The Top Five Reasons We Struggle to Let Go of Clutter

What is Clutter, and Why is it So Hard to Let Go?

Clutter is more than just having too much stuff. It’s when we start feeling overwhelmed by all the excess. When we’re surrounded by things that no longer serve us or bring us joy, it becomes clutter.

Many people assume that once they realize they have a clutter problem, it should be easy to get rid of it. But the truth is, it’s more complicated than that, and a lot of it has to do with what’s going on in our minds.

1. We Think We Have the Space for It

One of the biggest reasons we hold onto clutter is because our minds tell us we have space for it. Homes today, especially in the U.S., are much larger than they were in the early 1900s. We have garages, large closets, and even off-site storage units. So, it’s easy to think, “Well, I have room for this, so I’ll just keep it.”

The problem is that even if items are tucked away behind closed doors, our subconscious knows they’re there. We’re constantly keeping a mental inventory of these things, and it’s mentally exhausting. Instead of asking if you have the space for it, ask yourself, “Do I have the mental space for it?”

2. We Worry We’ll Need It Someday

Another reason we struggle to let go is the fear that we might need something in the future. It feels like we’re being resourceful by keeping things "just in case," even if we haven’t used them in years.

When we started decluttering, I held onto a lot of items with this mindset. But, after a few rounds of decluttering, I realized I hadn’t used those things at all!

When these thoughts creep in, try considering two things:

1. What is the actual monetary value of the item? Often, the things we hold onto “just in case” are inexpensive and could easily be replaced if needed.
2. Put the items on probation. Set a time limit, like a year or even a few months. If you haven’t used them by then, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to let them go.

3. We Lack the Time or Energy

For many of us, finding the time and energy to declutter is a real struggle. Whether it's due to chronic illness, a busy job, or just plain exhaustion, the idea of decluttering can feel overwhelming. But I want to remind you that even a small amount of progress is still progress.

Decluttering is like a snowball effect—the more you do, the more time and energy you’ll have. Start with one small area, like a drawer, and work from there. If you’re dealing with a chronic illness or decision fatigue, it might be worth hiring someone to help guide you through the process.

5. We Feel Guilty

Guilt is one of the most common reasons people hold onto clutter. Whether it’s an inherited item or a gift, we feel guilty getting rid of something because we think we’re disrespecting the person who gave it to us. Or, we feel guilty about wasting money on something we never ended up using.

If you’re holding onto clutter out of guilt, know that by keeping those items, you’re only allowing the guilt to fester. You don’t need to carry that burden anymore. You have permission to let go and move on.