Struggling to declutter because your emotions are tied to your stuff? Reminders of the past, people you loved, experiences and places that you don’t want to forget? I understand how that feels so in this article I’m sharing 9 ways to declutter without throwing away memories.
HOW OUR MEMORIES ARE TIED TO OUR CLUTTER
I lost my mother not that long ago and although I know a thing or two about decluttering, in many ways it sent me back to the beginning. I was very close to my mum and, as an only child with no brothers or sisters to share the emotional load, it was up to me to deal with her things. The whole experience was pretty traumatic.
Whilst we declutter for many reasons, not just because of the death of a loved one, there is one problem that so many of us face – how to declutter stuff that’s sentimental, reminds us of people, places and events – without losing the memories associated with that stuff.
9 WAYS TO DECLUTTER WITHOUT THROWING AWAY MEMORIES
Well, if this is your struggle (which I’m all too familiar with), here 9 ways to declutter without throwing away memories.
1. Digitise Your Memories
One of the best ways to preserve sentimental items without keeping them physically is to digitise them. Old photographs, letters, and even children’s artwork can be scanned and stored digitally. You can create digital albums or even a dedicated memory drive where you keep everything organised. Not only does this save space, but it also ensures that your memories are safe from physical damage over time.
2. Repurpose Sentimental Items
Instead of storing old keepsakes in boxes, consider repurposing them into something useful or decorative. Old t-shirts or dresses with sentimental value can be turned into a quilt, wedding cards can be framed as wall art, and a collection of mismatched jewellery can be used to decorate a picture frame. This way, the items remain part of your life in a new and meaningful way. I have an old bowl belonging to my grandma but I use this as a fruit bowl that sits on our kitchen counter. Every time I walk past it, I’ve reminded of her.
3. Create a Memory Box
A memory box is a wonderful way to hold onto special items without allowing them to clutter your space. Choose a small, sturdy box and carefully select only the most meaningful items to keep inside. This approach forces you to prioritise what’s truly special while ensuring those treasured keepsakes are safe and accessible when you want to reminisce. Once that memory box is full, it’s time to sort through and let go of anything that you can. This is like using the container box method so it’s a helpful way to define limits for your stuff.
4. Take Photos of Sentimental Items
If an item holds sentimental value but no longer serves a practical purpose, consider taking a photo of it before letting it go. This works well for bulky items such as childhood toys, old furniture, or souvenirs from trips abroad. You can then store these photos in a digital memory album or print them into a scrapbook to revisit whenever you like.
5. Pass Treasured Items On
If you’re struggling to part with a sentimental item, think about whether someone else might appreciate it. Family heirlooms, old books, or childhood toys could bring joy to a relative or a friend. By passing them on, you ensure they continue to be loved and cherished rather than simply gathering dust in storage.
6. Limit Keepsakes to One Special Collection
Instead of keeping every single greeting card, concert ticket, or holiday souvenir, try to limit your keepsakes to one thoughtfully curated collection. For example, you could have a scrapbook dedicated to special cards or a box filled with mementos from travels. This allows you to celebrate your memories without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
7. Upcycle Old Items into New Creations
If you enjoy crafts, consider upcycling sentimental items into something new. Old clothing can be turned into cushion covers, favourite book pages can be used for decoupage projects, and even old furniture can be refurbished to fit your current home style. Upcycling allows you to keep the essence of an item while giving it a fresh and functional purpose.
8. Keep a Gratitude Journal for Memories
Sometimes, it’s not the object itself that matters, but the memory attached to it. Writing down stories, significant moments, and the emotions tied to certain possessions can be a beautiful way to honour your past without needing to hold onto physical items. A gratitude journal dedicated to your special memories can become a meaningful keepsake in its own right.
9. Set Boundaries and Let Go with Love
Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to be ruthless. Instead, set boundaries for yourself and be intentional about what you keep. If an item doesn’t serve a purpose, bring you joy, or fit into your designated memory space, it may be time to let it go. Acknowledge the role it played in your life, express gratitude, and release it with love. You might be surprised by how freeing this process can be.
CONCLUSION
My mum was full of energy and enthusiasm for life. I think the last thing she would want is for me to be upset by, or held back by her stuff. I remember my mum for the experiences she gave me, the lessons and values she passed on to me and her enthusiasm for any opportunity that came her way.
I also feel that the older I get, the more sentimental I become. However, decluttering is about creating a space that reflects who you are today while honouring the memories that shaped you. By finding creative ways to preserve sentimental items, you can strike a balance between a tidy home and a heart full of cherished moments. Remember, memories live within you—not just within objects—and letting go of physical things doesn’t mean losing the stories and love attached to them.
- How to Use a Memory Box to Declutter Without Guilt or Anxiety
- Decluttering Sentimental Items Without Guilt or Anxiety
- 15 Reasons Why Decluttering is Hard (and Solutions)
- 10 Things to Declutter Today for Instant Peace of Mind
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy people declutter their home and life and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.