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Why decluttering is so hard—and how to start when you’re overwhelmed
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Spring is in the air—and with it, the itch to clear out the clutter. But if the thought of tackling that overflowing closet, chaotic junk drawer, or the mysterious room full of miscellaneous keepsakes makes you want to crawl back under a blanket, you’re not alone. Spring cleaning may feel like a fresh start, but decluttering can be surprisingly emotional—not just physically tiring but mentally and emotionally overwhelming. Decluttering can feel daunting, not just because of the physical labor involved but because of the mental and emotional hurdles that come with deciding what stays and what goes.
“Clutter is a lot of unmade decisions,” says Daina Benson, a professional organizer and director for the Hoarding Disorder Foundation of Alberta, Canada. “Things pile up because we don’t know what to do with them.”
On top of that, research suggests that clutter contributes to stress. According to Dr. Joti Samra, a Vancouver-based psychologist, cluttered environments are linked to higher levels of stress hormones, feelings of failure, and even relationship strain. While hoarding is recognized as a clinical disorder, any amount of clutter can impact mental well-being.
Why is it so hard to let things go?
Most people struggle to get rid of belongings for two main reasons: sentimental attachment and buyer’s remorse.
For sentimental items, we often assign emotional value to objects, seeing them as extensions of ourselves or reminders of special moments. “But when we feel sentimental about everything, it starts to sabotage our ability to live in a safe, functional space,” warns Benson. Holding onto an old outfit because it reminds you of a different time in your life, for example, can create unnecessary emotional clutter.
On the flip side, there’s buyer’s remorse—the reluctance to let go of something we bought but never really used. “We don’t want to feel like [something] was a waste of money, but it’s still a waste of money if it’s sitting in a box,” says Benson.
How to make decluttering easier
For those struggling with attachment, Benson suggests asking one key question: Is this item easy to replace? If it can be borrowed, repurchased for little cost, or found again easily, it is okay to let it go.
Decluttering can be particularly difficult for people who have experienced financial hardships or trauma—such as immigrants who arrived with very few possessions. In these cases, Benson advises treating the process with compassion rather than guilt or judgment.
She also helps grieving families declutter after losing a loved one. Her advice? Take it slow. “Honoring our loved one doesn’t mean keeping everything,” she says. Giving meaningful items to people who will appreciate them can be a powerful way to preserve memories.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s where to start
If you are staring at a cluttered space and have no idea where to begin, here are five expert-backed strategies to help you get started:
1. Make a plan
Before touching a single item, think about what you want the space to feel like. Write down your goal—this will keep you focused when decision-fatigue kicks in.
If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a short break. “It’s going to happen, and then you’re not going to be able to make good decisions,” Benson says. Just set a timer to make sure you return to the task at hand.
2. Break the job into small, manageable steps
Benson advises against emptying an entire closet or room all at once. Instead, tackle one small section at a time—one drawer, one shelf, one box. “Maybe you don’t have three hours, but you have ten minutes,” she says. “What could you knock off in ten minutes?”
3. Start with a low-stakes area
Decluttering emotional items like old letters or baby clothes can be overwhelming right away. Instead, Benson recommends starting with neutral spaces—like the kitchen—where items tend to have a clear function rather than emotional weight. Think of decluttering as a muscle: the more you use it, the easier it gets.
4. Plan an exit strategy for unwanted items
Getting rid of clutter is not just about sorting—it is about actually removing items from your home. Whether you donate, sell, or repair them, be sure to follow through. Avoid keeping “to donate” boxes for too long, as they often creep back into living spaces.
5. Reward yourself for your progress
Decluttering is work, and celebrating milestones is important. “Giving yourself a reward for finishing a room or a decluttering project is really important,” says Benson. Instead of buying more stuff, treat yourself to an experience: a coffee date, a long walk, or a movie night.
Creating a clutter-free mindset
Decluttering is not just about tidying up—it is about creating a home that supports your well-being. By approaching the process with kindness, patience, and practical strategies, you can transform your space without feeling overwhelmed.
So, the next time you hesitate to part with something, ask yourself: Is this serving me, or is it just taking up space? The answer might just be the motivation you need to let go.The post Why decluttering is so hard—and how to start when you’re overwhelmed first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.
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