The Emotional Side of Decluttering: How to Let Go of Sentimental Items

Decluttering isn’t always about getting rid of the things we don’t use. Sometimes, it’s about facing the emotional weight attached to our belongings. Over the years, I’ve worked with so many clients who find it easy to part with everyday clutter but come to a halt when it comes to sentimental items. I understand it completely—some things carry deep emotional meaning, and letting go can feel like saying goodbye to a memory. But I’ve also seen how freeing it can be to make space for the life you’re living now.

I often remind clients that our homes should be a reflection of who we are today, not just a museum of our past. That doesn’t mean erasing precious memories; it means being intentional about what we choose to hold onto. When everything is important, nothing truly shines. By keeping only what truly matters, we honour our memories while making room for new experiences.

One of the most emotional challenges people face is deciding what to do with items passed down from loved ones. Whether it’s a box of old photographs, your grandmother’s china set, or your child’s first baby clothes, these objects can feel like physical connections to people or moments we don’t want to lose. But holding onto things out of guilt or obligation doesn’t serve us or our space. Instead, I encourage clients to think about how they can celebrate those memories in a way that feels meaningful. Could a few favourite photos be framed and displayed rather than kept in a dusty box? Could a piece of fabric from a loved one’s clothing be turned into a cushion cover you’ll see and use every day? By giving sentimental items a new purpose, they can continue to bring joy rather than clutter.

Another difficult category is items from our children’s younger years. As a mum myself, I understand the pull to keep every school drawing, every baby grow, and every little token from their childhood. But realistically, we can’t keep everything. Sitting down with your children to go through memory boxes can turn decluttering into a lovely experience. Sharing stories behind certain keepsakes and letting them choose what feels important can make the process lighter and more meaningful. Plus, it teaches them the value of mindful keeping.

A common struggle I see is with items that represent unfinished projects or paths we didn’t take. That sewing machine you were sure you’d master, the paints you thought you’d use, or even clothes that don’t fit but you hope they will one day—these items often come with guilt. Guilt for not using them, for money spent, or for not becoming the version of yourself who would. It’s important to be kind to yourself in these moments. Letting go of these items isn’t admitting failure; it’s accepting that your interests and needs have changed, and that’s okay. It’s about choosing to make space for the person you are now, not the one you thought you’d be.

Sometimes, the hardest part of decluttering is simply starting. The emotional weight can feel too heavy to even begin. In these cases, I always suggest starting small. Choose one drawer, one box, or one corner of a room. Allow yourself to take it slowly and without pressure. You’re allowed to take breaks. You’re allowed to hold onto things a little longer if you’re not ready. The goal isn’t to rush through it but to make thoughtful choices.

Memory can also be preserved in ways that don’t involve keeping physical items. Taking photos of sentimental objects before letting them go can be a lovely compromise. You keep the memory without the physical space being taken up. Similarly, writing down the stories behind items in a journal can feel just as meaningful as holding onto the object itself. It’s the memory that matters, not necessarily the item.

Decluttering emotional items can also bring up unexpected feelings—grief, regret, even anger. It’s important to allow those feelings to surface and to give yourself permission to feel them without judgment. Sometimes, working with someone neutral can help ease the process. Whether it’s a professional organiser like me or a supportive friend, having someone by your side can make difficult decisions feel lighter.

What’s most important to remember is that letting go doesn’t erase the past. It simply creates room for new memories and allows your space to support the life you want to live now. Every item you choose to keep should bring comfort, joy, or serve a purpose—not weigh you down. Decluttering is an act of self-care, and that includes caring for your emotional well-being as much as your physical space.

If you’re struggling with letting go of sentimental items, know that you’re not alone. It’s not about getting it perfect but about making progress at your own pace. And if it feels too overwhelming to start alone, I’m always here to support you through the process.

Here’s to making space for what matters most.

Chrissie x