The Art of Letting Go: A Professional Organiser's Guide to Decluttering Sentimental Items

Every day in my work as a Professional Organiser, I encounter clients struggling with sentimental items. That box of your children's artwork, your Grandmother's China, or the concert tickets from your first date, these aren't just objects, they're memories.

Understanding the Challenge

When we hold onto sentimental items, we're not really enamoured with the objects themselves, but to the memories and emotions they represent. The good news? Those memories don't live in the objects, they live in you.

A Professional's Approach to Sentimental Items

Honour the Memory, Not the Object

Consider creating a digital archive of special items. Photograph your child's artwork, scan those old letters, or take videos of cherished objects before letting them go. This preserves the memory while freeing up your physical space.

Create Purposeful Displays

Select the most meaningful items to display prominently. A single piece displayed beautifully holds more power than dozens stored in boxes. One of my clients framed her grandmother’s favourite apron in her kitchen and it became a conversation piece that sparked joy daily.

The "Legacy Box" Method

Choose a single, appropriately sised box for each category of sentimental items. When the box is full, carefully consider each new addition and whether it truly deserve to displace something already there? The one in, one out rule.

Ask Key Questions

When handling sentimental items, ask yourself:

• Does this item bring me joy now, or am I keeping it out of obligation?

• Would the person who gave me this want me to feel burdened by it?

• Could someone else benefit from this item more than I am?

• How can I honour this memory without keeping the physical item?

Moving Forward

Remember, letting go of an item doesn't mean letting go of the memory. Your relationships, experiences, and love aren't contained in physical objects, they're carried in your heart and in your head.

Need support navigating your sentimental items? As a Professional Organiser, I can help you create a thoughtful strategy that honours your memories while creating space for your present life.

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