Beyond the Baby Years: Clearing the (Heavy) Clutter with Alissa Henry (EP322)
The set up of this podcast conversation is slightly different than previous episodes. Alissa has been a previous guest on the podcast so we just jumped right into our topic: the struggle of infertility and the emotional process of letting go of baby items. In our conversation, Alissa discusses the mindset shift from holding onto hope to embracing gratitude for what she already has. She also emphasizes the importance of not feeling alone in this journey and encourages listeners to consider decluttering as a positive step forward. Many of you have reached out asking how to declutter those items you just can’t let go of - specifically baby items - and my hope is that this conversation provides some answers for you - even if your only takeaway is more confidently knowing that you aren’t alone.
How To Let Go Of Sentimental Baby Items
Letting go of sentimental baby items can be an emotional process, but it can also be a freeing one. We limit ourselves from the freedom of space in our home (and mind) when we hold on to everything. Here are some tried and true strategies to help you:
1. Identify Your Reasons for Letting Go
Clarity of purpose: Remind yourself why you want to part with these items—decluttering, moving, making space, or passing them on to someone who can use them.
Focus on the memories, not the items: The emotional attachment is tied to the memories, not the physical items themselves.
2. Start Small
Begin with items that have less sentimental value before tackling the deeply emotional clutter pieces.
Work through one box or drawer at a time to avoid overwhelm.
3. Create a Memory-Keeping System
Take photos: Capture pictures of the items that hold the most meaning to preserve the memories without keeping the physical objects.
Make a scrapbook: Include photos, notes, or stories about the items to honor their sentimental value.
Digital archives: Store these photos digitally for easy access.
4. Reframe Your Thinking
Celebrate the joy they brought: View letting go as a way of appreciating how much joy the items brought during their use.
Think of new life for the items: Imagine how the items can benefit others who need them, bringing happiness to another family.
5. Keep a Select Few
Limit yourself to a small, meaningful collection of keepsakes. Choose one or two special items to represent each stage of your baby’s early years.
Consider the phrase, “If every stuffed animal is your favorite, none of them are your favorite.” (substitute said item for stuffed animal)
Consider creating a "memory box" for these special items.
6. Donate or Pass Them On
Donate to charities, shelters, or families in need.
Give items to friends or family who might cherish and use them.
7. Upcycle or Repurpose
Transform the items into something new, like a quilt made from baby clothes or artwork incorporating small pieces of fabric.
This allows you to keep the sentiment in a more practical or compact form.
8. Seek Support
Talk to a friend or family member who understands the emotional attachment.
Sometimes sharing the memories associated with the items makes it easier to let go.
9. Take Your Time
This is a process; it’s okay to let go gradually.
If you’re unsure about certain items, set them aside with a deadline to revisit your decision.
10. Reflect on the Outcome
Acknowledge the progress you’ve made and the space you’ve created in your life.
Focus on the joy of making room for new memories and experiences.
“Letting go of sentimental baby items doesn’t mean you’re letting go of the love or memories associated with them—it simply means you’re making room for the future.”
About Alissa
Alissa Henry is the lifestyle reporter for Good Day Marketplace on FOX 28 working in front of and behind the camera.
She helped launch Good Day Marketplace in 2014 and the weekend edition of Good Day Columbus in 2013 as a feature and entertainment reporter. She started her career at the station as the CW Star in 2013.
In addition to her duties on Good Day Marketplace, she has been nominated for two Emmys as the host of The Cash Explosion Show airing weekly statewide across Ohio.
Born and raised in Columbus, Alissa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ohio University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a certificate in Political Communication.
Prior to working in television, she was a freelance political, pop culture, and personal finance writer with work appearing in various publications including WashingtonPost.com and NPR.com. She also worked as the social media manager for a winning mayoral campaign.
For fun, Alissa likes to do community service, discover family-friendly activities with her husband and son, read 100+ books a year, run 1,000+ miles, and post about it all on social media.
Links Discussed in This Episode
Order a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity
Substack: Minimalist Moms Podcast
NEW EBOOK | Let's Simplify: Newborn + Postpartum
Substack: Minimalist Moms Podcast
Connect with Alissa:
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