Why is Decluttering so Hard (Expert Answer!)

Decluttering can seem like a daunting task. Getting rid of old things can not only be labor-intensive, but it can also be hard to let go of sentimental items.

Here at Miss Organized, we discuss the power of organizing and how to utilize it to help you lift the stress of a cluttered house. 

As an organizer for almost 20 years, I (Tracy Paye) have for better or worse the opportunity to understand why people keep things, and finally how to let them go. 

Over the years I have been met with many daunting projects that have helped me understand where the sentimental effect of items ends and the hoarding begins.

Let’s start with an example, if you are a parent and are looking forward to having grandchildren one day you may want to hang on to old toys so your grandchildren can play with them.

This is a beautiful thing and can reduce the waste that is produced, but it can go one step further if you are holding on to a bazillion toys and they are cluttering up your home and mind.

We need to learn what your goals are and how you can overcome the fear of throwing things away!

Wardrobe closet organization

So, why is decluttering so Hard?

This really comes down to what clutter you have. If you have a lot of bowls or plates, or sports equipment then it is the value of those that are hard to get rid of. 

And no, I am not talking about the monetary value, but more the sentimental value. The reason why it is so hard to get rid of things comes down to either thinking you may use it again, (you probably won’t!) and not wanting to get rid of what that item means to you.

How do I stop being Overwhelmed when Decluttering?

Well, this is difficult to get past. It is always hard to get rid of things without any hesitation. The best move of advice that I have is to do things all at once. If you try to declutter piece by piece you will find it harder and take a lot longer.

By dedicating a full day to decluttering then you won’t have much time to think and hesitate about throwing things away.

You can also donate a lot of the things you are potentially decluttering. This is a great way to not feel as bad as you might feel and give furniture, silverware, old toys a new life.

Instead of filling up your trash can and landfills, there are loads of people out there that need the very thing you are getting rid of. 

It will make you feel a  lot better about it all if what you are getting rid of is going to a family that needs it!

What to get rid of what to keep?

This is always the toughest decision when thinking about decluttering. It is often why many people just give up and decide not to declutter. Figuring out what you want to get rid of and what you want to keep requires a lot of emotion.

There is always that rule that says if you haven’t worn it, used it, or looked at it in 6 months then it is time to get rid of it. 

This is a great rule of thumb, but it isn’t the whole picture, if there is something that has a lot of sentimental value to you, then obviously keep it! 

We just don’t want you to be keeping everything and making up sentimental value for items when there is none there. Think about it hard, if you aren’t going to miss it then you should definitely just get rid of it.

Tips to Decluttering More and Thinking Less

This is a lot easier said than done, but there are a few things you can do to make the decluttering and organizing process go a bit quicker. 

Get some friends or family to help you out!

Oftentimes, having a second opinion can help out a ton. If your second opinion doesn’t have any attachment to any of your things then they can give you an honest and brutal answer for everything.

This can make the whole process a bit less daunting and easier. So, I would definitely ask for a hand when you are thinking of decluttering!

Hire a Profesional Organizer

A professional organizer's whole job is to help you declutter and organize your space. By hiring a professional organizer decluttering is a breeze. They can help you not only get rid of old things you don’t need or aren’t using but they can also keep your space organized.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing then a professional organizer may be exactly what you need to get your space back together! You might even want to try a whole new level of decluttering after organizing your home!