This week’s newsletter continues with part two of a new conversation series. I speak with experts in their field covering suggestions, tips and examples from their life and with their clients regarding a universal topic many can relate to. Following our chat, you’ll find the usual journaling prompts and offerings related to our conversation.
I was thrilled to speak with Professional Organizer and declutter extraordinaire, Aurelia Duke, founder of Clutter Cutter. To view the first part of our conversation, go here
Reviewing it will give you a good sense of Aurelia’s technique and recommendations which you can adjust as we incorporate this next piece- sentimental objects!
Giving this topic its own space is intentional. The last post was about starting the process and now we go deeper, going through the objects that hold the most emotion for us.
It’s personal for me.
My mom passed away ten years ago. She lived in the same house for over thirty years and was a collector. There was a lot to go through after her death.
I still remember taking the train out to my hometown to go through her things. It was a long and emotionally draining process. Yes, there were moments of awe, of appreciation and remembering AND I often left her home feeling exhausted.
My brothers and I shared the work. Sometimes we were at her house at the same time, but often we weren’t. Looking back, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish given our immense grief at the time.
Though I didn’t have the space for it, I wanted to keep more of Mom’s things than I needed to, early on (hello storage unit).
As time goes by, it’s becoming easier for me to step back, really take in the words Aurelia shares below, and make a healthy choice for each item going forward. Some of the objects have already been let go of, if that’s what was needed, and there’s more work to do.
This is not work I could have done immediately following Mom’s death.
Even if parts of the conversation and questions below feel too soon for you, you can still learn more and start to consider the objects you have that hold sentimental value, especially objects tied to the loss of a loved one.
As always, look to the end of the post for journaling prompts.
In addition to sentimental objects, Aurelia speaks about how her clients feel after they’ve organized and decluttered.
Let’s jump in with the last piece of our conversation!
Jennifer Zarin (JZ): What about sentimental objects or, as you refer to them, memorabilia?
Aurelia Duke (AD): Memorabilia is its own separate category, and a really emotional one. I always recommend setting those items aside during the first round of decluttering. Don't get stuck there.
You need to build momentum with the easier decisions first. When you’re ready to tackle memorabilia, it requires a slightly different mindset—one that honors grief, memories, and emotional attachment, without letting the object itself hold you hostage.
When it comes to sentimental items, it’s important to remember that your memories don’t live inside the objects themselves. They live in you. Sometimes creating a memory box or taking photos of special objects can help you honor the memory without having to keep everything. It's about preserving meaning, not clutter.
JZ: Taking pictures is one thing that helped me – and still does- after my mom passed away.
My mom didn’t know she was going to die, as it was sudden. I wonder if she would have started the work of decluttering on her own if she had. I would have been happy to help! It can feel daunting.
What about your work with older adults? How it is for them after they’ve gone through the process of decluttering and organizing with you?
AD: I work with a lot of older clients, many of whom are preparing for the later stages of life. For them, decluttering isn’t just about space, it’s about peace of mind. They want to make things easier for the people who will eventually handle their estates.
JZ: Overall, what do you notice with clients of all ages? Any last words in support of this work?
No matter their age or stage in life, I’ve noticed that when clients begin letting go of what they no longer need, something shifts. There’s often a visible lightness—like they can finally breathe again.
It’s such a privilege to witness that transformation, both the physical space changing, and the emotional weight lifting.
JZ: I feel a lot less anxiety in my home since we worked together. It’s easier to both live and work here, and so much healthier for our son.
Thank you again, Aurelia, for taking the time to speak with me. I’m excited to share your prompts for working with sentimental objects and memorabilia!
*To learn more about Aurelia Duke, go here: https://cluttercutter.space*
PROMPTS
From Aurelia:
-What am I holding onto out of guilt or obligation? Write about the items that carry emotional weight or stories tied to someone else's expectations.
-What memory am I afraid of losing if I let go of this object? Explore if you can separate the memory from the item. How else can you preserve and honor your memories?
From Journal Your Path:
-Write about how it might look to let go of some of the items that are weighing you down. What would you gain from the extra space, whether emotional, physical or both?
-Write about letting go of some of the sentimental items you sense it’s time to shed. Write as if you’ve done this- they’ve been donated, discarded or sold. Write how you feel NOW after completing this step.
After your write: Whether you chose one or all of the above prompts, read over what you wrote, and write a reflection. Start with any of the following sentence starters, answering all that you’d like. As I read this, I’m aware of…I’m curious about…my questions (if any) are…I’m surprised by…the next step for me is.
Words from the Therapist in me (yes, I’m also a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist:):
Schedule in blocks of time to begin going through your sentimental items/memorabilia. Working in increments of ten plus minutes at a time can add up!
Since this work can be (more) draining, make sure you have support!
Ask yourself what kind of support you need and want. You might journal about this too, which could include making a list of your ideal support systems and people in place as you do this work.
Here are a few ideas:
-An attuned Professional Organizer.
-A great therapist you feel comfortable talking to about decluttering sentimental (and other) objects.
-A supportive friend and accountability buddy. You get to decide how this person supports you. If you’re both decluttering on your own, even if it’s a friend in another state, across the country or another nation, how will you show support on a daily or weekly basis? What will be most helpful?
-A supportive family member. If it’s someone you live with and you’re both working to create more space in your home, make sure you have another person in addition to them. Yes, you’re working on a similar goal AND having an outside person who doesn’t live with you can give you another perspective.
What prompt(s) do you feel the most energy toward today?
We love hearing from you! Please share in the comments- a part of your reflection write, what prompt you’re excited to explore, and other thoughts. Let’s encourage and support each other as we create more space in our lives!
I appreciate you:).
Each time you like, comment, and share this post, it helps the Journal Your Path community grow and reaches more people!
Till next time,
Jennifer
Great questions/prompts. Starting with journaling is a great idea, as it must have been super hard to declutter an entire home rather than rushing through the process and getting stuck later on.
GREAT timing. I lost my mother about 10 years ago, too. When I found myself sorting through our family items alone, I paused. This was too painful on my own. Everything took on a confusing value. I became overwhelmed and so did my storage.
I am finding that writing the memories - highlighting the value of the experiences and their relationship to the objects- refreshes my heart and allows me to part with physical items.
In that process, I became the witness I had craved. I am surprised by the intimacy it generated.
I appreciate the phrasing about memorabilia as honoring grief. It takes it away from the idea that it's "just shwag."