Sentimental clutter is often the hardest type of clutter to address. It is not that it takes up so much space or but because it is the most emotional of all clutter. Whether it is cards, letters, children’s artwork, inherited items, souvenirs, or keepsakes, they all represent memories, relationships, and seasons of our lives. Organizing sentimental items is not about letting go of what matters. It’s about seeing and honoring both the sentiments and the items.

Why Sentimental Items Feel Different

Sentimental belongings transport people to that time of their life and uphold stories they know. They remind us of people we love, milestones we’ve reached, and times we don’t want to forget. The challenge comes when the volume and storage of these items blur their meaning. When everything is saved, nothing stands out. It becomes a mess, and the items we cherish most can become buried. Clutter doesn’t mean you value something too much. Often, it means you haven’t had the space or support to decide how to value it.

Why Decluttering Sentimental Items is Especially Difficult for Those with ADHD

For people with ADHD, sentimental clutter isn’t about being messy or disorganized. It’s about the extra attachment due to emotional regulation. Instead of seeing one item, the ADHD brain may experience all at the same time: the memory, the person connected to it, and the story behind it. As well, working memory might be challenged enough that the physical objects serve as a reminder. With all of nothing thinking, it may be difficult to release a part of a collection. Too much decision-making can derail progress with decluttering items.

Decluttering Isn’t Erasing Memories

A common myth is that decluttering sentimental items means discarding memories. In reality, memories live in us and not in boxes, bins, or closets. Organizing sentimental clutter is about making intentional choices. Asking yourself some questions can help.

• Which items best represent this memory or relationship? (You don’t need every item to remind you about this memory.)

• What do I want future me (or my family) to hold dear and important? (Is the item the only way to remember this?)

• How can I store this so it feels meaningful instead of overwhelming? (Honoring an item shows its true value.)

You don’t need ten reminders of a moment to remember it well. One thoughtfully chosen item can hold just as much emotional weight.

The Real Value of Organizing Sentimental Items

The true value of organizing sentimental belongings is in seeing the item with clarity and connection. When sentimental items are organized, you can find them and share the stories associated with them. These become a resource to help you live the life you wish to create. Organizing allows your keepsakes to become part of your story again, instead of something you avoid.

A Gentle Approach That Works

When working with sentimental clutter, it is best to slow down and pace yourself to give time for reflection.

• Group like items together (photos with photos, letters with letters). It is easiest to review items in this arrangement.

• Choose your favorites first, rather than deciding what to discard. Think of this as a treasure hunt. You may know what is most important first, then choose what to edit.

• Set physical boundaries, such as one box or album per category. Having a specific spot for keepsakes makes them a part of your everyday life.

• Preserve meaning creatively, through photo books, memory boxes, or curated displays. Trophies and artwork are easily photographed for books. Digitized photos can be shared with other family members.

There is no timeline for sentimental organizing. This work deserves patience and compassion. Set a pace that you feel comfortable with and can be without regret.

At its heart, organizing sentimental clutter is an act of respect and gratitude for your past, your present, and your future. It’s a way to say, “This mattered, and I choose how it continues to matter.” Remember that what you keep is to help you in your everyday life, be a reminder of what is good and valuable to you. What is discarded may be less meaningful and less of a reminder. Release without guilt, knowing that all sentimental items have built who you are now. Organizing these items is a meaningful way to gain peace of mind.