Navigating the emotional side of decluttering and letting go of sentimental items

The emotional side of decluttering is, without doubt, the most difficult. Especially when you’re dealing with items that hold meaning and memories. Whether it’s dealing with belongings following a bereavement, your children’s keepsakes, or gifts from family and friends, letting go can feel overwhelming.

For tailored support in tackling these difficult areas, Nicola Fraser, professional organiser and owner of Organised Living with Nicola, will support you every step of the way.

Bereavement

Sorting through a loved one’s possessions and deciding what to keep is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Knowing where to start is often one of the biggest obstacles. Be gentle with yourself and take your time. To avoid overwhelm, start small with just one drawer or a cupboard and continue from there.

When deciding what to keep, try to select the most meaningful objects. It may be some photographs, a piece of jewellery, a book or an item of clothing. There are many companies that can transform clothing into something new, like a cushion or teddy bear. Instead of a shirt sitting in the back of a cupboard, it could be displayed and bring joy and happy memories each time you see it.

Letting go of sentimental items is difficult, so it’s important to remember that memories aren’t in objects, they’re within us. An object may trigger thoughts and recollections but it’s our experiences and emotions that truly hold our memories.

If you’re struggling with a particular item, I always recommend to take a photo of it and then let it go.

Children’s Keepsakes

From “coming home” outfits and first shoes to endless artwork and certificates, children’s keepsakes can quickly take over your space!

A great way to manage your children’s keepsakes is to have a memory box for each child. I always recommend having one box to limit the volume of items that you keep.

Make it a habit to review the contents of the box 2-3 times each year. Over time, you will be surprised at how your feelings change – that early scribble might not seem quite so special once the artwork starts flooding in. If you have a budding Picasso on your hands, it won’t take long before the box is overflowing, so it really is worth being selective as you go.

Gifts From Family and Friends

We’ve all received gifts from family and friends that, at times, just aren’t to our taste. You don’t owe it to anyone to keep something that you don’t love. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful, it simply means you’re prioritising what has a place in your home.

If you receive an unwanted gift, please don’t hold onto it out of guilt. Instead, return or exchange it, donate to charity, sell it, or regift it.

Decluttering sentimental items isn’t about removing everything from the past, it’s about making space for the present. Give yourself permission to feel emotional but also give yourself permission to move forward and let go.

If this is an area that you need support with, visit Organised Living with Nicola for further information on the services available.