Why it’s so hard to let go of childhood toys – and how to start

If you’ve ever opened a box in the loft and found your old Lego sets, dolls with straw hair, or that once-beloved teddy bear, you’re not alone. Many of us hold on to childhood toys long after we’ve grown up – sometimes for decades. Even when you’re actively trying to declutter or simplify your life, these are often the items that stop you in your tracks. You’ve moved house, cleared out wardrobes and kitchens… but the childhood toys stay. Why? Why do we hold on to childhood toys for so long? It’s incredibly common – and incredibly human. So please start with kindness to yourself and don’t give yourself a hard time. These objects may well be more than just toys. They can be containers of emotion, memory and identity. They might remind you of simpler times, of feeling safe, or of the dreams you once had. When you pick them up, you’re not just holding plastic or fabric – you’re reconnecting with a part of yourself you may not want to lose. Why is it so hard to let go? Maybe you’re worried that if you let go of the object, you’ll lose the memory too. But the truth is, the meaning doesn’t live in the object – it lives in you. Letting go isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about choosing which parts of it still support who you are today. When you see it that way, letting go becomes an act of self-care, not a sense of loss. How do you know it’s time to declutter these items? Here are a few signs to watch for:

• You’re moving house and need to make room for your emerging adult self
• Just storing the items triggers guilt, overwhelm or stress
• They’ve been in a box for years and you haven’t looked at them
• They represent a version of yourself you’ve outgrown
• You feel heavy – rather than happy – when you see them

These are signals that your belongings might be cluttering your emotions, not just your space. How to let go – with compassion, not guilt Letting go doesn’t mean being ruthless. It means being intentional, honest and kind with yourself. If you’re finding certain things hard to part with, try these suggestions:

• Honour the memory: Take a photo, tell the story, or write about what it meant to you
• Be selective: Keep one or two meaningful pieces instead of the whole box
• Reframe it: Letting go isn’t forgetting – it’s creating space for new memories
• Release the guilt: You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to move on. You’re allowed to make space – in your home and in your heart
• Pass it on: Develop a ‘pay it forward’ mindset and gift it to a child who may be in need

What if it’s your children who won’t let go? Sometimes it’s not your own toys that are hardest to part with – it’s theirs. For children, toys hold much more than play. They help make sense of the world, process emotions, and offer comfort, creativity and identity. Letting go can feel like losing a friend – so if they’re not ready, that’s okay. Instead of pushing, try gentle conversations:

• Let them choose: “Which one would you like to keep?”
• Take a photo together or write a note saying goodbye
• Talk about how they can pass on the joy to another child

Letting go is a life skill – and your calm, compassionate guidance helps them build it over time. A personal note I’ve kept a few small things from my own childhood too – a favourite book, a little wooden toy that reminds me of my early creativity. Even after years helping others let go, I know how emotional it can be. That’s why I always say: this work isn’t just about stuff. It’s about meaning, memory and identity. And remember, objects have been our companions. You don’t have to be hard on yourself. It’s more about being mindful and honest about what’s truly supporting the life you want to live now. If you’re struggling, try this Start small. Pick one thing. Pay attention to how it makes you feel now – not just what it meant back then. Ask yourself: “Does this uplift me today – or is it holding me back?” You don’t have to get rid of everything. But whatever you choose to keep should earn its place in your life – not just take up space in a box. I am not a minimalist. I encourage you to keep what still brings you joy and meaning – and gently let go of what weighs you down. The memories will stay with you, even without the objects. What do you cherish most from childhood?