Let’s be honest—decluttering is tough, but decluttering sentimental items? That’s next-level emotional gymnastics. One minute, you’re determined to clear out that overflowing storage box, and the next, you’re clutching an old concert ticket from 2002, transported back to the night you screamed the lyrics like you were part of the band. Sound familiar?
A dear friend pointed out to me a few years ago that I am actually a very sentimental person, and I didn’t even realise it at the time. We have our own narrative in our brains on how we perceive personal items, and how we treat them. Nobody knows about these items, because we stash them away in special places, hidden under layers of dust at the back of your closet. Yup, I see you.
The truth is, our homes are full of items that carry memories, and letting go can feel like losing a piece of our lives and history. But sentimental belongings shouldn’t be a burden—it should enhance our lives, not weigh us down. I’ll explore with you some ways to sort through your overflow of sentimental items without drowning in nostalgia (or old birthday cards).
Assessing Sentimental Value
Not every sentimental item is created equal. Some items genuinely ‘spark joy’, while others linger out of obligation (I’m looking at you, costume jewellery from Aunt Judy). The key is figuring out what truly holds meaning.
What do we do?
Ask yourself: Does this item bring back happy memories? Or do I feel guilty getting rid of it? If guilt is the main reason, it’s time to let it go.
Keep only a select few pieces that genuinely bring joy and meaning. You can’t keep it all. Set yourself a limit.
Photograph items that hold memories but take up space. This way, you preserve the sentiment without the clutter.
If you have a wardrobe full of your mother’s or grandmother’s clothing, go through it and choose a select few items that remind you the most of them, and donate the rest. Bonus if there’s an item or two that fit you, or able to be altered, so that you can wear them and appreciate the sentiment.

Creating Memory Boxes
Some items deserve a special place, just not all of them. Enter the Memory Box! It's a designated space for keepsakes like your kid's first outfit, booties, art, rewards, achievements, letters, family heirlooms, your wedding cake topper, or travel souvenirs!
‘How’ I hear you ask?
Get a sturdy, clear container. Depending on the area you have available to store this container, I find sizes ranging between 20L and 60L are good. These can be stored in a spare bedroom wardrobe shelf, or the garage if it is sealed well.
Limit yourself to one container per category (childhood memories, travel mementos, etc.), and label it clearly. I love Mandy from Momma Society's keepsake boxes. They are practical, beautifully curated and easy to store.
Rotate items in and out—if something new enters, consider what can be let go. The container is your limit, so it will tell you when you need to cull.
As a busy mum, found myself drowning in my daughter’s artwork and schoolwork, achievements and assortment of special little things. Instead of keeping everything, I created a memory box for her, storing only the most meaningful pieces. The rest? I snapped a picture and made a digital scrapbook, and saved the pictures by year. It's a working document, and one day when she moves out of the house it will be a great gift to give her, or to keep as a photo book. Now my command centre/landing zone is free from paper overload, and I have a manageable way to preserve those special items as they continue to make their way into our home.

Honouring Memories Without Physical Items
Sometimes, the best way to cherish a memory is not through things but through stories, photos, and experiences.
Here’s how:
Create a digital photo album, photo book or scrapbook. I personally love a photo books. There are some great online providers like Journi, Snapfish, or Officeworks. Photo books become a coffee table centrepiece that can be appreciated as the years go by. If you have many years of travel souvenirs collecting dust and becoming a hassle to maintain, perhaps taking a picture of each item, and diarising digital captions on a personal blog could be an option for you.
Repurpose sentimental fabric (like old clothes) into quilts, memory bears or pillowcases. It is a labour of love, but if you’re a keen seamstress, there are some great patterns available online.
If you’d rather outsource, there are a few niche creatives out there who can make them for you. Have a look at Snuggly Cuddly Memories, Forever Stitches or Flossy and Co.
Write down the story behind an item—sometimes, the memory is what we truly want to hold onto, not the object itself. You can pass this down to future generations.
So it comes down to this…
Letting go of sentimental items doesn’t mean letting go of the memories, and forgetting the special people, places, pets or items we hold close to our hearts. It means making space, both physically and emotionally, for the special things we are still able to experience and appreciate going forward.
At Memory Lane Organising, I understand how hard it can be to part with treasured possessions. If you’re feeling stuck, I can help you sort through your emotional and sentimental belongings with care and compassion.
Reach out today, and let’s create a home filled with memories and peace of mind.
xoxo
Henda
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