These tips can help you clear both emotional and physical clutter.
Going through sentimental belongings can be an emotional process. Whether you’re preparing for a move or reorganizing, it’s natural to feel conflicted when saying goodbye to items tied to special memories or loved ones. From clothes and trophies to keepsakes, these objects often build up over time and contribute to clutter. If you’re having trouble parting with them, there are strategies to make the process easier. Here are some expert-recommended tips for decluttering sentimental items without regret.
Start Small: Declutter One Space at a Time
Sorting through belongings is hard enough without adding emotions to the mix. To make things more manageable, start by focusing on one small area—whether it’s a drawer, a cabinet, or a closet. Taking on too much at once can quickly become overwhelming, which can stall your progress.
The difficulty doesn’t come from the items themselves but from the emotional ties you have to them. Keep in mind that letting go of an object doesn’t mean letting go of the memory attached to it.
Take Your Time, But Set a Schedule
Give yourself the space to go through your items thoughtfully, but try to keep a steady pace. Setting a timeline for each area of your home can help you stay on track while still giving yourself room to process.
Follow the One-Year Rule
A good way to determine if something is worth keeping is to ask yourself how often you use or interact with it. If an item has been stored away for over a year without being touched, it’s probably time to let it go.
Use the Three-Box Strategy
Struggling to decide what to keep? Try the three-box method: one box for items to keep, one for donations or selling, and a third for items you’re unsure about. When it comes time to revisit the undecided box, prioritize items that serve a practical purpose. If something is useful beyond just occupying space, consider keeping it and incorporating it into daily use.
Determine the Value of Sentimental Items
Not all sentimental items are equally significant. Family heirlooms, for instance, are often worth holding on to, while other items may simply be taking up space. To figure out if something is a true heirloom, consider its history in your family—has it been passed down through generations or does it carry a special story? If not, it may be clutter. Additionally, if something might have financial value, research it or seek advice from a family member or expert before deciding what to do.
Preserve the Memories in Other Ways
Some items may not be practical or historically significant but still hold emotional value. In these cases, parting with the object while keeping the memory is okay. Taking a picture of the item and creating a memory book with stories can help preserve the sentimental value without holding on to the physical item. You can also upcycle or repurpose items into something more useful or meaningful.
Be Kind to Yourself
We tend to accumulate a lot of items over the years—whether bought, gifted, or passed down—and parting with them can be tough. Allow yourself to feel the emotions and reminisce while going through your things. If you feel sad or guilty about letting go, remember that releasing these objects can give someone else the chance to appreciate them just as much as you did. Letting go isn’t about losing your past; it’s about reducing the emotional and physical burden.
Get Support
Decluttering can be a deeply personal process, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Ask friends or family for help, or hire a professional organizer or mover if you’re on a tight schedule. When it comes to inherited items, working with loved ones can ensure that cherished keepsakes end up with people who will truly value them.
Ultimately, only you can decide what’s worth keeping. Decluttering is about finding what matters most to you and making room for a more organized, less cluttered life.