When you start decluttering, it can be hard to decide what’s truly worth keeping and what to let go of. You might worry about losing something important or sentimental. Knowing which items professional organizers consider valuable can help you make clearer choices.
This article highlights 16 items that experts agree are worth saving during your decluttering process. Understanding these can guide you to keep what matters most while creating a more organized space.
Family photo albums
Family photo albums hold memories you can’t replace. They tell your story and connect you to loved ones from different times.
When decluttering, keep albums that clearly show important moments or family history. If some photos lack context or meaning, it’s okay to remove or digitize them.
Organizing your albums can make revisiting memories easier and keep your space clutter-free. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Handwritten birthday cards
You might find handwritten birthday cards to be meaningful keepsakes. They capture personal messages and memories that digital notes can’t replace.
If space is a concern, consider scanning the cards. This way, you keep the sentiment without the physical clutter.
Another option is to save a few special cards that truly stand out. These can remind you of important moments and relationships.
Heirloom jewelry
Your heirloom jewelry holds more than value; it carries family memories. Professionals suggest keeping pieces that truly resonate with your personal history.
It’s okay to let go of items that no longer fit your style or space. Focus on preserving the jewelry you feel comfortable wearing or displaying.
If you find pieces you don’t want, consider selling them to make room for what matters most to you.
Children’s artwork
You don’t need to keep every piece your child creates. Choose a few favorites that show milestones or special memories.
Consider displaying some artwork or digitizing it to save space. This way, you honor your child’s creativity without overwhelming your home.
If your kids don’t want certain pieces, it’s okay to let them go. Keeping just a handful still preserves the best moments.
Wedding souvenirs
You might have some wedding souvenirs saved from your special day. These items often hold sentimental value and can remind you of important moments.
Focus on keepsakes that genuinely bring you joy or represent meaningful memories.
Avoid holding onto cheap or unused favors that clutter your space. It’s okay to let go of things that don’t add value to your life.
Favorite books with personal notes
If you want a simple way to jump-start your decluttering journey, you might find Marie Kondo’s Tidying Up helpful. It offers clear steps to decide what truly sparks joy for you.
Another great choice is Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff by Matt Paxton. It guides you to hold on to meaningful items while letting go of excess.
You may also like It’s All Too Much for straightforward, practical advice on living with less without feeling overwhelmed.
Special edition vinyl records
If you have special edition vinyl records, those are often worth keeping. They tend to be rarer and can hold sentimental or monetary value over time.
Organizing your collection alphabetically can help you manage them better. It makes it easier to find and appreciate your special pieces quickly.
Focus on keeping records that mean something to you or might be hard to replace. This way, your collection stays meaningful without becoming overwhelming.
Grandparent’s handwritten recipes
You’ll find that your grandparent’s handwritten recipes carry more than just cooking instructions. They hold family history and memories that can’t be replaced.
Keep these recipes safe in a dedicated box or album. You can also digitize them to preserve their content for years to come.
Sharing these recipes with family connects you across generations. They’re worth holding onto for both sentimental and practical reasons.
Travel souvenirs from memorable trips
You’ll want to keep souvenirs that truly capture the spirit of your travels. Choose items that are meaningful and bring pleasant memories, like a favorite piece of jewelry or a unique local craft.
Instead of holding on to everything, focus on souvenirs that serve a purpose or can be displayed, such as scarves used as table covers or posters you hang up. This way, your memories are both preserved and enjoyed.
Vintage wristwatches passed down
If you have a vintage wristwatch that’s been handed down, it’s worth taking a closer look. Swiss-made watches, especially mechanical or automatic ones, tend to hold more value.
Even if it’s not a famous brand, the watch could still be valuable if it’s in good condition and running well. Keep an eye out for markings like “Swiss Made” on the face or case back.
These watches often have sentimental and potential monetary value, so don’t rush to declutter them without checking.
Personalized gifts with sentimental value
You might find it hard to let go of personalized gifts because they carry memories of special people and moments. These items often represent more than just the object—they show thought and care from someone important to you.
Saving a few meaningful personalized gifts can help you maintain a connection to those memories without holding on to everything. Choose those that truly reflect your relationship or a significant experience. This way, you keep what matters and avoid clutter.
Signed copies of favorite books
You might have signed copies of books that hold special meaning to you. These are often worth keeping because the signature adds a personal connection or sentimental value.
Even if you don’t plan to reread them, these signed books can remind you of important moments or favorite authors. They take up little space but hold lots of memories.
Old letters from close friends
You might find old letters from close friends bring back meaningful memories. These letters often capture moments and feelings that you can’t reproduce today.
While decluttering, consider keeping those that truly remind you of important times or support.
If you want to save space, try organizing them in a scrapbook or a small box. This way, they stay safe without creating clutter.
Favorite cozy blankets
You’ll want to keep blankets that bring you real comfort. Choose ones that are soft, warm, and suit your style.
Look for throws made from quality materials like alpaca or plush fabrics. They last longer and feel great when you curl up.
A good organizer can help you store your blankets neatly. This keeps your space tidy while keeping your favorite cozy throws within reach.
Custom-made clothing items
You’ll want to keep custom-made clothing because these pieces often fit you perfectly. They can reflect your style in a way off-the-rack clothes might not.
Since they are unique, replacing them can be difficult or expensive. Holding onto these items ensures you have something special for important occasions or when you want to feel your best.
Religious or spiritual keepsakes
Your religious or spiritual items often hold deep personal meaning. These might be symbols, prayer books, or gifts from important moments in your faith journey.
Keeping these items can help you feel connected to your beliefs and values. When decluttering, focus on those pieces that truly inspire or comfort you. Letting go of excess allows your relationship with faith to feel clearer and more meaningful.
