6 things almost everyone has trouble decluttering

Decluttering our homes should be easy: If you don't need something, you simply let it go — right? That is much easier said than done, especially when it comes to items that tug at the heartstrings, like photographs and letters.

But trashing something isn't the only option. There are many ways to get a handle on clutter and keep favorite pieces and sentimental items.

Here are six things people tend to have the hardest time saying goodbye to — plus how to let them go.

1. Schoolwork, old notebooks

We all fall into the trap of hanging onto schoolwork and notebooks with the mistaken idea that someday, at some point, we may need the information in those pages.

Do a quick skim of any notes or essays you've been saving for useful information, then bid them farewell. If there is anything you really want to keep, use a note-taking app to scan the document and store it virtually. That way, it won't be taking up precious space in your basement, and you can actually access it when you need to.

2. Books

If your book collection numbers in the hundreds, you may want to start choosing favorites. Start by sorting into three piles: books to keep, books to donate and books with colorful spines that could be used decoratively to fill open shelving.

Keep anything that has a sentimental inscription, priceless vintage finds and favorites that you love to revisit. If dropping a box of well-loved novels in a donation bin feels too impersonal, set up a Little Free Library outside so neighbors can "shop" your shelves — plus, you never know what new favorites others may leave.

3. Photos

There are a few ways to organize a photo collection, weed out unnecessary shots and protect favorites. There are companies that can scan and digitize everything from old photos and scrapbooks to letters, film reels and audio files, guaranteeing that if it's special to you, it can be saved. Keep the digital files safely online, or share them with loved ones by making a tangible book that you can put together online.

4. Appliance manuals

Instead of keeping stacks of manuals, create a folder online dedicated to manuals and warranties, then go through the files one by one to determine your needs. Anything that you can find online, download digitally and save to your drive, then trash the real-life version. Anything that you can't find a virtual copy for, scan it and add it that way.

5. Heirlooms

Instead of stashing delicate items (think: World War II mementos from Grandpa or your great-aunt's silk scarves) in a box in the attic never to be seen again, opt for a solution that keeps them protected, organized and on display.

There are companies that can expertly highlight sentimental items with shadowboxes and frames to protect pieces with museum-worthy precision while making for a gorgeous piece of home décor. Bonus: This could even be a solution for those art class masterpieces from your mini Picasso that you just can't bear to part with yet.

6. Greeting cards

Keep any cards that boast a sweet handwritten message from a loved one, and part with the ones that only have a signature and nothing more. The thought was there, but Hallmark doesn't need to take up any more room in your home.