The Hardest Type of Clutter to Let Go
It's super hard to stay organized if you have clutter hanging around your home that really shouldn't be there. The best thing to do is to get rid of all the things you don't need, use, or love. Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, the concept is pretty simple, but when it comes to getting rid of clutter, some things are really hard to let go. You know you don't use the item and probably should pass it on to someone else, but it seems sad to let it go.
What type of clutter is the hardest for to get rid of?
There's no right or wrong answer to the question, but I think most often the clutter that trips us up the most is what I call “aspirational clutter.” These are things we hope to use someday or wish we used (but we really don't).
One common item that falls into this category is exercise equipment. Maybe you bought it with the best of intentions and want to use the equipment regularly, but it's been doing nothing but gathering dust for two years.
Maybe it's the CDs you bought to help you learn a foreign language or the cake decorating tools you bought with the intention of learning how to decorate cakes. Getting rid of those things is so hard because you have to admit that you really don't have the time or desire for that activity in your life right now. It's a little like letting go of a dream.
For me it was the Project Life scrapbooking supplies that I finally donated last year. I thought I want to be a scrapbooker and it seemed like a simple way to document life, so I bought some supplies. I made about two layouts, and then they sat untouched for 2 years! I couldn't bring myself to get rid of them because I had spent good money on them and I really wanted to be a scrapbooker. I had to face the fact that as much as I like the idea of documenting life in that way, it just isn't something that's a priority in my life right now.
However, even though it's hard, letting go is the best thing to do. When you looking at those aspirational items, do they really bring you any value or even joy? Most likely you simply feel guilt and sadness when you look at them. Letting them go will free up both space and mental energy to focus on the things you are doing right now.
Also, letting something go is not saying “never,” but instead it's saying “not now.” I may someday have the time and energy for scrapbooking, but not right now. I want to free up space and energy for the things I am doing right now.
I also talked about this topic on a recent Periscope (www.periscope.tv/iheartplanners) that I'd like to share with you here:
I don't want you to just read this and nod your head in agreement. I want you to take action. So, come to our Facebook group (or just leave a comment below if you'd prefer), and let us know what aspirational clutter you have that you're getting rid of.
Copyright 2024, Get Organized HQ.
Diana Says
I like you you put a name to it: aspirational materials. And I completely agree with you, but haven’t thought of it as that. I’m going to give up my beads.
The other items I would add to that (being hard to get rid of) is “toss-off heirlooms.” I appreciate having some things that were from ancestors, but sometimes I feel like one of the dumping grounds for that stuff from my parents/in-laws. And then to mention that you may not want them…a guilt trip is laid on. I am working through that in my brain. Do I offer it to another family member that may appreciate it or do I quietly get rid of it?
LauraJane Says
Post authorIf you think there’s a family member who really would appreciate the item, you could offer it to them. Otherwise, I think it’s fine to just quietly get rid of things.
Valerie Says
Oh, the dumping grounds. I hear ya there. Still working on ridding the stuff from parents, and the baggage left when my spouse passed ????
Valorie Paxton Says
I have been reading a book titled “The Japanese art of decluttering and organizing” by Maries Kondo. Very enlightening with a proven game plan. So far, I am still in the organization phase of deciding what really makes me happy. This makes getting rid of other items much easier.
Valorie Paxton Says
My prior comment was only part of book title. It is “the life-changing magic of tidying up
April Says
“Not now”, Laura this is genius. Thank you for the post. Very helpful for me!!
LauraJane Says
Post authorSo glad it was helpful
Sarah Mueller Says
For me, the hardest things to get rid of were baby items (especially handmade things) and old homeschooling books. But I have finally done it and it feels amazing!
Those things represented hopes and dreams for me. But my kids are big now (no more babies around here) and our homeschool days are over. So I’ve passed these things on to some very appreciative people and I’m feeling freer and more focused in the things I’m working on now.
LauraJane Says
Post authorI can imagine baby things would be hard to get rid of! They bring back so many memories.
Judith Says
The concept of aspirational clutter is really helpful to me! It’s not just “stuff” (though there’s plenty of that!), it’s also things I hope to do one day, but I’ve changed, and so those goals should change (or disappear) as well. Thank you!
LauraJane Says
Post authorGlad it was helpful. Yes, we do change, so what we need and use changes for me as well.
Velma Garcia Says
All my extra (old) scrapbooking and crafting supplies – I always thought I’d use them some day. Thanks for getting me up to get rid of these items that are taking up so much space!
LauraJane Says
Post authorWay to go getting rid of them.
Lablover Says
You can always donate them to a community center or school
Vickey Says
My own closet is full of different sizes of clothing, I am in the process of organizing my home and that closet is next on my list. I will donate all the clothes that don’t fit, just keeping them is wasting space and I don’t want to go back to the bigger sizes..
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood plan.
Sherri Says
We’ve moved twice in the last 10 years & I still haven’t unpacked ALOT of boxes from the original move.
I will have to keep in mind the “not now” thought, and go through them.
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood luck going through them.
Toni Says
We all know this logically, sometimes we need to hear it to be inspired to take action. One of the reasons I join the planner club was to help organize my business processes and clutter. My biggest clutter element (especially on my work desk) is all the patterns/projects I plan to make classes of and all the various little random pieces of inspirational marketing ideas. My plan will be to declutter my desk today – – wish me luck! 🙂
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood luck!
Laurie Grabarkewitz Says
I was like you, I thought I wanted to scrapbook and I bought quite a bit of paper and stickers and ribbon and embellishments. Just this past month I finally boxed most of it up and sent it to an organization called Handyhandsreflections.org
They use the supplies to make memory books for those who have lost loved ones. It felt so good to know that all of my supplies were going to be used and appreciated.
LauraJane Says
Post authorWay to go boxing it up, and it sounds like you found a great place to send it.
Cat Wilson Says
I think I have a lot of aspirational clutter! Anytime I find myself interested in something that I want to do such as a new business idea or research on various topics, I print out a bunch of information and keep the papers loose or in a binder. I just think maybe someday I’ll need it but slowly I’m dumping things that I know I will never get to or will have time for. I’m trying to declutter and not keep anything I haven’t touched in a year! Thanks for the great post!
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood luck decluttering!
Tiffany Says
My crafting stuff is super hard for me to get rid of. I do a little bit of everything. I always think “what if I need this for a potential project.” It’s frustrating because I have minimalist aspirations. 😉
LauraJane Says
Post authorI agree that the crafting supplies are tougher for me to let go of as well.
Sally Michaels Says
I love your definition “aspirational clutter”. In fact this really applies to my shopping in general ADDING to major clutter everywhere. Everything I buy (make-up, clothes, beauty creams…jewelry) all are about HOPE. Hope to be more attractive, more polished, more efficient, brighter (books) etc… This really nailed it for me. Aspirational clutter…brilliant. Thankyou for that. Sally
Perhaps that will serve me to stop accumulating items and and utilize Hope in a more positive
way.
Jeannette Santoro Says
Closing up and selling two “life long” houses (one of which I grew up in) belonging to family members who passed away in one year gave me a rude awakening as to the importance of not accumulating so many “things”. Now I ask myself why I need or want something. I have also started to use that good China, special silverware etc. for everyday. If I use it up or wear it out or break it, it will have been enjoyed. And if I don’t add to the clutter, hopefully I will have added joy to my life as well.
Amy Says
I have always loved organization of anything and everything. I have lived in the same large house for 17 years. I want to reduce everything so I can move into a two bedroom apartment in Hawaii. Both children are gone now.
My problem is I’ve been a “collector”. Like each room has its own theme. Dolphins cows salt and pepper shakers. You name it I have a colection of it. I think I’m ready to quit collecting now. I’m ready for this!
My second problem is saving household items and extra holiday decorations for the grown children who aren’t quite ready for them. I worry I will throw away these things then the kids will need them.
Lindsey Says
I started going through old photos. I give myself 15 seconds a photo and if I can’t decide whether or not to get rid of it, I get rid of it. The photos have people I haven’t seen or talked to in about twenty years. It’s nice to remember the times but I keep in mind the memory is with me not the photo. Same with the items and knick knacks.
Ashley Says
I grew up quite poor, but now have money. I think that is why it is hard for me to get rid of things I never had. Ashley
sherlyn may Says
Aspirational clutter… such a brilliant name!!! I have LOTS of them… crafting supplies, old clothes i hope to repurpose, political psychology and other college/post-grad handouts I hoped to read but haven’t touched… in like a decade or more! Thanks for the term… it has arrived on a good time, too! We’re moving houses in about 6weeks, and am getting started with packing. Bye, bye aspirational clutter!
Rene Says
The hardest thing for me is kids clothing to get rid of because I often think what if I have another baby. Even though my husband isn’t really wanting another one we’re not fixed but we really are too old for anymore. We have four boys two are his nephews we have permanent custody of and ours. The ages are 16, 13, 10 and 6. I often think I won’t be able to afford anymore clothes because I don’t have a steady job and he’s only working full time. I just don’t have any room in a small mobile home for six people.
LauraJane Says
Post authorI have kept my maternity clothes and baby clothes in case we have more kids.
Laura Says
Aspirational! Probably half my house is “we might need it someday.” I have more clothes that don’t fit than that do. I have a wall of quilting materials, another of wool, and a basement full of woodworking machinery and camping gear. My husband has tons of tools, parts, even an electric organ that just needs tuning from a church that got closed over a decade ago. Heirlooms? Got the whole 9 yards, really–Dad’s kilt and plaid from his piping days. What on earth to do with that? And all the regalia that goes with it. Thank goodness I didn’t get the pipes too, or I’d really be in a spot. Silverware. Linens. Stuff I never even look at.
Boy am I going to be busy when I retire, cataloguing and selling off this crap! Thank you so much for the label for it!