Beliefs and Biases that Make Decluttering a Challenge

Our beliefs and biases are mental shortcuts that are meant to protect us, but they can make decluttering a challenge when we find it too difficult to make a decision to get rid of unnecessary things.

Decluttering isn't just about the stuff, the physical objects that are cluttering your home, it's about the thoughts and beliefs that shape our decisions about those things. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about letting things go, you’re not alone. The truth is that our minds are full of stories that can make decluttering feel harder than it needs to be.

• “I might need this someday.”

• “It was a gift, so I should keep it.”

• “If I let this go, I’ll end up regretting it.”

Sound familiar?

These kinds of thoughts are called limiting beliefs and cognitive biases. They are mental shortcuts meant to protect us - but often, they keep us holding onto things we no longer need, use, or love. The good news? When you start to gently question these beliefs, you free up more than just physical space, you open the door to peace, clarity, and confidence.

Below, we’re exploring those tricky thoughts that get in the way of making decisions. You’ll find short, supportive insights and actions to help you:

• Spot the beliefs that are keeping you stuck.

• Shift your mindset with kindness.

• Take simple, doable actions.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to do it all at once. You just have to start by getting curious. Let’s make space—inside and out - for the life you’re ready to live.

The "I might need this someday" Belief

Have you ever kept something “just in case”? You’re not alone. But here’s a thought: What if ‘future you’ doesn't need the item, but does need more space, less stress, and easier decisions? Look at one “someday” item and ask:

• Would I go out and buy this again?

• Has it already lived a full life?

Let it go, and trust that if you truly need it again, you’ll find a solution.

The Sunk Cost Fallacy – The Money’s Already Spent."

"I paid good money for this!” Sound familiar? That’s the sunk cost fallacy talking. The money’s gone whether you keep the item or not. Keeping the item doesn’t get your money back - it just takes up space.

Letting it go is reclaiming peace, not wasting money. What’s one item you’re only keeping because of what it cost?

Identity Bias – "But that’s who I used to be."

Clothes, books, tools, craft supplies … sometimes we keep things that fit a version of ourselves that we’ve outgrown. That’s identity bias. Pick one item and ask:

• Does this represent who I am now — or who I used to be?

Letting go doesn’t erase the past. It makes room for who you’re becoming.

The Guilt Item

Gifts, heirlooms, and well-meaning hand-me-downs can come with strings attached. But guess what? You’re not obligated to keep something just because someone gave it to you.Letting go of an item isn’t the same as rejecting the person.

This can be challenging. You aren’t trying to make the other person feel bad. If possible, you could guide future gifts with suggestions of things you wish you had. And you can say “no” to hand-me-downs – explain that you don’t have the space or need for the item.

Find one guilt-laden item and ask, “If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it for myself?” If not, it may be time to let it go.

The Belief that “I Should Keep It Because It’s Useful.”

Truth bomb: Something can be perfectly useful and still not useful to you. If it’s gathering dust, that usefulness isn’t helping anyone. Useful isn’t the same as used.

Choose one item you haven’t used in over a year and ask, “Is someone else missing out on this because I’m storing it?” Sometimes, thinking of helping someone else makes it easier to let go.

Let useful things go out in the world — not stay stuck in a drawer in your house.

The Dreaded Perfection Paralysis

Do you ever wait for the “right” time or mood to declutter? Or worry you’ll make the wrong decision? That’s perfectionism sneaking in.

Small steps count. Today, give yourself permission to do a “good enough” job. One drawer. One shelf. One item. Progress, not perfection, clears the clutter.

"But It’s Sentimental..."

It’s okay to keep meaningful items, but not everything has to stay to preserve a memory. When everything is treated as special, it dulls the truly meaningful things. Pick one sentimental item and ask:

• Would a photo of this bring the same feeling?

• Could I write a story or description about what it meant to me?

Choose to keep a few treasures and release the rest with gratitude.

Decision Fatigue Is Real

If making decisions about your stuff feels exhausting, you’re not lazy - you’re human. Every little “keep or toss” choice (not to mention, “What’s for lunch?” and “Should I wear the blue shirt or the green?”) wears on your decision-making capabilities.

Tip: Reduce decision overload by setting a time limit (like 15 minutes) or a boundary (just one shelf). What could you tackle today in under 15 minutes?

(And if you choose to work for longer periods of time, take a five-minute break every 30 minutes or a ten-minute break every hour. Hydrate, eat a snack, use the bathroom, step outside, stretch … something that gives your body and brain a break from decluttering decision-making.)

The “I Don’t Want to Create Waste” Thought

Holding onto excess - even when you already have more than enough - is often about avoiding waste. But here’s a new way to look at it: Keeping too much can also be wasteful—of space, time, and peace of mind.

Could someone else use those extra chairs, craft supplies, shirts, etc.? Just because you don’t use or need something doesn’t mean that it has to go to the landfill. Find a convenient donation center and bring the items.

However, if the items are in horrible condition, don’t assume “someone else” will figure out how to fix or repurpose it. Sometimes, trash is trash.

Your Future Fantasy Self

Are you keeping a closet full of “someday clothes” or gear for hobbies you don’t do (but wish you did)? This is about an imagined version of you—but decluttering helps you connect with who you actually are.

Action step: Pick one “fantasy self” item and ask, “Would I start this hobby today?” If not, maybe it’s time to express gratitude for releasing this expectation and release the burden of those thoughts and items.

Are You Getting Stuck on the Idea of, “I Don’t Know Where to Start?”

This thought can freeze us before we begin. But here’s a gentle truth: Anywhere is a good place to start.

Try this:

• Choose a small, defined spot: the junk drawer, one shelf, or a single bag.

• Tell yourself, “I’m just getting warmed up.”

Momentum builds through action. No perfect plan needed - just one small start.

 

Loss Aversion – “What If I Regret Getting Rid of It?”

Regret feels scary. But here’s the thing—most people don’t regret what they let go of. They regret not starting sooner. The people I’ve talked to who felt the most regret about what they decluttered?

Either they got rid of things when their emotions overruled logic or because they had to declutter in a hurry. Decluttering now, in a calm, unhurried way will allow you to make better decisions. Tip: If you’re unsure, place the item in a “Maybe” box. Label it with today’s date. If you don’t miss it in 3 months, it’s safe to let it go.

Telling Yourself, “I Have to Finish What I Start.”

Not true. You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to work in short bursts. You don’t have to tackle the whole house in a week (or a month). You don’t even have to declutter a room in a single day.

Try this: Set a 10-minute timer and stop when it goes off - even if you’re mid-project. Rest is part of progress, too. (And if you’re mid-project, you may be more eager to get back to it later or tomorrow.)

Thinking, “I’m Bad at This”

Nope. You’re not bad at decluttering, you’re just building a new skill. It takes time, like learning to cook or ride a bike.

What if you replaced “I’m bad at this” with “I’m learning how to do this my way”? Celebrate any win, no matter how small. Telling yourself, “Good job!” or “One more step taken.” Is a reminder that progress is happening.

The Endowment Effect – “But It’s Mine!”

We tend to value things more just because they belong to us, even if we never use them. A red sweater at the store will seem less useful than the one we find in our drawer at home.

Here’s a trick: Pretend you’re seeing the item at a yard sale. Would you pay $5 to bring it into your home? If not, it might be time to let it go.

When Gratitude Feels Like a Burden.

Gratitude is powerful, but it doesn’t mean you have to keep things that don’t serve you. You can be thankful for what you gained by owning something. Maybe you learned that you don’t like wearing yellow or knitting or decorating cakes or reading thrillers.

You can let it go, knowing it served a purpose in your life. Try this: Say a quiet “thank you” before placing something in your Donate Box. Gratitude and letting go can go hand-in-hand.

Decluttering and the Limiting Belief of Scarcity Mindset

The first time someone told me that if they decluttered their closet that they’d have to go shopping or they’d have nothing to wear, I thought they were joking. I pointed out that they’d only get rid of the things they weren’t wearing, but they still wanted to replace their decluttered clothing with new items, so they’d have plenty of options.

Thinking you won’t have enough is a scarcity mindset and it can get in the way of decluttering. Instead, focus on what you will be gaining – more space, more time, more energy, more money for the things that matter the most to you.

Has the fear of scarcity kept you holding onto something you don’t use?

Thinking, “But It’s Part of a Set!”

Mugs, dishes, books, linens—just because something came as a set doesn’t mean you need to keep every piece. Give yourself permission to break up the set and keep only what you love or use.

Thinking, “I’ll Get to It Someday.”

Someday is sneaky—it always stays just out of reach. When a project is too big, unwieldy, and vague, it can feel impossible to start. Make a plan to do it (or at least start) today.

• Set a timer for 5 minutes and get to work. Stop when the timer goes off (unless you really want to continue).

• Choose a Little Space like a drawer or shelf and just focus on sorting the contents of that small area.

Small tasks are easier to do because you can see the end in sight. The task doesn’t seem punishing. And when it’s done, it’s clear what you accomplished.

Confirmation Bias – Only Noticing What Proves You're “Bad at This”

Have you ever decluttered only to turn around a few days later to see clutter creeping back into the same spot. Did you sigh and say, “See? I can’t keep things organized. I knew it.”? That’s confirmation bias at work—your brain is filtering out your wins to prove the point you wanted to make.

Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, at the end of the day, name (or, better, write it down) at least one thing you decluttered, cleared, or organized, no matter how small. Prove to yourself what you’re accomplishing.

When You Insist, “I Don’t Want to Hurt Someone’s Feelings.”

Gifts, family items, or things passed down with love can be hard to part with. But your home is yours to shape.

People give gifts to bring joy—not a burden. If something doesn’t support your life or bring you comfort, you can let it go with kindness.

When you tell yourself, “I’ll Organize It Later.”

Clutter isn’t always solved by better storage. Sometimes, organizing is a way to delay harder decisions. I wasted countless hours organizing what I realized (much later) was really just clutter. I wish I’d known then what I know now.

Do you have organized clutter? Ask:

• Do I actually use and want this?

• If I didn’t already own it, would I bring it into my life today?

Do you need to organize or declutter those items?

When You’re Convinced, “I Should Keep It Because It’s Eco-Friendly.”

Sustainability matters, but keeping things you don’t use doesn’t help the planet. It just hides the problem.

Instead, look for ways to pass things along mindfully: donate, sell, recycle. And then start making more mindful decisions about what you purchase.

Letting go responsibly supports both your peace and the planet. What’s one thing you could rehome this week?

Decision Paralysis – When There Are Too Many Choices to Make.

When everything feels like a maybe, decision fatigue can sneak in fast. How? Instead of making decisions, you’re wasting time and energy on deciding not to decide!

Make it easier to make decisions –

• Make decisions early to midmorning (unless you’re a night owl).

• Make sure you’re hydrated and that you’re not hungry.

• Declutter for 5-to-15-minutes … or focus on a small group of items.

Try this method:

1. Group similar items (like all mugs or pens).

2. Choose your favorites first.

3. Decide how many more you really need.

4. Let go of the rest.

Beware the Nostalgia Trap

Old calendars, kids’ schoolwork, souvenirs … It’s easy to hold onto the past through stuff. But memories don’t live in objects—they live in you. Keep a few things that that bring you joy, and let the rest go with a grateful heart. A memory box creates limits of what you’ll choose to keep because your choices will be bound by the limits of the box.

When You’re Stuck Thinking, “This Was a Project I Meant to Do.…”

Unfinished projects come with silent pressure. Through a phenomenon called the Zeigarnik Effect, the mind focuses more on unfinished tasks than finished ones. That means all those “someday” projects take up space in your mind … not just your home.

Ask yourself:

• Do I still want to do this?

• Would I start this today if it weren’t already in progress?

If not, it’s okay to release the materials for the project … and the guilt. And if you think you still want to do this project, plan the time to work on it … and put it on your calendar. If you aren’t willing to commit to it, then you might like the idea of doing it more than you really want to put in the effort.

Overwhelm Bias – “It’s Just Too Much.”

Big piles of clutter can feel paralyzing … so much to do! Where to start! The secret is starting small.

Try this:

• Choose ONE small surface (a nightstand, counter corner, end table).

• Set a timer for 10 minutes. Stop when the timer goes off unless you want to work for a minute or two more in order to finish the Little Space.

When you feel overwhelmed, remember, you just need to focus on one small task at a time. When you finish one task, you can then decide if you’re ready to do another.

“I Don’t Deserve to Enjoy the Results of My Efforts Until I Get It All Done”

Decluttering your home isn’t a quick project for a weekend or a week. It’s a commitment of weeks, months, (maybe even a couple of years). There is no need to wait until you’ve decluttered every last cabinet and drawer before enjoying the results of your efforts.

Invite people over; read a book in your decluttered cozy corner; enjoy an afternoon of crafting. When you appreciate your efforts, you’ll build momentum to continue decluttering without feeling like your life is on hold.

The “What If I Get Rid of Something Important?” Fear

When you make a decluttering decision, you’re making a good guess about what you will and won’t need in the future. There is no way to know without a doubt. All you can do is to make the best choice you can in the moment.

Try this: Use a “Hold Box.” Put items you’re unsure about inside, seal it, and date it. If you haven’t needed it in 3–6 months, chances are it’s safe to let go.

Understand that You’re Allowed to Change

One of the sneakiest beliefs? That you're not the kind of person who can stay organized or live a less cluttered life. But that’s just an old story. You’re allowed to write a new one.

If you want to be an organized person, take small actions that an organized person would do – clear the counter after making breakfast, sort the mail when it comes into the house as opposed to tossing it on a counter to deal with later, hang up your coat, put things away when you’re done using them.

By acting like an organized person and questioning the biases and limiting beliefs that tell you aren’t, you transform yourself into the type of person you want to be.