Letting Go of Sentimental Items: Making Space for what Matters most

By Michele Perry, Professional Organizer in Columbus, Ohio

the Weight of what we Keep

There’s a tenderness that comes with the things we hold on to. A box of photos from years past, a shelf of inherited dishes, the sweater we’ll never wear but can’t quite give away. These items carry meaning, memories, and emotion, but over time, they can also create a quiet weight in our homes.

Why Letting Go is hard

When I work with clients around sentimental items as a professional organizer in Columbus, Ohio, I often hear many of the same phrases: “Someone gave this to me.” “I need to keep this for them.” “It holds memories.” “I might need it someday.”

These words tell the story of why letting go is so hard. We keep things out of guilt or obligation, out of sentimentality, and sometimes out of loss aversion, the belief that if we release something, we’ll regret it later.

reframing the meaning of objects

But what if we reframed that thinking? Instead of clinging to “I may need this someday,” we could tell ourselves, I can let this go because it has served its purpose. What I know to be true is that letting go makes room for something new, not just in our homes, but in our hearts. The truth is, memories live in us, not in the object.

Editing sentimental items isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about storytelling. Ask yourself-What story do I want my home to tell about my life now and in the future? And what do I want my family to feel when they walk through it after I’m gone?

A gift to those we love

Simplifying our spaces is one of the most thoughtful gifts we can give to those we love. Decluttering isn’t just for ourselves; it’s an act of care for our families. When we thoughtfully decide what stays and what goes, we lift a future burden from their shoulders. We give them the chance to remember us with peace, not overwhelm. Every drawer we simplify, every box we release, is an expression of love, one less decision for someone else to make later.

If you’ve ever managed a loved one’s belongings, you know how emotionally complex it can be. There’s love, grief, nostalgia, and even exhaustion all mixed together. When we choose to let go now, thoughtfully and intentionally, we make space for our families to grieve and remember us in peace, rather than sorting through our possessions. Each item we release becomes a gift of clarity and calm, allowing our homes to reflect the life we lived, rather than the clutter we accumulated.

starting small, moving gently

When you feel ready to begin working through sentimental items, it helps to start gently. Invite a trusted friend, family member, or professional organizer to support you, someone who can offer perspective and encouragement. Begin with a small space, a single drawer, a bin, or a shelf and give yourself permission to pause whenever it feels like enough.

As you go through each item, try whispering a small reminder to yourself: This item served its purpose. I can keep the memory and release the object. With every decision, you’re doing more than creating order; you’re cultivating emotional clarity, physical peace, and the freedom to live fully in the present. Allow yourself breaks, breathe, and let emotions surface, laughter, tears, and nostalgia are all part of the process. Over time, even small steps build momentum, and the space you create becomes a reflection of the life you want to live.

Creating Space for a new chapter

Life’s seasons shift, children grow up, parents downsize, routines evolve. Our homes tell the story of these changes, and sometimes, it’s time to start a new chapter. When we release what no longer serves us, we make room for a home that reflects who we are today, not who we once were.

If you’re ready to begin but aren’t sure where to start, I created a free resource that might help: “5 Things to Toss Right Now”. It’s a guide to help you take that first, achievable step toward a calmer, more intentional home.

Remember, decluttering doesn’t erase the past. It simply honors it and gives you space to move forward.

You can learn more about my organizing services as a professional organizer in Columbus, Ohio at www.MicheleMakesSpace.com. I’d be honored to help you create peace in your space, clarity in your home, and freedom in your everyday life.