Professional organizers tend to believe if you’re not using something, you should get rid of it immediately. The first step in creating an organized home is to purge items you don’t love and no longer use, but some things — like those that hold sentimental value — shouldn’t be thrown away. “If something is important to you, make a home for it,” says Ashley Murphy, co-founder of NEAT Method. “That being said, I recommend setting a limit for yourself.”
Whether it’s vintage books, letters from a loved one or a family heirloom, these items are worth keeping — especially if you have an emotional connection to them. Of course, moderation is key. “My trick is to decide how many storage bins full of sentimental items you feel good about storing in your space and then edit down to that quantity,” adds Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of Minimalist. “No negotiating. No buying more boxes. No exceptions.”
Meaningful books
Whether it’s a beloved childhood favorite, a first-edition novel or a book passed down from a loved one, sentimental stories deserve a spot in your home. “Books aren’t just for reading, they can be a beautiful part of your home decor,” says Nikki Boyd, professional organizer and author of Beautifully Organized. “A well-placed stack of meaningful books can add warmth and personality to any room.”
Helpful tip: If the cover of a book doesn’t match your aesthetic, swap it for a cover that does.
Important documents
Never discard financial and personal documents, including marriage and death certificates, adoption papers, custody agreements or the deed to your house. “Use a filing system or fire-proof safe to safely store important papers like a birth certificate, car title, vaccination records, etc., so you don’t accidentally throw them away,” says Murphy.
Keep in mind: You can toss old credit card statements, tax-related documents and utility bills, but you should shred documents that contain confidential information, like your social security number or home address.
Photographs, kids’ artwork and letters from loved ones
Most people enjoy looking back on family photos and reminiscing over handwritten notes or their children’s artwork, but these things can lead to messy piles. Keep a few of your favorite or most cherished items, then digitize the rest. “Take a photo and make a digital or printed album of items that don’t make sense to store,” says Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers. “Digital photo frames are a great way to keep the memories visible.”
“You don’t need to keep physical things to retain memories, meaning or connection — all of that exists inside you,” adds Gill. “Make a memory book filled with sweet stories and anecdotes that you can share and pass onto other family members. Trust me: they would much rather have a lovely book to look through than a dozen dusty cardboard boxes filled with miscellany.”
Beloved baby blanket
One thing professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal will never toss: “my daughter’s blanket that I brought her home from hospital in.” Most people form an emotional connection to their baby’s first blanket, so it’s perfectly normal to keep it. Rather than letting it sit in a box untouched, let your child play with it or upcycle it into something useful, like a pillow or quilt.
Vintage pieces
“Family heirlooms and vintage pieces are treasures that deserve to stay in the family,” says Boyd, who finds a way to use precious items in her daily life, rather than letting them sit in storage. “In my home, we love using the quilts my grandmother made in our media room. We love the thought that all her hard work still brings us so much joy today.”
Just because something is vintage, doesn’t mean you need to keep it forever. “Only hold onto heirloom pieces that are important and of value to you,” says Murphy. “Don’t feel pressured to keep something simply because it’s old. Say goodbye and let someone else give it new life.”
Items that don’t belong to you
When decluttering, never get rid of something that belongs to a family member. “Throwing away items without the owner’s consent is just a path to arguments and mistrust,” says Ann Lightfoot, founding partner of Done & Done Home. “Never throw away something behind a loved one’s back. We’re not talking about something like your toddler’s puzzle with missing pieces, but rather your husband’s collection of concert T-shirts.”
High-quality cookware
While some professional organizers argue that seasonal cookware isn’t worth holding onto, Boyd believes “these items can become a valuable part of your family traditions.” Find an intentional place to store your fancy dishes and serving pieces, so you can break them out when family comes over.
If you rarely use meaningful cookware, you can also find ways to give it new purpose — like turning an antique bowl into a planter.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
