et’s get real: you’ve been holding onto a macaroni necklace for 30 years, and while it may have been cute in kindergarten, it’s now just…dry pasta on yarn. Sentimental clutter sneaks up on us, convincing us that letting go means forgetting the people and moments we love. But here’s the truth: your memories live in your heart, not in a dusty box in the attic. Today, we’re busting the biggest decluttering myth of all—that everything your kids ever touched is sacred.
“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” – Nate Berkus
Myth #1: “My kids will want this someday.”
They probably won’t. That finger-paint masterpiece from 1992? It’s meaningful to you, not them. And that’s okay. Most adult children are navigating their own homes, careers, and families. They don’t have the space—or the emotional attachment—to every spelling test, science fair ribbon, and summer camp T-shirt you’ve lovingly preserved.
Bust the Myth: Before you hang onto something for your kids, ask them directly if they want it. You might be surprised when they thank you for not burdening them with boxes of “memories” they’ve long since forgotten.
Myth #2: “If I get rid of this, I’ll lose the memory.”
Memories aren’t tied to things; they’re tied to experiences. Keeping every item your kids touched doesn’t make the memories stronger—it just makes your closets fuller. And honestly, when was the last time you even looked at that clay “paperweight” they made in third grade?
Bust the Myth: Take a photo of the item and write a little note about why it’s special to you. A digital archive takes up no space but still preserves the memory. Bonus: you can revisit it without sneezing through a dusty attic box.
Myth #3: “It’s disrespectful to let this go.”
Sentimental clutter often comes with a side of guilt. We’ve been conditioned to believe that discarding something means we’re discarding the love or person attached to it. Not true! Letting go of an object doesn’t erase the memory or the relationship.
Bust the Myth: Reframe your thinking: donating or recycling these items gives them a new life. That soccer trophy could bring joy to someone else while giving you back precious space and peace of mind.
Myth #4: “I need to keep everything, just in case.”
“Just in case” is the rallying cry of clutter. But let’s be honest: how often do you really pull out that third-grade book report to reminisce? Holding onto everything just in case guarantees one thing: a whole lot of unused, unloved stuff.
Bust the Myth: Limit yourself to one “Keepsake Box” per child. Curate the truly special items—the baby blanket, the high school graduation tassel, or the heartfelt letter they wrote in college. When the box is full, it’s time to make choices.
The Bottom Line
Your kids’ childhood was magical, messy, and fleeting. But you don’t need all their things to honor that time. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you create space for what truly matters: living fully in the present and cherishing memories without being buried in them.
Start small. Let go of one “maybe” item today. You’ll feel lighter, and your inner organizer will thank you. And remember: it’s not about discarding memories—it’s about keeping the ones that truly matter.