Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you struggle with the urge to hold onto everything. Whether it’s sentimental items, “just in case” objects, or things you’re convinced you’ll need someday, the process of letting go can be tough. However, with a thoughtful approach, you can work through this challenge and create a more organised, peaceful space.
Understand the Purpose of Your Belongings
Before you begin decluttering, ask yourself: Do I truly use this, or am I keeping it just in case? This distinction is important. Items you use regularly or that genuinely bring you happiness should have a place in your life. But if you’re holding onto something out of fear that you might need it one day, it’s time to assess the likelihood of that need.
For example, if you haven’t used your spiralizer in the last two years, it’s unlikely you’ll start now. On the rare chance you decide to make courgette spaghetti, consider this: Is it something you could easily and affordably replace in the future? While re-buying items isn’t a strategy for everything you declutter, recognising that most things are replaceable can ease the fear of letting go.
Declutter Slowly and Thoughtfully
Decluttering doesn’t need to be a one-day marathon. In fact, moving too quickly can make the process more stressful. Instead, give yourself time to evaluate each item. Create a “maybe” category for things you’re uncertain about. Revisit this category after a few weeks or months; you’ll often find it easier to part with items once you’ve had time to reflect.
Start in Non-Sentimental Areas
Begin decluttering in a space that feels easy for you, this is often the least sentimental area of your home. Kitchen drawers, bathroom cabinets, or even your pantry can be great starting points. Focus on genuine rubbish first: expired food, broken items, or anything that’s clearly unusable.
Getting rid of expired food or worn-out items builds momentum and helps you build confidence in your decision-making process. From there, you can tackle more challenging areas with less hesitation.
Address the Root Causes
If you find yourself holding onto everything, it’s worth exploring the deeper reasons behind this attachment. Are you holding onto things out of guilt, fear, or a scarcity mindset? Sometimes, the reasons for keeping clutter go beyond the physical items and are tied to emotional or psychological factors.
Speaking to a therapist can help you understand these underlying issues and provide tools to work through them. Decluttering isn’t just about clearing your space, it’s about shifting your mindset and finding freedom from the hold your belongings have on you.
Decluttering when you want to keep everything is a process that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. By starting with small, manageable steps, questioning the true value of your items, and addressing the emotional roots of your attachment, you can create a home that serves you better. Remember, every small decision to let go brings you closer to a calmer, clutter-free space and mind. Make sure you own you possessions and they don't own you.
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