot, pour yourself a favorite beverage, and settle in. Because now the real fun begins.
Oh, and you may want to have a box of tissues nearby.
Step 2: letting go of old greeting cards
Once you’ve gathered up all of your used greeting cards, quickly glance over them (without picking up each one) and throw away any that you know without a doubt you don’t want to keep. These may be cards from people you don’t know very well, old acquaintances, broken relationships, etc.
Next, sort the cards one by one into two different piles. Pile (1) will be cards you want to keep and/or record information off of. Pile (2) will be the cards you are ready to part with.
*Did you know you can donate used cards to charity? Yep! St. Jude’s Ranch for Children has a card recycling program! How cool is that?
Step 3: record important information
You’ll want to transfer important information from the cards whether you decide to keep them or not. Start with the addresses of people you want to stay in touch with. If the card contains a photo you wish to keep, go ahead and store them with your photos.
Step 4: what to do with old cards you want to keep?
Huh? Yep, even though you’ve decided to hold onto some cards, doesn’t mean you have to keep the physical card itself. Instead, take photos of the artwork, and/or writings inside, and store the memories digitally. Create folders on your computer with the name of the sender, the occasion such as ‘holidays’ or the year in which you received the card like ‘2020 Christmas’.
Step 5: crafty ways to display old greeting cards
Chances are, you’ll be left with some old greeting cards that you simply want to hold on to. Check out these neat ideas for displaying and storing old greeting cards.
- Keep them in a scrapbook, so you can enjoy Christmas cards or wedding cards again and again without having to dig through boxes trying to find them.
- Turn them into gift tags.
- Make placemats out of them.
- Frame them in a shadow box.
- Turn them into a slideshow.
- Create greeting card garland and display during the holidays.
- Turn them into a book with Shutterfly or a similar service.
- Store them in a photo archival box.
- Cut out your favorite scenes, attach a ribbon and create one-of-a-kind ornaments.
A final note about old cards
I’ve said it time and time again. Decluttering sentimental items doesn’t mean you eliminate the memories behind them! Tossing something, donating, or recycling it is in no way a reflection of how you feel/felt about the person who gave it to you.
Let go of the guilt, release the clutter, and lighten up already!
MORE DECLUTTERING POSTS
- 4 Simple Steps To Declutter Paper For Good
- Organizing Paperwork: Best Ways To Organize Paper Clutter
- How To Create A Paperless Family Calendar System
« Organizing A Small Kitchen: Essential Tips To Make The Most Of A Small Space
» 10 Things To Stop Buying Today (Because You Don't Need Them Anyway)
Great idea Nancy!
I save old cards from family members. I used them to line my bureau draws. You empty the draw and then line the cars up so you can see the front of each one. No need to cut the backs off. When the whole space is filled, you simply use clear tape and tape them together.
Lona,
Moving is stressful enough without having to deal with parting with sentimental items. Remember, the memories will live on long after material things!
We are downsizing in a major way, having to get rid of lots of sentimental treasures. It is overwhelming. Especially the greeting cards. Your suggestions are helpful.