As an organizer, I try to reassure clients that they are not alone. I can say it with confidence because I often hear the same reasons people can’t get rid of items. Most people have good intentions when it comes to tackling clutter but when emotions get in the way it can be very difficult. Do any of these keep you from clearing the clutter in your own home?
Guilt
Guilt is the number one reason people hold onto items they no longer need, use or want. The feeling of guilt is often misguided when it comes to clutter. Your home should be a place to come home to at the end of the day that is peaceful and free of clutter. If guilt prevents you from letting go of something think about how that affects you and your environment. Guilt is not a reason to keep something, if you don’t love it, use it or need it, let it go!
Regret
Regret and “what if” go hand in hand. What if I need this later? What if I find the missing part? Do you say to yourself I may need that but in reality you never do? Regret in any area of your life is not healthy but especially when it comes to clutter. Once you simplify you will be amazed how little regret you have to worry about in your home.
Financial
Paying a lot of money for something is not a reason to keep it. If you own expensive shoes but they hurt your feet every time you wear them consign them and say goodbye. Your home should only have items you need, use and love, even if you paid a lot of money for it!
Gifts Received
Gifts people receive but don’t use, like or want is another big reason for clutter in the home. Holding onto an item because you might hurt someone’s feelings, you fear what someone will think or out of guilt as we discussed earlier can prevent you from living a simple clutter-free life. Just because someone gives you a gift does not mean you need to keep it. If you don’t use it, like it or need it, let it go.
Children
Is your home becoming a storage unit with the hope someone will want something one day? Many people hold onto items with the thought their adult children or grandchildren may want it even if they do not have space to store it. I can tell you from my experience that is a rare occurrence. The latest generation of twenty and thirty-somethings are living different lives with fewer things and smaller homes. It never hurts to ask the question“do you want this” but if the answer is no, then its time to let go.
If any of these five things sound like they are keeping you from living in an organized clutter free space its time to make a change and its one you will never REGRET!
