What's Holding You Back from Decluttering?
Decluttering is one of the best things you can do for your mental health and well-being. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, boost mood and confidence, enhance creativity and productivity, promote healthy habits and well-being, and more.
But if decluttering is so good for us, why is it so hard to do? Why do we struggle to let go of things we don’t use or love? Why do we keep things that make us unhappy, frustrated, or overwhelmed?
The truth is, decluttering is not just a physical process, but also an emotional one. It involves making decisions, facing fears, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with feelings. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it’s definitely worth it.
In this blog post, I’ll share some of the most common obstacles to decluttering and how to overcome them. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro at decluttering, I hope these tips will help you clear the clutter and create a space that you love and use.
Obstacle #1: Keeping items “just in case”
This is a big reason many people struggle to declutter. You have things you don’t use or love but keep “just in case” you need them sometime in the future. Or you worry that if you get rid of something, you’ll regret it or need it later.
How to overcome it:
Be realistic and honest with yourself. How likely are you to use or need the item? When was the last time you used it? Do you have a specific and realistic scenario in mind when you would use it? If not, let it go.
Trust that you’ll be able to find a solution if you ever need the item again. You can borrow, rent, buy, or improvise something else. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from decluttering.
Remember that the cost of keeping clutter is higher than the cost of replacing something. Clutter takes up space, time, energy, and money. It can also affect your mental health and well-being. Is it worth keeping something “just in case” at the expense of your happiness and peace of mind?
Obstacle #2: Keeping items to use “someday”
Another reason many people struggle to declutter is keeping things they plan to use “someday”. You usually have good intentions of using the item, but often never get around to it. For example:
Books you want to read but never do
Clothes you want to wear but never fit
Hobbies you want to try but never start
Projects you want to finish but never complete.
How to overcome it:
Be realistic and honest with yourself. How likely are you to use or do the item? When will you use or do it? Do you have a specific and realistic plan or deadline? If not, let it go.
Prioritize what matters most to you. You can’t do everything or have everything. You have to choose what’s important and meaningful to you and let go of the rest. Don’t keep things that don’t align with your values or goals.
Take action now. If you really want to use or do something, don’t wait for “someday”. Make time for it now. Schedule it in your calendar, set a reminder, or join a group. Don’t let procrastination or perfectionism stop you from decluttering.
Obstacle #3: Keeping items out of guilt
A common reason many people struggle to declutter is keeping items out of guilt. You may feel guilty for getting rid of things that:
Were gifts from someone
Were family heirlooms or antiques
Cost a lot of money
Have sentimental value
How to overcome it:
Remember that things are not people. You can get rid of things without getting rid of the memories or relationships attached to them. You can honor the person or the occasion without keeping the item.
Remember that things are not obligations. You don’t owe anything to anyone for giving or leaving you something. You have the right to decide what to keep or get rid of in your own space. You don’t have to please anyone but yourself.
Remember that things are not wasted. You can donate, sell, recycle, or repurpose things that are still useful or valuable. You can give them a new life or a new home where they will be used or loved more.
Obstacle #4: Feeling overwhelmed by clutter
The last reason many people struggle to declutter is feeling overwhelmed by clutter. You may feel overwhelmed by:
The amount of clutter in your space
The time and effort required to declutter
The decisions and emotions involved in decluttering
The lack of support or guidance for decluttering
How to overcome it:
Start small and simple. Don’t try to declutter your whole space in one go. That can be daunting and discouraging. Instead, start with one area, category, or item at a time. You’ll be more likely to finish what you start and feel motivated to continue.
Build in structure and accountability. Don’t declutter whenever you feel like it or have some spare time. That can be inconsistent and ineffective. Instead, set a specific time and date for decluttering and stick to it. You can also enlist the help of a friend, family member, or professional organizer to keep you on track and make the process more fun.
Follow a method or system. Don’t declutter randomly or haphazardly. That can be confusing and frustrating. Instead, follow a method or system that works for you and your space. You can use the popular KonMari method, the four-box method, the 15-minute rule, or any other technique that helps you declutter with ease.
Decluttering can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. By identifying and overcoming the obstacles that hold you back from decluttering, you can clear the clutter and create a space that you love and use.
I hope this blog post has helped you understand why decluttering is hard and how to make it easier. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy decluttering!