16: Decluttering Sentimental Items

Clutter is something we all have to deal with at times. The biggest problem with clutter is not the item itself, but it’s in the emotional attachment we feel. This episode comes in response to a recent question I received: “Do you have any advice for going through boxes of stuff I’m emotionally attached to?” Let’s take a closer look at this important part in your functional space journey.

Show Highlights:

The only reason to declutter

How to identify what you can do with items you don’t plan to keep

Why your decluttering goals are important–and may differ from someone else’s

The steps to decluttering by categories:

Is it broken, expired, incomplete, or unusable?

What do I want to keep?

When it comes to keeping or getting rid of items, which is more important to me–the freedom of having it gone or the security in knowing it’s there?

For sentimental items:

Will this person know I’ve gotten rid of this item?

If I get rid of this item, will I feel guilty momentarily or for a long time?

Is the guilt I feel for getting rid of this item heavier than the weight I feel from having it around?

Why you have to honor your emotional context while aiming for functionalism

When you might need extra support in decluttering

Why it’s better to keep sentimental items out of joy–not guilt

Workable solutions for excessive sentimental items

What I’ve learned about getting rid of clothes


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