Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff — A Fresh Perspective on Decluttering, Organizing, and Letting Go
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of your belongings—the closets packed to the brim, the boxes in the attic you haven’t opened in years, or the stacks of old photos collecting dust—you’re not alone. For so many of us, our homes quietly fill with pieces of our past until the stuff we’ve gathered begins to feel more like a burden than a blessing.
I recently read Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff by Matt Paxton, a decluttering expert you might recognize from shows like Legacy List or Hoarders. His book really struck a chord with me because it’s not just about organizing or clearing out rooms—it’s about honoring the memories tied to our things while making space for the life we’re living right now.
As a professional organizer, decluttering coach, and someone beginning to help clients sort through their photos and preserve special memories, I see people grappling with this emotional tug-of-war every day. The book offers some powerful takeaways that align beautifully with how I help people reclaim their space and peace of mind. Here are a few that stood out:
1. Your Stuff Doesn’t Define You
It’s easy to believe that holding onto our things keeps us connected to our past, but the truth is—your story lives in your memories, not your belongings. The love, laughter, and life lessons you’ve experienced are what truly matter. Our possessions might remind us of those moments, but they aren’t the legacy we leave behind.
2. Save the Sentimental for Last
Matt wisely suggests starting with the “easy stuff”—the clothes you no longer wear, the kitchen gadgets you haven’t touched in years—before diving into sentimental items. Building momentum this way helps strengthen your decision-making muscles so you’re ready when it’s time to face the tougher memories tucked away in those boxes of photos, keepsakes, and heirlooms.
3. Keep the Best, Let Go of the Rest
You don’t have to keep everything to honor someone’s memory. A handwritten letter, a favorite book, or a well-loved piece of jewelry can hold just as much meaning as a whole room full of their belongings. Choosing a few special pieces makes the memories even more powerful.
4. Take a Photo, Set It Free
One of my favorite tips—especially when it comes to childhood artwork, inherited furniture, or those piles of paper mementos—is to take a picture. Digitizing items allows you to keep the memory without sacrificing precious space. I’m learning just how powerful photo organizing can be, and it’s a great way to protect those memories while cutting down on the physical clutter.
5. Decluttering is About Gaining, Not Losing
So many people fear that letting go means losing something, but the opposite is often true. What you gain is space—physical, emotional, and mental—to focus on what truly matters today: your relationships, your health, your peace of mind.
6. If You’re Not Using It, It’s Time to Let Go.
Here’s a tough truth: if it’s been sitting untouched for over a year, chances are you don’t need it. And that’s okay. Passing it on—whether by donating or gifting it—can give those items a new life with someone who truly needs them.
7. Letting Go Can Be Healing
Our stuff is often tied to grief, guilt, or unresolved feelings. It’s natural to hold onto things because we’re afraid of forgetting or letting go of the past. But the act of sorting through it—with support—can be incredibly healing. It’s not about erasing memories, it’s about finding a way forward.
8. Design Your Space for Who You Are Today
Our homes should reflect the life we’re living now—not who we used to be. Letting go of the things tied to old versions of ourselves creates room for the hobbies, activities, and lifestyle that bring us joy today.
If any of this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re facing a big decluttering project, working through years of family photos, or just tired of feeling overwhelmed by stuff, I’m here to help. Together, we can find the balance between keeping the memories and creating a home that supports the next chapter of your life.
Ready to start? Let’s talk about how I can support you with organizing, decluttering, or sorting through those memories—because it’s never really just about the stuff. It’s about making space for what matters most.
