Are you among those who hold sentimental items like they are protecting a treasure? This item feels more like keeping some pieces of our past close.
But sometimes, do you know emotional clutter can weigh us down? By decluttering sentimental items, you can free up mental and physical space.
Letting go of emotional items will give space for new cherished items, and it will allow you to explore other options.
We will show you how to let go of those things and have a more peaceful and organized life.

Declutter Sentimental Items for Mental Clarity
It is shown that people who live in disorganized environments experience higher levels of stress because these environments induce the body to create higher levels of cortisol, a key stress hormone.
These hormones in return cause young people to feel less focused and more agitated. It is possible for our minds to feel disorganized when we are in a messy environment.
Experts also said that keeping our environments clean will improve our thinking and emotional well-being.
If your environment is free from mess, it makes you feel in charge and proud of where you are, raising your self-esteem and even improving your sleep.
Decluttering and Its Effects on Mental Health
Cleaning up your space can greatly impact your mental health, making you feel relieved and accomplished.
It’s not just about making your environment look fresh and nice but also about the offloading of mental distractions that lock you up from fully enjoying your life.
What a clean environment does to your body is that, it makes you feel relaxed, improves your focus, and can greatly reduce stress levels.
A Thoughtful Way to Simplify Your Space
Allow yourself to get used to decluttering, and let your mind be free it shouldn’t seem like a burden.
Let it be an act of self-care and practice mindfulness. It gives you a chance to stop, think, and make careful choices about what you keep around you, both physically and mentally.
This thoughtful way of cleaning up helps you live with the moment and make your space match your inner needs and values.
While you declutter, pay attention to what you are doing. Can you feel the thoughts and the feelings that are coming up?
This awareness can help you understand your attachments and habits better, leading to personal growth and emotional strength.
How to Let Go of Sentimental Items While Decluttering?

Organizing sentimental items can be a hard nut to crack. Especially when we have feelings and memories tied to certain objects.
But then, when our closets, drawers, and cabinets begin to have a different look due to new styles, it becomes hard to see which ones are truly special among them.
Sentimental items are things that we hold so dearly and it has meaning for us. The feeling is completely out of this world. It could be a portrait of your favorite writer, some people would have a t-shirt signed by their favorite superstar.
It is very possible to let go of some of these items, but here are proven tips to checkout;
1. Begin with a Simple Area
Decluttering sentimental items can be really hard. Instead of tackling a whole room at once, start small. Begin with just a bag, then move on to a box, and eventually work your way up to the entire room.
It’s also easier to start in areas where you have fewer personal items. So, begin in the kitchen or dining room and save the closet or bedroom for last.
2. Make Up Your Mind
On so many occasions, a lot of us read different meanings to these items, but remember it’s the memories we truly cherish, not the item itself.
Keep those memories in your heart, and you won’t need to hold the physical object so dearly.
3. Find Peace One Last Time
If you have an old item that you hold so dearly, it could be your dad’s old shoes or a cap your mom bought for you when you were young, try using it one last time.
This way you have a reflect on old memories and find closure before discarding them.
4. Keep Only Items That Makes You Happy

If you still have those items that are still colorful and dear to you but you don’t find any joy in using them. Why not focus on keeping only the items that truly make you happy?
If an item doesn’t bring you joy, rethink if it really needs to be kept or discarded.
5. Recognize Meaningful Items
Are you keeping something just because you haven’t had the time to really think about its meaning?
If so, take some time to reflect on the item and the memories connected to it. This will help you decide if it’s truly worth keeping it.
6. Convert Memories to Digital
If you look closely, you will realize we are living in a world of technology where everything is done with a flip of a coin. You can easily digitize your items, and save important documents, and photos on Google Drive.
This way, you can keep the memories without the physical clutter. For bigger items, just snap a photo before donating or selling them.
7. Keep What Matters, Let Go of the Rest
If you have lost a beloved family pet and have kept things like their favorite toy, bowl, and photos, consider selecting a few special items to keep.
You can put them in a display box that organizes and preserves those memories in a meaningful way. This helps you cherish what matters most while letting go of the rest.
What is Depression Clutter?

Living in a messy space can be common for people experiencing depression. Feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and lack of motivation can make it challenging to stay organized and tidy.
“Seeing a messy space can bring up feelings of guilt, which can further immobilize a person and send them into a spiral of negative thoughts,” explains Holland.
Instead of feeling shame or guilt, it’s important to show yourself compassion. Taking small, manageable steps can be helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s in managing daily tasks or coping with depression in general.
Tips for Organizing to Declutter
When you take your time to organize your living space, you automatically turn a cluttered home into a peaceful sanctuary. Begin by using drawer dividers to keep things separated and easy to locate.
Clearly label storage containers to quickly identify their contents, reducing the stress of looking through boxes or drawers.
Think about using multifunctional furniture, such as ottomans with storage, to keep daily messes out of sight. The goal is to establish a system that’s intuitive and simple to upkeep, ensuring your decluttering efforts yield lasting benefits.
What Are the Mental Benefits of Decluttering?

Cleaning has been shown to have many positive effects on mental health.
It gives humans control over their surroundings and engages their minds in a calming setting. This can boost your spirit and give you a satisfactory feeling.
1. Focus
It can be difficult to have a steady concentration on something if you are in a cluttered or disorganized space. Your brain’s capacity to absorb information is hampered by the mess, which negatively affects your performance on tasks.
Try clearing up clutter in your workspace to attract more focus. You may focus more clearly and finish your work more efficiently by taking a few minutes to organize and tidy up.
2. Physical Health
Having a clean home can help improve your entire physical well-being.
People who always try to keep a clean house are sometimes healthier than those who have dirty or cluttered homes, according to research by Nicole Keith, PhD, from Indiana University.
3. You Have Control Over Your Environment
Cleaning can help you have control over your environment, especially when life feels uncertain or stressful.
Research from the University of Connecticut shows that during this period of stress, people can either choose to go back to normal daily activities like cleaning to regain a sense of control.
Similarly, decluttering has been found to help older adults maintain a sense of control as they age.
Finally, keep learning how to declutter sentimental items for mental clarity by letting go of objects tied to memories.
Practice the act of a free mindset, and focus on the present and future rather than being anchored in the past.