Today in my Blog we’re talking about the stuff behind the stuff!
Let’s face it: clutter doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. We collect it, keep it, move it around, and feel overwhelmed by it. But clutter is rarely just about the stuff. It’s what lies beneath the surface that makes it so hard to let go.
So, why do we hold on to things we don’t need? The truth is clutter often carries emotional weight. And if you’ve struggled to declutter, it’s not because you’re lazy or messy – it’s because you’re human.
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Clutter Connects to Our Identity
Many of the things we keep represent more than just physical objects. They remind us of who we were, who we are, or who we think we should be.
- That stack of untouched cookbooks? They might represent the version of you that had more time to cook from scratch.
- The art supplies? A creative self you haven’t had time to nurture.
- Clothes that no longer fit? A past life or an imagined future you can’t quite let go of.
These items aren’t just “stuff”- they’re symbols of identity, dreams, and even grief.
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Emotional Sentiment, Guilt & Obligation
Clutter is often tangled in emotions like guilt, sentimentality, or a sense of duty.
- Gifts from loved ones that you don’t use but feel guilty getting rid of.
- Heirlooms that don’t suit your taste but feel too important to let go of.
- Memorabilia from your children’s early years, even if they’re now in their 30s.
We keep things because they remind us of people, milestones, and moments we want to hold on to – even if the physical objects are weighing us down.
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Fear of the Future
Have you ever said, “What if I need this one day?”
This mindset, often tied to anxiety or a scarcity mindset, keeps us hanging on to broken chargers, instruction manuals, and extra kitchen gadgets “just in case.”
Letting go can feel risky. But holding onto everything “just in case” often results in overwhelm, not preparedness.
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Perfectionism & Decision Fatigue
Some of us struggle to declutter because we’re stuck in all-or-nothing thinking:
“If I can’t do the whole house perfectly, why bother starting?”
Perfectionism and fear of making the wrong decision lead to inaction. Add decision fatigue to the mix (especially after a long day), and it’s no wonder the pile in the spare room is still there.
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Clutter Reflects the Inner World
In Feng Shui Your Life, author Tisha Morris describes clutter as “stagnant energy.” She says:
“Where there’s clutter in your home, there will be clutter in you – either physically, mentally, or emotionally.”
In other words, your environment and your mental state are deeply connected. A cluttered space often mirrors a cluttered mind.
There is lots of research that supports this. The Journal of Environmental Psychology found that clutter negatively impacts our well-being, with participants reporting higher stress and lower satisfaction in chaotic home environments.
In fact, a 2009 study from UCLA found that women who described their homes as cluttered had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone and felt more overwhelmed as the day went on.
And a 2016 Princeton University study found that visual clutter competes for your attention, reducing your brain’s ability to focus and process information.
So yes, your messy wardrobe might be more than “just a bit of stuff” – it might actually be draining your energy.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. And know that decluttering is a process, not a one-time fix. Every item you let go of is a step toward a calmer home, and a clearer mind.
So… Is There a Way Out? Absolutely!
So how do you start? This isn’t about getting rid of everything or striving for perfection. Decluttering is about making space, for clarity, calm and more of what truly matters to you.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Clutter is a common, deeply human struggle. And the good news? It’s entirely possible to move through it, gently, mindfully and at your own pace.
Ready to Start Letting Go? Follow my 4 simple steps to help you get started:
✅ Walk through your home and write down which areas need the most attention (don’t skip the hidden clutter spots; garages, lofts, under the bed!).
✅ Block out a realistic time window. Even 10 minutes is a powerful start.
✅ Focus on one small area. One shelf, one drawer – then celebrate the win.
✅ Don’t be afraid to ask for help – support makes the process easier and less emotional (Yes, even virtually!)
Remember – your home should support your mental health, not drain it. And the beauty of decluttering is that it doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to feel better than yesterday.
Let’s clear space not just in our homes, but in our heads too!
What’s Next:
If you’re ready to declutter, organise, and refresh your home this year, contact me for a FREE, no-obligation virtual consultation, and let’s create a space that truly works for you.
✔️ Fully insured with Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Business Insurance
✔️ Proud Accredited Member of APDO (UK Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers)
I’d love to help! Book your FREE 30-minute consultation – or call me directly 07533330115.
Elizabeth 🌸
Let’s Make Space For What Truly Matters – Together!
Decluttering, Organising and Styling Homes across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex & Norfolk
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