How to Let Go of Sentimental Items with KonMari

Have you ever opened a forgotten drawer only to find old birthday cards, trinkets from holidays, or a slightly crumpled school award, and suddenly found yourself frozen, unsure whether to keep or toss? You’re not alone. Letting go of sentimental items can feel like an emotional minefield, and for many, it’s the hardest part of any home decluttering plan.

Enter the KonMari Method, which was made famous by tidying expert Marie Kondo. This mindful approach teaches us not only how to declutter but also how to honour the memories our belongings hold without letting them clutter our lives. In this guide, we’ll walk you through sentimental decluttering, share practical tips for managing KonMari emotions, and offer a gentle keep or toss guide to help you move forward with confidence.

Ready to make peace with your keepsakes? Let’s begin.

Why Sentimental Decluttering Feels So Hard

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand why sentimental decluttering triggers such intense emotions.

• Memories are tied to identity. Objects remind us who we were, where we’ve been, and whom we’ve loved.
• Fear of loss. We often fear that without the object, the memory itself will fade.
• Guilt. Especially with gifts, parting with an item can feel like disrespecting the giver.

Understanding these emotional ties is crucial. It helps you approach sentimental decluttering with compassion, not judgment.

Expert Insight: According to psychologist Dr. Randy Frost, sentimental clutter often stems from “memory anxiety” — a deep-seated worry that losing items means losing important parts of ourselves. (Frost, Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things.)

How the KonMari Method Addresses Emotions

Marie Kondo’s approach is radically different from traditional decluttering. Rather than ruthlessly tossing items, the KonMari strategy focuses on gratitude and emotional connection.

Here’s how:

• Respect each item. Before discarding, thank the object for its service.
• Focus on joy. Keep items that truly “spark joy” — not those that simply spark nostalgia.
• Create space for the present. By releasing objects that no longer serve you, you create room for new memories and growth.

Relatable Example: When I first tried KonMari decluttering, I struggled with a faded concert T-shirt from my university days. It didn’t fit anymore, and it sat at the bottom of my drawer. Thanking it for the memories helped me finally let it go — and made the experience feel oddly uplifting, rather than sad.

Preparing for Sentimental Decluttering: A Gentle Approach

Jumping straight into sentimental decluttering can feel overwhelming. Instead, set yourself up for success with these steps:

1. Start with Less Emotional Categories

Marie Kondo recommends tackling sentimental items last. Begin with easier categories like clothes, books, and papers first. By the time you reach sentimental items, you’ll have honed your decision-making skills.

2. Set the Right Mood

• Choose a calm, quiet day when you’re feeling emotionally strong.
• Play soothing music or light a candle to create a comforting atmosphere.
• Gather some tissues — it’s okay if a few tears fall.

3. Define Your Goal

Ask yourself: Why am I decluttering sentimental items? Common answers include:

• Creating a more peaceful home
• Preparing for a fresh start
• Honouring memories without being weighed down

Having a clear purpose keeps you grounded when emotions run high.

Your KonMari Keep or Toss Checklist

Ready to dive in? Here’s a simple, compassionate guide to help you navigate each item thoughtfully.

Gather Similar Items Together

Rather than tackling sentimental items room by room, group similar things:

• Old letters and cards
• Childhood memorabilia
• Photographs
• Gifts and heirlooms

This allows you to see the full picture and notice duplicates or patterns.

Hold Each Item and Ask, “Does This Spark Joy?”

This question is the cornerstone of the KonMari Method. Joy might not mean “jumping-up-and-down” happiness. It could be:

• A warm glow of gratitude
• A deep feeling of peace
• A quiet smile at a cherished memory

If an item sparks guilt, obligation, or sadness, it’s a sign to reconsider.

Say Thank You and Let Go

If an item no longer brings joy, hold it in your hands, thank it for the role it played, and place it gently into the “donate” or “discard” pile.

This ritual isn’t silly — it genuinely helps you find emotional closure.

Mindfully Store What You Keep

Once you’ve chosen your sentimental “keepers”, store them beautifully:

• Use elegant memory boxes
• Digitise photographs or letters
• Display meaningful items instead of hiding them

This transforms sentimental clutter into meaningful décor.

Common Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)

“But It Was a Gift!”

It’s natural to feel guilty about parting with presents. But remember: the purpose of a gift is to bring joy to the recipient, not to burden them forever. If the item has served its purpose, it’s okay to let it go.

Thank both the giver and the gift aloud before parting.

“I Might Regret It Later.”

Fear of regret is powerful. If you’re truly torn:

• Set a “maybe” box.
• Place items inside and revisit after 30 days.
• If you haven’t missed them, it’s safe to let them go.

“It’s Part of My Identity.”

Sentimental items often symbolise chapters of our lives. But you are not your things. Your memories, growth, and experiences live inside you, not in a shoebox under the bed.

Real-World Story: After moving countries, Sarah, a reader of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, shared that letting go of her childhood trophies was freeing. She realised her achievements weren’t diminished by donating dusty plastic statues.

Tips for Special Categories of Sentimental Items

Old Photographs

• Keep only those that spark genuine joy.
• If you have multiples, pick the best.
• Consider scanning and storing digitally.

Letters and Cards

• Keep only the most meaningful.
• Select a few to display or create a memory album.
• Recycle cards that no longer hold emotional value.

Family Heirlooms

• Keep what fits your life and home.
• If an heirloom causes resentment, not joy, it’s okay to pass it on — even if it’s to another family member.

Children’s Artwork

• Select the most special pieces.
• Consider photographing art and creating a digital gallery.
• Frame one or two standout works to honour their creativity.

Embracing a Life with Meaningful Memories

Decluttering sentimental items doesn’t mean forgetting your past — it means choosing which memories to honour and carry forward.

Imagine opening a memory box filled only with items that make your heart swell. No guilt. No clutter. Just pure, distilled joy.

That’s the power of sentimental decluttering done the KonMari way.

Conclusion: Your Memories Deserve to Shine

Decluttering sentimental items is never easy, but it can be one of the most healing and empowering parts of any home decluttering plan. By following the KonMari emotions approach, you’re not just creating physical space. You’re creating emotional space too: space for new dreams, new memories, and a lighter, brighter you.

Remember:

• Approach each item with gratitude.
• Trust your feelings.
• Honour the past while embracing the future.

Now it’s your turn. Have you tried sentimental decluttering? What was the hardest item you let go of? Share your story in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you.