Anyone who’s ever had to declutter something sentimental knows that it’s hard. It’s never just about getting rid of stuff. It’s an emotional process that forces you to confront memories, values, and the stories you attach to things.

While letting go can feel impossible, the way you approach the task can make all the difference. The method you choose depends on your personality, emotional tendencies, and lifestyle.

Experts like Tammy Strobel, a contributor with Be More With Less, agree that decluttering sentimental items isn’t about one method—it’s about taking action that works for you.

Choosing the right decluttering approach is as much about understanding yourself as it is about organizing your space. Whether you’re someone who likes to dive in or someone who needs time to reflect, there’s a method that can work for you.

Table of Contents

1. The Baby Steps Method

For those who feel paralyzed by the idea of letting go, the baby steps approach offers a gentle way to ease into decluttering. Instead of diving in headfirst, you start small and build momentum over time.

Begin with one item or a small category, like old birthday cards, childhood toys, or keepsakes from a single event. The key is to focus on manageable pieces rather than the entire collection. By breaking the process into smaller tasks, you avoid feeling overwhelmed and give yourself the emotional space to process memories gradually.

This method is particularly effective for those with deep emotional connections to their belongings or those navigating grief. Taking it slow allows you to reflect and honor the memories tied to each item without feeling rushed.

Best for:

Highly sentimental individuals who find it difficult to let go.
People who feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of sentimental items.
Those with busy schedules who can only dedicate short bursts of time.

Lifestyle Tip: Set aside 15 minutes each week as your dedicated “decluttering time.” Focus on one small area, like a single drawer or box. Celebrate each small win—it’s these consistent, manageable efforts that make the biggest difference over time.

2. The All-In-One-Sweep Method

For those who prefer to take decisive action, the all-in-one sweep approach offers a fast and focused way to declutter sentimental items. This method is all about dedicating a specific day or weekend to tackle everything at once.

Start by gathering all your sentimental items—photo albums, heirlooms, keepsakes, and anything else you’ve been holding onto—and placing them in one central location. With everything in front of you, go through each item systematically. The goal is to make quick decisions, trusting your instincts about what to keep and what to let go.

This approach works best for people who are ready to move on and want closure. Joshua Fields Millburn from The Minimalists, says this option is about ripping the band-aid off and clearing the space in one go.

While this method is intense, the reward is immediate. By the end of the day, you’ll have a lighter space and a clearer mind. However, it does require emotional readiness and a willingness to make tough calls in a short amount of time.

Best for:

Decisive personalities who can quickly assess what stays and what goes.
People who are emotionally ready to move on from clutter.
Those with limited time who prefer to finish the process in one go.

Lifestyle Tip: Block off an entire day or weekend on your calendar. Create an energizing playlist, gather supplies (trash bags, donation boxes), and dive in with focus and determination. At the end of the day, reward yourself with something enjoyable—it’s a celebration of reclaiming your space.

3. The Reflection-And-Routine Method

If you’re thoughtful by nature or have a busy lifestyle, the reflection-and-routine approach offers a steady and reflective way to declutter sentimental items. This method involves setting aside regular, intentional time—like 30 minutes each week—to sort through sentimental items at a steady, manageable pace.

Focus on one category at a time—such as heirlooms, photos, or gifts—and allow yourself to process the memories tied to them. By breaking the task into smaller, intentional sessions, you create space for mindfulness while still making progress.

Best for:

People who value mindfulness and want to reflect on each item.
Those who thrive on routine and consistency.
Busy individuals who can only spare short, regular sessions.

Lifestyle Tip: Pair your decluttering sessions with something calming, like soft music or a warm drink. Dedicate a consistent time each week—perhaps Sunday afternoons—and use the process as a moment of mindfulness and reflection. These steady efforts will build momentum and help you create a clutter-free space over time.

4. The Konmari Method

The KonMari Method, created by tidying expert Marie Kondo, is a highly structured approach to decluttering that emphasizes joy and intentionality. Rather than decluttering by location, this method encourages you to sort through items by category—starting with clothing, then moving on to books, papers, miscellaneous items, and finally, sentimental belongings.

The defining feature of the KonMari Method is asking yourself a simple but powerful question for each item: Does this spark joy? If the answer is yes, the item stays. If not, you thank it for its role in your life and let it go.

This approach reframes decluttering as a positive, mindful experience. Instead of focusing on what you’re losing, you concentrate on creating a home filled only with items that bring happiness and value.

Best for:

Those who thrive on structure and clear guidelines.
People who are ready to make decisive choices about their sentimental items.
Individuals seeking to transform their space into one filled only with meaningful belongings.

Lifestyle Tip: Schedule a specific day for your sentimental category. As you sort, hold each item and truly reflect on its significance. If it doesn’t spark joy, thank it for the memories it gave you and let it go. This mindset can make the process feel less like loss and more like gratitude.

5. The Move-Out Method

The Move-Out Method, popularized by writer Katie Holdefehr, offers a bold, hands-on approach to decluttering. Unlike traditional methods that have you sort through items in place, this strategy encourages you to “move out” everything from a space before deciding what stays.

Start by clearing out a specific area—a drawer, a shelf, or an entire closet. Move all the items to another room or temporary holding space. Then, with the area completely empty, thoughtfully decide what goes back. The goal is to keep only the items you love, use, or genuinely need.

This method gives you a blank slate and forces you to evaluate your belongings more intentionally. Seeing the space empty can help you prioritize what really matters while making it easier to let go of what doesn’t.

Best for:

People who feel stuck or indecisive when decluttering.
Visual thinkers who benefit from seeing an empty, organized space.
Anyone looking for a fresh, transformative way to tackle clutter.

Lifestyle Tip: Start small with a single drawer or countertop before moving on to larger areas like a closet or pantry. The clarity and sense of accomplishment you gain will motivate you to keep going.

Some Tips

Decluttering sentimental items is as much about mindset as it is about method. Whether you ease in with baby steps, dive into a sweeping purge, or take a reflective, steady path, the key is to find an approach that feels right for you.

Letting go of sentimental items doesn’t mean losing the memories—they live within you, not the objects. By choosing the right approach, you can honor your past while making room for the future.

Theresa Bedford

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Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.