Decluttering Woes: Why It's Hard to Let Go of Sentimental Items

Experts explain the psychological reasons behind the struggle to get rid of possessions, and offer tips to make the process easier.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:10pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting a collection of vintage refrigerator magnets, conceptually representing the emotional attachment to sentimental items and the challenge of decluttering.Sentimental possessions from the past can be difficult to let go, but decluttering can lead to a more fulfilling future.Los Angeles Today

The article explores the challenges of decluttering and letting go of sentimental items, such as childhood mementos and family heirlooms. It delves into the psychological factors that make it difficult to part with these possessions, including the need for security and nostalgia. The author shares her own experiences with decluttering her home and her parents' belongings, and provides advice from experts on how to approach the process in manageable steps, preserve memories through photos, and shift one's mindset to focus on the future.

Why it matters

As people accumulate possessions over the years, especially those with sentimental value, the task of decluttering and letting go can become overwhelming. Understanding the psychological reasons behind this struggle can help individuals approach the process with more self-compassion and effective strategies, ultimately leading to a more organized and fulfilling living space.

The details

The article explores the author's personal experience with decluttering, including the discovery of a bag of refrigerator magnets from her childhood that she initially struggled to part with. It then delves into the two main psychological reasons behind the difficulty of decluttering: the need for safety, security, and stability, and the power of nostalgia. The author shares the story of a friend who was able to let go of even sentimental items like yearbooks, which the author found shocking but also envious. The article then provides tips from experts on how to approach decluttering, such as starting with small, manageable tasks, taking photos to preserve memories, and shifting one's mindset to focus on the future and the potential for new experiences.

  • The author discovered the bag of refrigerator magnets from her childhood while decluttering her kitchen a couple of weeks ago.
  • The author's friend recently downsized into a smaller home after her parents passed away and her sister got married.

The players

Sarah Anderson

The author of the article, who is in the process of decluttering generations of belongings from her own home as well as her parents' and grandparents' possessions.

Dr. Frank Niles

A social scientist who explains the psychological reasons behind the difficulty of decluttering, including the need for safety, security, and stability, and the power of nostalgia.

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What they’re saying

“The idea of throwing mine away was downright thrilling. I'll probably never look at one again, and yet, I can't do it.”

— Sarah Anderson, Author

“You buy some little gadget, use it once, and then it just sits in your basement or in a closet for a decade. You refuse to get rid of it because if the need arises one day, you know you'll have it handy.”

— Dr. Frank Niles, Social Scientist

What’s next

The author plans to continue her decluttering journey, focusing on one drawer or area at a time and using the strategies suggested by experts to help overcome the psychological barriers to letting go of sentimental items.

The takeaway

Decluttering can be an emotionally challenging process, but understanding the psychological reasons behind the difficulty and adopting a step-by-step approach can help individuals make progress and create a more organized and fulfilling living space. By preserving memories in other ways and shifting their mindset to focus on the future, people can overcome the urge to hold onto possessions and embrace a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.