Decluttering with Heart:
5 Types of Clutter
Decluttering goes beyond just physical items—it’s tied to emotions, habits, and memories. If you’ve ever helped someone organize their space, you’ve likely witnessed their struggles with feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or even guilty about letting things go.
Clutter often carries more than just material weight; it holds personal history, aspirations, and emotional connections.
Approaching the process with patience and understanding is essential. Some people need gentle reassurance, while others benefit from practical guidelines to aid their decisions.
Below are common clutter categories and strategies to help clients—or yourself—progress at a comfortable pace.
Common Types of Clutter
1. The “I’ll Fix It Someday” Clutter
Holding onto broken items often stems from good intentions. Maybe it was expensive, or perhaps they genuinely planned to repair it. But if it’s been sitting untouched for months (or even years), it’s time to ask:
- Is it actually worth fixing?
- What has stopped it from being repaired so far?
- Would it truly be used if it were fixed?
More often than not, broken items linger out of guilt rather than necessity. Some clients feel wasteful discarding them, while others associate them with unfinished tasks.
Reassure clients that letting go of broken items isn’t wasteful—it’s about making space for things that truly serve them. If repair isn’t realistic or worthwhile, it’s time to say goodbye.
If eco-consciousness is the concern, suggest looking into recycling or donation options for parts and materials to help ease the guilt of letting go.
2. The “But I Used to Use It” Clutter
Items that once served a purpose can be the hardest to part with. Whether it’s outdated workout gear, crafting supplies, or materials from a former career, these items often represent past identities. Letting go can feel like closing a chapter, which can be emotionally challenging.
To help, introduce the 3.6.5 Rule—if they haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s time to reassess its value. Ask:
- Does this item reflect who you are today or who you used to be?
- Would keeping it actually encourage you to start using it again, or is it just a reminder of a past interest?
If sentimentality is a factor, suggest setting a realistic deadline. If they don’t engage with the hobby within the next three months, it’s time to donate or sell the supplies. This approach allows them to part with items on their own terms rather than feeling pressured.
3. The “I Might Need It Someday” Clutter
The “just in case” mindset is one of the toughest habits to break. Clients often hold onto things out of fear that they might need them in the future. While keeping a few essentials makes sense, holding onto everything “just in case” can create unnecessary stress and clutter.
Encourage them to rethink their reasoning by asking:
- If I truly needed this, wouldn’t I have already used it?
- Would I even remember I had it when the time came?
- Is keeping this item bringing me peace of mind or just taking up space?
Help them focus on practical preparedness. If they’re keeping things for “one day,” guide them in identifying what’s genuinely useful versus what’s simply holding them back.
Sometimes, just knowing they could repurchase an item if necessary makes it easier to let go now.
4. The “But It Was Such a Good Deal” Clutter
Impulse purchases often lead to clutter, especially when clients justify keeping items because they got them at a discount. The logic goes: I got this for 70% off—I can’t just get rid of it! But if it’s unused and simply taking up space, the price paid doesn’t determine its value.
A helpful way to shift their mindset is to ask:
- If this weren’t on sale, would you still have bought it?
- Do you actually need this, or was the discount the only reason you purchased it?
Encourage clients to focus on value, not price. A truly great deal is something they use, love, and benefit from—not just something that happened to be cheap. Helping them break the cycle of emotional spending can also prevent future clutter.
5. The “I Feel Bad Getting Rid of It” Clutter
Sentimental clutter can be the most emotionally charged category. Gifts and inherited items hold deep personal meaning, making them hard to part with. Many clients feel that letting go of a gift is disrespectful or dishonors the giver—but keeping something out of guilt only adds stress.
Help clients reframe their thinking with these reminders:
- Relationships aren’t built on material possessions.
- A gift’s purpose was to bring joy—if it no longer does that, it has fulfilled its role.
- Letting go of an item doesn’t mean letting go of the memory.
If they’re struggling, suggest an easier first step: take a photo before donating or passing it on. A digital collection of sentimental items can help them feel at peace while freeing up physical space.
For inherited pieces, remind them that keeping one meaningful item is more valuable than holding onto everything out of obligation.
If guilt remains a major obstacle, suggest a family discussion—offering items to relatives first can ease the difficulty of letting go.
The Power of Follow-Up & Support
Decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. For many, it’s not just about tidying their home; it’s about shifting habits and redefining their relationship with possessions. Providing ongoing support can be the key to long-term success.
Ways to help in the long run:
- Offer follow-up sessions – Checking in every few months can help keep them accountable.
- Encourage maintenance habits – Suggest small seasonal decluttering challenges.
- Create a system for future purchases – Helping them implement a “one in, one out” rule can prevent new clutter from accumulating.
Most importantly, remind them that decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything—it’s about keeping what truly serves them. When they shift from fearing loss to valuing what remains, they’ll find more peace in their space.
A Little Help Goes a Long Way
Decluttering is about creating spaces that support and inspire. Whether you’re assisting clients or organizing your own home, small mindset shifts can lead to lasting change.
By approaching decluttering with empathy, encouragement, and a touch of humor, you can make the process feel less overwhelming—and more rewarding—for everyone involved.
