How to Let Go: Emotional Tips for Decluttering Sentimental Items

Let’s be honest—decluttering isn’t always about getting rid of junk. Sometimes it’s about facing a box of handwritten letters, your child’s kindergarten art, or a keepsake from someone who’s no longer here. That kind of decluttering can stir up emotions you didn’t expect.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of letting go of sentimental items, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it all at once. This guide is here to help you take a gentle, grace-filled approach to decluttering the emotional stuff. You’ll find practical strategies that help you honor your memories without feeling weighed down by physical clutter.

Before you dive in, be sure to grab your free Decluttering Checklist—it's a great companion for your journey toward a lighter, more intentional life.

Decluttering sentimental items isn’t just a task—it’s emotional work. You might feel grief, guilt, joy, or a little bit of everything. And that’s perfectly normal.

Instead of pushing those feelings aside, pause and name them. Say to yourself, “This item reminds me of a really special time,” or “I feel guilty getting rid of this, but I know I’m ready.” Giving yourself permission to feel is the first step in moving forward with love and clarity.

Try this: Before you begin, take a few deep breaths. Light a candle. Set the intention to honor the past while making space for your future.

Related read: Nourishing Your Body and Soul: Healthy Self-Care Rituals for Moms

Ask yourself: What makes this item meaningful? If it’s the story or memory tied to it, there’s a way to preserve that without keeping the physical thing.

Capture the memory:

• Take a photo of the item and add a caption about its significance.
• Use a voice memo app to tell the story behind it—hearing your own voice can make it even more meaningful.
• Create a memory album (physical or digital) to hold all these special snapshots.

Sometimes, letting go becomes easier when you know the memory isn’t disappearing—it’s just taking on a lighter form.

External Tip: EverPresent offers photo and video digitization for preserving family memories.

It’s totally okay to keep some things—but when everything feels sentimental, the clutter creeps back in.

Here’s a trick that works wonders: choose one designated container, like a pretty box or decorative storage bin, and give yourself permission to only keep what fits inside.

This forces you to be intentional. Ask yourself:

• Would I be heartbroken if this got lost or damaged?
• Would I ever look at this again—or am I just storing guilt?

Tip: Create one box per family member (or one per season of life), and revisit it once a year to reassess what still feels important.

You don’t have to throw everything away—you can transform it!

Creative ideas:

• Turn baby clothes into a quilt or pillow.
• Frame a handwritten recipe from a loved one for your kitchen.
• Create a shadow box with small keepsakes like jewelry, buttons, or photos.

By reimagining an item into something useful or decorative, you’re keeping the connection while giving it new life.

Explore more mindful creativity in: Mindful Living: Breathe + Balance

Letting go can be sacred. Instead of tossing items in a bag and rushing the process, take a moment to express gratitude.

You might say:

• “Thank you for the joy you brought me.”
• “You’ve served your purpose, and it’s time for someone else to enjoy you now.”

Then, donate with love or recycle responsibly. Some items may even find new purpose in your local community—schools, shelters, and churches often welcome gently used items.

External Tip: Donation Town helps locate donation centers near you with free pickup options.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission—especially when it’s emotional.

Talk to a friend, your adult child, or someone who was part of the memory. Sharing the story out loud often brings clarity and peace.

Not ready to let go? Ask your loved one if they’d like to keep the item or hear the story behind it. Sometimes knowing that someone else values it makes parting ways easier.

There’s no rulebook for this. You don’t have to get it “right.” You just have to move at your own pace.

Some items may take months or years to let go of—and that’s okay. Others, you may release quickly with a deep breath and a full heart. Progress is personal.

Affirmation to try:
"I am releasing what no longer serves me and making space for what nourishes my present."

The truth is, you’re not just decluttering your home—you’re curating your life. By letting go of items that no longer serve you, you’re choosing to live in alignment with what matters now.

And remember: the love, the lessons, the laughter—they live in you, not in the drawer or the storage bin.

Ready to take the next step?
Download your free Decluttering Checklist to guide your journey with ease and intention. You’ll also get exclusive tips, encouragement, and support from my community—all designed to help you live lighter, brighter, and more beautifully from the inside out.