The Core of Decluttering
UNDERSTANDING WHY WE CLUTTER
For many of us our homes have become a reflection of our inner lives - filled with memories, desires, and sometimes, a lot of unresolved emotions. But why is it so hard to let go of things? What is it about our belongings that makes us cling onto them, long after their purpose has passed? - At the heart of it all, the answers lie within you, carried in your emotions, your inner world, and the meaning you have given to your own stories. - Understanding these layers is the first step to freeing ourselves from the weight of clutter.
The Emotional Attachments
It’s amazing how a simple object can carry so much emotional weight. For instance I have a pair of jeans that I know will never fit me again and they are well past their use by date, but I think one day I just might, all because those jeans got me through a tough break up and made me stronger.
This emotional attachment is one of the biggest reasons we struggle with clutter. Our belongings become more than just things, they become symbols of our experiences, our relationships, and our identity.
The challenge comes when these emotional attachments prevent us from living fully in the present. It’s one thing to keep a few meaningful items; It’s another to hold onto everything out of fear that letting go will somehow diminish our memories. - Our memories live within us, not within the object. What I find that works for me is taking a photo of that item and putting it in an album with a little caption so that you can preserve the memory and look back on it whenever you feel the need.
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting, it just means you’re making room for new experiences, new memories, and a new chapter.
A Comfort in Keeping Things Close
Beyond our emotional attachments, there’s another quiet reason clutter builds up — the comfort it gives us. Sometimes the things we hold onto feel like a safety net, a way of bubble wrapping ourselves against whatever life may bring. In those moments, our belongings become more than objects; they act like a soft blanket of reassurance, reminding us we’re prepared, protected. For instance I have been carrying around an apple desktop computer for over 10 years the last 2 years I have not used it let alone the years before that it was barely used, but because it has all my photos and documents on it I’ve always been reluctant to let go of it in the fear I’ll lose everything on there, even though it’s as simple as backing it up.
This fear is so common. We keep things because we are afraid of the ‘unknown’ the “what if” of not having what we need when we may need it. But really this need for security can create a different kind of weight. Instead of feeling safe or prepared, we often end up feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff we’re trying to manage on top of everyday life.
For many of us, clutter can also act as a distraction. When life feels overwhelming or out of control, holding onto things can bring a strange sense of comfort. It gives us something to focus on, something we feel we can control when everything else feels uncertain.
I’ve noticed this pattern not only in myself but in others too. For example, some people start accumulating clothes, or sometimes items they once couldn’t afford or weren't allowed to have. On the surface, it might feel like a way of making up for lost time or giving ourselves a sense of worthiness. But over time, those clothes pile up the cupboards or shelves, and the space begins to feel just as heavy as the emotions we were trying to soothe.
Recognizing this need to cling to clutter is an important step in breaking that cycle. It’s about gently seeing that our belongings aren’t truly bringing us peace — they may actually be holding us back. Once we acknowledge this, we can begin to face the deeper fears and anxieties that fuel our need to hold on. It’s not always easy, but it’s a powerful step toward creating a space that supports our well-being and feels lighter to live in, not just for our families or the people around us, but for you.