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The Sentimental Person's Guide to Decluttering
Conquer Your Clutter Without Losing Your Nostalgic Memories How can you have the organized home of your dreams when you’re emotionally attached to almost all of your stuff? In The Sentimental Person’s Guide to Decluttering, Claire Middleton offers a plan that you can work through, step by step, to turn your home into the welcoming, roomy haven you’ve always dreamed of, filled with charm, personality… and none of the mess you live with now. In this book, Claire shares tips that will help you give up the bulk of your sentimental clutter while keeping your most precious treasures to use and display. Learn how to shrink your collections of nostalgic items Your children’s baby clothes and toys Mementos from your own youth Clothes you’ve kept for decades Heirlooms you inherited Books you’ve kept for years Holiday decorations And everything else that brings back happy memories. You don’t have to live with overflowing closets, an attic full of boxes and a basement packed with more of the same, just because it’s so hard for you to sort through and give up belongings linked to your past. The truth is, you CAN finally free yourself of clutter while keeping your most treasured belongings. Claire and her family gave up more than half their possessions when they downsized from their large family home to a much smaller house. She let go of things she’d been carrying around for most of her life, as well as treasured mementos from many years of raising her large family to adulthood. In this book, she spells out the steps a sentimental person can take to reduce their clutter while keeping their memories intact. Read The Sentimental Person’s Guide to Decluttering now, and start on the path to conquering clutter without giving up happy memories.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2017
388 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 13, 2018
This book is amazing! The author not only gives concrete, item by item help with letting go of sentimental items, but keeping them as well. And how sentimental people are different from those people who aren't. And how we shouldn't feel bad that we are. But it's also ok that those people aren't. I really appreciate this. I don't like books that shame me into thinking a have to get rid of everything I own. Sorry, that's not happening. But with this book I have learned great skills to choose what I can get rid of, sentimental or not, without feeling like a bad person for having feelings about things. She helps you decide to keep and use your favorite things rather than keep them in boxes in the attic. This book has helped me so much! I'm still struggling with sorting things from a recent move, and I re-read this book often. 5 stars!!
April 12, 2021
My favorite book on decluttering!
I have read quite a few books on decluttering but for me this one works the best. I have always been pretty good at organization of my stuff and whittling down most things, but, I have beloved family history items and favorite treasures from childhood I would like to deal with. I am 65. I don't need to hang on to all these items at this late stage. They have served their purpose. This book has helped me immensely in coming to terms with decision making when it comes to sentimental things. My books... I feel confident in downsizing after reading this book and am looking forward to less dusting, less boxes and more space in my senior years! More time to savor, less stuff. Yay!
I have read quite a few books on decluttering but for me this one works the best. I have always been pretty good at organization of my stuff and whittling down most things, but, I have beloved family history items and favorite treasures from childhood I would like to deal with. I am 65. I don't need to hang on to all these items at this late stage. They have served their purpose. This book has helped me immensely in coming to terms with decision making when it comes to sentimental things. My books... I feel confident in downsizing after reading this book and am looking forward to less dusting, less boxes and more space in my senior years! More time to savor, less stuff. Yay!
May 16, 2021
This is a wonderful guide for anyone who desperately needs to declutter, but gets stuck because they feel emotionally attached to their treasures. The author makes you feel ok about being sentimental- even proud to be someone who is sensitive and caring - while gently guiding you through the process of letting go of the possessions that are weighing you down.
The book can be a bit redundant and repetitive, but I believe that is because most of us sentimental types need to hear the messages in several different ways in order to let them sink in and take root.
Would highly recommend to those of us in the sandwich generation who are hanging on to our children’s belongings and helping our parents downsize. The “stuff” of life shouldn’t be a burden but a blessing. This book will help you make sense of it all.
The book can be a bit redundant and repetitive, but I believe that is because most of us sentimental types need to hear the messages in several different ways in order to let them sink in and take root.
Would highly recommend to those of us in the sandwich generation who are hanging on to our children’s belongings and helping our parents downsize. The “stuff” of life shouldn’t be a burden but a blessing. This book will help you make sense of it all.
May 10, 2019
TL;DR:
Marie Kondo's & other minimalists' books work wonders for those who aren't sentimental about 90% of their belongings. But for people like me, it takes 3 hours to get through maybe 2 bins/drawers of stuff - stuff that I KNOW I don't want anymore & want to get rid of, but I'm killed with decision fatigue, fear of regret, & guilt/worry by the end of it.
This one, however, really stays true to the title. It's been so helpful & enlightening to me, who has emotional attachment to more things than I should. If you're having trouble getting rid of things not because you simply like everything, but because you're so emotionally attached to them that you are filled with regret, guilt, shame, worry (etc.) when getting rid of them - this book will help you out.
---
This is less of a formal review & more of a thought-blurb. I also skipped/skimmed portions that didn't apply to me, such as children's belongings & family heirlooms. Regardless, I hope my thought process helps some people out!
As an ex-hoarder & recovering packrat, I've had a massive itch to minimize my belongings. Not to become minimalist - just to declutter & own less stuff in general. Some things have been easy, like selling every single piece of the massive Pikachu collection I had amassed during high school/college.
But other things I wanted to get rid of - primarily (1) figures/collectibles I had spent fortunes on collecting, & (2) expensive gifts that I was not only instructed not to sell, but also asked where it was every so often out of the blue... even if I wanted so badly to discard them, it hurt me mentally & emotionally just thinking about it. In the former case, I was fearful of regret, which I faced after selling my N64 (among other old or rare things, which now cost fortunes to re-obtain). In the latter case, it's the fear of guilt & causing uproar among the family.
(Funny enough, this author actually touches on how to handle items your loved ones tell you specifically to keep forever/not to get rid of. Advice I really needed!!)
So I know what I want to get rid of, & I've been doing the "spark joy" methodology for years before I even heard of Marie Kondo's works. My closet & bookcase are always on rotation because of this. But I was always stuck with the "sentimental" category, because the negative emotions always outweighed any good reason to toss them, even if they 100% do not spark joy.
My biggest issues lied in getting rid of stuff that had emotions, rarity, & other sentimental values attached to them. I could not stop asking myself "what if" because of all the times I did have regret & ended up re-purchasing things, nor could I separate the physical gift from the intentions of the giver. It's a lot of work weighing freedom from burden against trying to keep peace with your only family member.
(out of time to write more, will update/edit/shorten this later)
- I love her references to William Morris' quote about owning only things we find useful or beautiful.
- I also like that Claire's tone of voice isn't judgmental in the slightest. It's very encouraging, & she reminds readers often that you don't have to get rid of everything, and that it's okay to come back to something later if you're having trouble saying bye to it now.
Marie Kondo's & other minimalists' books work wonders for those who aren't sentimental about 90% of their belongings. But for people like me, it takes 3 hours to get through maybe 2 bins/drawers of stuff - stuff that I KNOW I don't want anymore & want to get rid of, but I'm killed with decision fatigue, fear of regret, & guilt/worry by the end of it.
This one, however, really stays true to the title. It's been so helpful & enlightening to me, who has emotional attachment to more things than I should. If you're having trouble getting rid of things not because you simply like everything, but because you're so emotionally attached to them that you are filled with regret, guilt, shame, worry (etc.) when getting rid of them - this book will help you out.
---
This is less of a formal review & more of a thought-blurb. I also skipped/skimmed portions that didn't apply to me, such as children's belongings & family heirlooms. Regardless, I hope my thought process helps some people out!
As an ex-hoarder & recovering packrat, I've had a massive itch to minimize my belongings. Not to become minimalist - just to declutter & own less stuff in general. Some things have been easy, like selling every single piece of the massive Pikachu collection I had amassed during high school/college.
But other things I wanted to get rid of - primarily (1) figures/collectibles I had spent fortunes on collecting, & (2) expensive gifts that I was not only instructed not to sell, but also asked where it was every so often out of the blue... even if I wanted so badly to discard them, it hurt me mentally & emotionally just thinking about it. In the former case, I was fearful of regret, which I faced after selling my N64 (among other old or rare things, which now cost fortunes to re-obtain). In the latter case, it's the fear of guilt & causing uproar among the family.
(Funny enough, this author actually touches on how to handle items your loved ones tell you specifically to keep forever/not to get rid of. Advice I really needed!!)
So I know what I want to get rid of, & I've been doing the "spark joy" methodology for years before I even heard of Marie Kondo's works. My closet & bookcase are always on rotation because of this. But I was always stuck with the "sentimental" category, because the negative emotions always outweighed any good reason to toss them, even if they 100% do not spark joy.
My biggest issues lied in getting rid of stuff that had emotions, rarity, & other sentimental values attached to them. I could not stop asking myself "what if" because of all the times I did have regret & ended up re-purchasing things, nor could I separate the physical gift from the intentions of the giver. It's a lot of work weighing freedom from burden against trying to keep peace with your only family member.
(out of time to write more, will update/edit/shorten this later)
- I love her references to William Morris' quote about owning only things we find useful or beautiful.
- I also like that Claire's tone of voice isn't judgmental in the slightest. It's very encouraging, & she reminds readers often that you don't have to get rid of everything, and that it's okay to come back to something later if you're having trouble saying bye to it now.
April 13, 2019
Claire Middleton offers a fresh perspective on looking at items for those who “suffer” from sentimentality. It went a long way toward reducing the guilt I have about getting rid of things.
April 19, 2024
My goal in reading this book was to alter my mindset and find a way to let go of stuff I don’t seem to ever use…and I achieved it! In fact, I feel motivated and empowered to begin my decluttering process. I like knowing that the reason I keep these things is because I’m sentimental and not due to a character flaw. Another helpful paradigm I gathered is that people who do not keep tons of stuff are Clean Sweepers. They feel just as uncomfortable keeping things as I do in getting rid of something. They are not necessarily cold people; they are just able to treasure the memory and move on without an object to occupy space. I also am giving myself grace that this may take years to complete, but I need to keep at it.
The book content is definitely 5 stars, but I could use some appendices of cheat sheets as I go through my belongings. She also lists many websites that were a goldmine. Please put those together in one place somewhere. That may seem harsh, but this would make this much more useful in the long term as I go back to reference important parts. I’m reading this electronically, so it’s not so simple as thumbing through the book for those little gems. I did highlight some things, but this should be provided in future editions.
The book content is definitely 5 stars, but I could use some appendices of cheat sheets as I go through my belongings. She also lists many websites that were a goldmine. Please put those together in one place somewhere. That may seem harsh, but this would make this much more useful in the long term as I go back to reference important parts. I’m reading this electronically, so it’s not so simple as thumbing through the book for those little gems. I did highlight some things, but this should be provided in future editions.
March 12, 2025
This book was PERFECT for me! I’ve read many books about decluttering and organizing a home, and author Middleton seems to have the same attachment issues with things that I have. And she’s raised a family, then downsized her home dramatically so she and her husband could live a more sustainable and enjoyable life without the baggage of caring for and maintaining TOO MUCH STUFF. That being said, she is not a minimalist rather believes we can keep our most precious sentimental items when we use, curate for display, or create smaller versions of them using photography and/or digital storage. I found her descriptions, categories, and tips to be instructive and comforting. She gets me! And I see her!
September 23, 2022
This book is okay, but I got more inspiration from reading books written by Joshua Becker and Marie Kondo. Clair Middleton has you making quilts out of everything or shadow boxes. To me, that is simply "leveling." You are not actually getting rid of anything, you are just putting it in a different place. I wish authors who write decluttering and minimalism books would get off the "donate to Goodwill" train. Goodwill is a for-profit organization, and there are many, many other places to donate your goods. Claire Middleton does make some suggestions, but mentions Goodwill many times. This book is 2 1/2 stars for me.
December 31, 2020
I was going to purchase this book since my library did not have it, but I was able to get through inter-library loan. I’m glad I did. It had many good points and made me think about stuff, but I don’t think I will need to read it again and again.
One good point...keep only stuff that fits your *current* lifestyle...I’m never going to have 12 people for a grand dinner (we don’t even have a dining room table) so I can get rid of that massive, pink tablecloth and matching napkins. I’m not going to work in corporate world again, so I can get rid of business suits and sensible pumps.
One good point...keep only stuff that fits your *current* lifestyle...I’m never going to have 12 people for a grand dinner (we don’t even have a dining room table) so I can get rid of that massive, pink tablecloth and matching napkins. I’m not going to work in corporate world again, so I can get rid of business suits and sensible pumps.
October 18, 2023
I really appreciated this book. I am having to go through my parents belongings now. There is an incredible amount of stuff and it includes things they saved from my grandparents and other special relatives, and things that were mine when I was younger. Keeping it all would be highly impractical and I wouldn’t really want to live that way. This book provides practical solutions for dispositioning sentimental items and more importantly, much good advice for how to put feelings of guilt or sadness at getting rid of such things in proper perspective.
December 30, 2020
My wife bought me this book because I am sentimental and do like to keep things that are reminders of past successes or good times. My wife, on the other hand, is borderline not-sentimental at all. So this book was a way to help us get to a middle ground (I hope).
Anyway, the book is pretty good. It reads quickly and there are sections that you can skips (like "baby clothes") should you not have those. As I said in my initial comment (see, not review, Nicole!) it's really meant for people who have houses full of boxes and such that are hard to navigate around. But there are some nice reinforcing thoughts, and there's a page that has suggestions for the person who is asking you to declutter. Took a pic of that!
Otherwise, an okay book.
Anyway, the book is pretty good. It reads quickly and there are sections that you can skips (like "baby clothes") should you not have those. As I said in my initial comment (see, not review, Nicole!) it's really meant for people who have houses full of boxes and such that are hard to navigate around. But there are some nice reinforcing thoughts, and there's a page that has suggestions for the person who is asking you to declutter. Took a pic of that!
Otherwise, an okay book.
June 18, 2023
This work may take time, so buy this book and START.
Middleton gives heart-felt advice to mentally prepare and an excellent plan to execute your declutter. Sentimental people struggle with the process. Our possessions, for whatever our reasons, have possession over US. The author will gently, non-judgementally guide us to a kinder, clearer, more realistic view of how we want to live in our space.
Middleton gives heart-felt advice to mentally prepare and an excellent plan to execute your declutter. Sentimental people struggle with the process. Our possessions, for whatever our reasons, have possession over US. The author will gently, non-judgementally guide us to a kinder, clearer, more realistic view of how we want to live in our space.
January 10, 2024
This is the book I needed to declutter properly. Middleton gives great advice on how to get rid of all the things sentimental people have been collecting. And she is right, why are we holding onto stuff that is stored in a box, we are not enjoying it hidden away. It helped me to look at all the stuff I had with fresh eyes and helped me to let go of a lot of it without any regret and keeping only the very best.
June 29, 2019
Good ideas
I liked this book because I'm a sentimental person with too much stuff. Claire was sensitive to that (being one herself) and made good, practical suggestions on how to keep precious things and let go of others. She also sited places to help move things along. Short chapters; easy to read in fits and starts ; good examples; valuable information.
I liked this book because I'm a sentimental person with too much stuff. Claire was sensitive to that (being one herself) and made good, practical suggestions on how to keep precious things and let go of others. She also sited places to help move things along. Short chapters; easy to read in fits and starts ; good examples; valuable information.
December 14, 2019
Helps teach logical approach to emotional decision
Easy to read. Sufficient real life examples to which the reader can relate. The ideas presented help the reader to sort out the whys for keep sentimental material things long past their usefulness. The author also offers reasonable alternatives to hanging on to these items.
Easy to read. Sufficient real life examples to which the reader can relate. The ideas presented help the reader to sort out the whys for keep sentimental material things long past their usefulness. The author also offers reasonable alternatives to hanging on to these items.
June 2, 2020
This book is a great basic guide for anyone who is new to decluttering, covering all areas of the home and heart. It addresses the sentimental attachment we develop to our things which make it difficult to let them go.
For me, it was repetitive of other books, and videos I have read and seen, so was not so useful ( thus the med rating)
For me, it was repetitive of other books, and videos I have read and seen, so was not so useful ( thus the med rating)
July 20, 2020
Some good ideas, esp about sentimental items. Repetition of much of the literature on decluttering with a few different/interesting takes. I have read a lot of these books, and just need lots and lots of repetition about the basics, which this book provides as well as new ideas about the hardest to deal with items.
June 16, 2021
I found this book to be an easy read (so many "de-cluttering" books seem to be very, well cluttered!). Middleton makes clear suggestions and follows her theme across all sorts of minefields for those of us who have a hard time letting go of so many things, all because of memories. I think these simple suggestions will prove useful. (owned print copy)
August 9, 2021
Spot on for me
This is the book I needed to help me break down my issue of clinging on to my past. I had a wonderful and thrilling 35 years of marriage but my husband died early. I hadn’t planned for that. I keep the things we collected together on our constant travels. The book gave me permission to give most of our things as well as his clothing.
This is the book I needed to help me break down my issue of clinging on to my past. I had a wonderful and thrilling 35 years of marriage but my husband died early. I hadn’t planned for that. I keep the things we collected together on our constant travels. The book gave me permission to give most of our things as well as his clothing.
October 15, 2019
Since I'm not a fan of the Kon Mari method (she's too harsh), I thought I'd read this book instead. The author has some good points and suggestions, and seems to really understand "the sentimental person's" struggles with parting with items. Baby steps...
June 22, 2023
There wasn't a lot of content in this book. And the author did repeat her messages several times. But I think that helped. I'm hoping I can take the advice in the book and let go of some of the things I've got! It will all go when I'm gone.
April 25, 2020
Great read
This was very helpful and informative . I used much of the information cleaning out my home. Must read book.
This was very helpful and informative . I used much of the information cleaning out my home. Must read book.
January 16, 2021
Very helpful and understanding of a true sentimental "pack rat" who needs to clean up & declutter their life. Inspiring for growth and change.
February 21, 2021
This was a fairly quick read, and I found it very helpful.
May 23, 2021
Encouraging
Very encouraging, with lots of good ideas on letting go & ideas of what to do with stuff that has been put away, and ways to display & enjoy!.Definitely a 👍💓
Very encouraging, with lots of good ideas on letting go & ideas of what to do with stuff that has been put away, and ways to display & enjoy!.Definitely a 👍💓
December 4, 2022
Lots of great tips!!
May 6, 2023
This is my kind of decluttering book!
June 24, 2023
Sensible, rational suggestions.
Just a few items can trigger happy memories, but too many items become a burden.
Just a few items can trigger happy memories, but too many items become a burden.
January 4, 2024
A helpful guide! I will definitely be making progress with my clutter
January 2, 2025
Well written and VERY helpful. This will be the year I let go and clear out all the stuff!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews