Top 4 Ways to Overcome Guilt When Decluttering

Are you guilty of feeling guilty when you are decluttering your home? If so, you’re definitely not alone.  

Many people wonder why they feel so guilty and they also wonder how to stop feeling that way because it can really slow you down and even stop your progress completely.  

Why do we feel guilty when we declutter?We get attached to our stuff and make it mean something, when in fact, it’s just stuff!We feel guilty when we get rid of something our loved one gives us. We think we will disrespect them so we hold onto it even if it sits in a box in the basement.We feel guilty because we spent good money on something and we feel we’ve wasted money… even though we may never even wear it or use it.We think that we might need it someday so we feel guilty when we get rid of it even though it sits in a box in our garage.We feel guilty because we’re afraid that if we make a wrong decision, we will regret it.

These are all the things we tell ourselves about our stuff so we hold on… and hold on… And even bring it with us when we move to another house so that it continues to take up space in our closets and in our basements.  

But the real reason why we feel guilty, the real reason beneath all of those surface excuses is a much deeper reality that makes us feel guilty:  

We know we have too much stuff.We know it’s gotten out of control.We know we bought stuff, inherited stuff, or were given stuff we never even use.We know that we can’t possibly keep it all if we want to declutter and possibly downsize.We know if we don’t declutter now our kids will have to declutter after we’re gone.

Feeling guilty slows you down. It weighs you down and it’s not a very good reason to hold onto stuff that you no longer want need or use.  

Check out The Downsizing Designer’s 10 Favorite Home Organizing Solutions How do you stop feeling guilty when you declutter?1. Stop making excuses for holding onto stuff!  

Take a look around.  

You know that all of this excess clutter is taking up valuable space in your home… your garage, attic, basement, and closets.  

You know it’s full of stuff you barely used, haven’t seen in years, doesn’t even fit your lifestyle any longer. It served its purpose and it’s now time to move on.

You know you’ve been making excuses to hold on to outdated electronics, video equipment, VHS tapes, CDs, and vinyl records.

Do you really need all those clothes and shoes that no longer fit and are uncomfortable?  

Do you really want to continue to hold onto your parents’ dining room table, chairs, and china cabinet? You know it’s taking a lot of space in the storage unit that you keep paying for each month.  

If you want to declutter, let go of stuff that no longer serves you. Stop making excuses! Let it go! 

2. Get real, ask the tough questions even if it hurts!  

You know that all of this extra “stuff” takes up space in your home and in your head and it makes you feel guilty.  

You know you can’t keep it all if you’re going to downsize to a smaller home.  

Ask yourself…   Is it worth your time, money, and energy that it takes to store, maintain, and move it to the next home?  

Ask yourself…   If you are not using it, if you don’t need it, why would you continue to hold onto it?  

If those books just sit on the shelf and never get used, if there are craft items that fill the closet, but never get used, if your deceased parents’ stuff sists in your garage because you have no room for it in your home …   

Tell yourself… “It’s time to let it go!”

3. It’s time to declutter once and for all! 

You’re tired of talking about it.

You want more space in your home with less clutter. You want more time to do things that matter to you rather than maintaining it all. You want peace of mind and freedom from guilt.  

If you want to let go of the guilt, think about what you are gaining, not what you were losing.  

4. Repurpose your things so they can benefit someone in need.

It’s true that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  

To help lose the guilt while decluttering, think of others who need what you no longer want, need, or use.  

Think about those winter coats that you don’t wear. They could be used to keep someone warm this winter.Think about those children’s clothes and toys and how much a young mother who is struggling to make ends meet would appreciate them.Think about those duplicate kitchen items, small appliances, pots, and pans that could be just what a young family needs as they are starting out.

If you no longer want, need, or use the items and if they no longer serve a purpose in your life, why not donate them to someone who needs them and will put them to good use? This not only feels good, but it helps relieve your guilt.  

As you declutter, remind yourself that in spite of all of your excess, you are committed to decluttering. You know you need to let go of things, you know you must start now and can’t put it off any longer.  

As many of you know decluttering is not easy. It’s a journey and you can do it!  

It will be worth your while when you finally get to experience the peace of mind and the freedom that comes when you let go of excess stuff and the guilt associated with letting it go.  

If you are guilty of feeling guilty when decluttering:

Stop making excuses!Get tough on yourself and ask tough questions.Declare “It’s time!”Consider donating your excess to those in need.

 Remember to focus on all that you will gain and how someone else can benefit from stuff that’s been sitting in boxes in your garage and basement.

Are you Ready?

Take that first step and open yourself up to a world of freedom, peace, and fulfillment. Rita has the expertise and tools you need to create a more peaceful and intentional life. From ebooks to online courses and personalized decluttering plans, Rita’s resources are designed to help you achieve your goals and create a life that feels authentically you. So why wait? Start living your best life today with Rita’s lifestyle design and decluttering resources. Remember, the power to live a minimalist lifestyle lies in your hands.

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