Sentimental Clutter: 6 Questions to Consider

Are you a sentimental person? Do you find it challenging to part with items because of their emotional value? Many of my clients struggle with letting go of objects tied to significant memories. Whether it’s artwork created by their children, a knick-knack inherited from a beloved grandmother, or a stuffed animal from their own childhood, sentimental attachments can make decluttering particularly tough. While I'm not suggesting you should discard everything with emotional significance, it’s crucial to manage your space effectively and avoid letting sentimental items overwhelm your home.

If you find yourself renting a storage unit just to hold onto “memories,” it might be time to reassess your approach. To help you decide what to keep and what to let go of, consider the following questions:

Is this item large and hard to store?

Sentimental items often come in all shapes and sizes, but if an item is particularly large or cumbersome, it can be challenging to find an appropriate place for it in your home. Consider if you have the space to store it without disrupting your living area. If storing it requires significant adjustments or compromises to your current setup, it might be time to evaluate its importance and practicality.

Would I buy this if I saw it in a store?

This question helps you assess the intrinsic value of the item beyond its sentimental worth. If you wouldn’t purchase it if you encountered it in a store today, it might be worth reconsidering its place in your home. This approach helps you differentiate between emotional attachment and practical value, ensuring that you keep only what truly adds value to your life.

Do I have space for this item and does it have a designated home?

Before keeping a sentimental item, check if you have a designated space for it. Items without a proper place can contribute to clutter and disorganization. If you don’t have a specific spot for the item or if it ends up being stored haphazardly, it might be better to reconsider its significance and how it fits into your living environment. Is stuffing this item in the back of a closet better than just parting with it?

Can I display this special item? (Do I even want to?)

Think about whether the item can be displayed in a way that honors its sentimental value like in a shadow box or on a bookshelf. If the item is meaningful but doesn’t fit into your current decor or lifestyle, you may want to reconsider keeping it. Reflect on whether you genuinely want to display it or if someone else would better appreciate it.

Is this item useful? Can it replace something I already own?

Evaluate whether the item serves a practical purpose or if it duplicates something you already have. If it’s useful and can replace something less meaningful, it might be worth keeping. However, if it’s merely an additional item with no functional value, it may be best to let it go.

Does this item make me happy when I see it? Does it bring happy memories?

Assess how the item makes you feel when you see it. If it consistently brings joy and positive memories, it might be worth holding onto. If seeing it doesn’t evoke the intended emotions or memories, it might be time to part ways with it.

Pro Tip: Enlist a Buddy for Help

When dealing with sentimental items, consider getting a buddy to assist you. Have a friend, partner, or spouse hold the item up for you while you resist the urge to touch it. This technique helps you make decisions based on how the item looks and feels from a distance, which can lead to clearer, more objective choices. Clients who handle sentimental items often struggle to let go, while those who view items from a distance can make more decisive choices.

We've helped several clients deal with deeply emotional items and have helped them to realize which items are truly important. We've helped them honor and find a home for the things they love and want to keep while connecting donated items to those who will appreciate and love the item even more! If you need help going through your sentimental clutter, whether it's items from your grown children or inherited items from a death in the family, our team handles these sessions with patience, care, and no judgement! Feel free to reach out sara@socoorganizers.com or fill out this contact form to get started.