Why Do We Keep So Much Stuff

So many of us say that we need to organise our shelves, draws or home when things are all over the place creating a mess. But do you know what the real problem is with getting organised? We have too much stuff! Trying to organize a cluttered house is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded - frustrating and pointless. The real issue isn't our inability to arrange things neatly, it's the fact that we've accumulated more stuff than a hoarder on a shopping spree!

Most of us will have some things that you (or someone you live with) keep without having a good enough reason.

So why DO we keep so much stuff? It anchors us to a time in the past.

It's easier to find excuses for why you should keep something and delay making a decision rather than making a firm (and sometimes difficult) choice to say goodbye to your "stuff."

These are the most common reasons... I have used some of them myself!

"I might need it someday."

Yes you might. But the thing is most of the items we keep can easily be found or replaced within a day or two. Lots of people will keep that tiny little screw that came out of somewhere, we are not sure where but we keep it just in case. But what happens is these little tiny items create more and more clutter and it gets to a point where you can't find that little screw anyway because it's like finding a needle in a haystack. That random kitchen draw is great for these items but what happens when that draw is so full you can barely close it.

"I'm going to lose some weight and start wearing this again."

I hope that if you do have a goal to lose some weight, you do everything in your power to make it happen. And then when you do, you go out and celebrate and buy some brand new clothes. You should be proud and it's the perfect time to reward yourself. Not hold yourself to some past version of you that loved a particular jumper.

"So-and-So Gave Me This."

I'm all for keeping memories and items that remind us of people we love.
But the real truth is, memories are not in the clutter, the knick-knacks and "stuff" you have shoved in a box. I won't say get rid of everything and it's not always an easy decision. But try and just keep the special things you cherish. Also get them out in the open, on display - where you can enjoy them and have a story to tell when someone comments or asks a question about the item.

We often hold onto things from the past that people gave us because they hold sentimental value and remind us of a particular person or time in our lives. These items can bring back happy memories and emotions, which can be comforting and soothing. Additionally, some people may feel guilty about getting rid of gifts, fearing that it may offend or hurt the person who gave it to them. However, it's important to remember that the thought and intention behind the gift is what matters most and it's okay to let go of physical items that no longer serve a purpose in our lives. After all, memories and relationships are what truly matter in the end.

“I paid good money for this...thing!"

I'm sure you did. But what has more value...this "item" you no longer have any use for or the way you enjoy your house? The item...or your happiness? The item... or your space?
Why do we always do this with kitchen appliances in particular? (an age old mystery!)

“Oh, I'm just trying to figure out what to do with it...”

Okay, so maybe it's not worth holding onto.

If it takes that much mental work to figure out what to do with something, you can take a pretty good guess that it may not be worth as much to you as you think. If you can't figure out what to do with something...it's a safe bet you won't miss it too much.

There is a lot more value in enjoying your home and your family than the "stuff" you paid for.

If deciding what to do with that old pair of shoes you no longer wear but are still in good condition requires more brainpower than a game of chess, they are probably not worth keeping around. And really, the joy you get from spending time in a home you love is worth more than all the useless clutter in the world - because let's be honest, no one has ever hugged a pile of old magazines.

Some of the things I got rid of before moving house 2 years ago that I had kept for years.

A champagne cork from my 18th birthday – I didn’t even drink it, I didn’t like it and I stopped drinking alcohol at the age of 21. It was in the good old random kitchen drawer.
Why on earth was I holding on to it for so long? Because it symbolised being an adult!

Books from a topic I was no longer collecting but I had spent years getting. I gave away 3 shelves of old Hollywood actors biographies to the charity shop – I had held onto them for the very reason it had taken so long to create the collection!

A red dress that I would never wear again but it had great memories. I only wore it 3 times so it seemed that I held on to it for that reason, but I let it go for someone else to enjoy as the memories are in my mind not the dress. (it didn’t even fit me anymore!)

Is there something you are holding onto for one of these reasons?
Tell yourself it’s safe to let it go.

PS I have a 28 day email series to help you declutter in small steps without the overwhelm 
check it out here