7 Reasons You May Be Having Trouble Decluttering
Have you been trying to declutter for a while, but simply unable to make a breakthrough?
There may be some common roadblocks, both mental and physical, that could be stopping you…
Learning more about decluttering roadblocks can allow you to act more intentionally and overcome any mental blocks or emotional attachments that hold you back!
In this post, we’ll cover 7 reasons you may be having trouble removing your clutter!
Related Posts:
- 3 Decluttering Strategies To Implement This Year For A Clutter-Free Home
- 5 No-Nonsense Decluttering Tips for Hoarders
- Ultimate Decluttering Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide to Declutter Your Home (7 Easy Steps)
7 Reasons You May Be Having Trouble Decluttering
1. You Don’t Know Where To Start
One of the main roadblocks that keeps you from making progress is the fact that you don’t know where to start…
There’s no rule on where you should start, but I recommend targeting your wardrobe first.
Your wardrobe is a consolidated area and is one of the easiest places to get started.
Instead of worrying about which rooms and areas you need to focus on, think about what clothes you can remove and what clothes you love wearing…
You interact with your closet daily, and this is the perfect place to see real change and experience the positive effects of simplifying.
2. Shopping Addiction
One of the main reasons you may have trouble removing your clutter is the fact that you have trouble maintaining the inflow of new clutter…
Whether it’s online shopping, shopping due to boredom, or a love for spending, shopping without intention can cause you to bring in clutter at an alarming rate.
If not handled with care and addressed, you’ll have a hard time making any progress.
Quick tips to help manage shopping addiction:
- Try deleting any shopping apps from your phone
- Wait at least a few days to a week before making an online purchase
- Ask yourself if you truly need this item
3. Using Clutter As A Coping Mechanism
Unfortunately, excess clutter can be a result of underlying stress, anxiety, and potential past traumas…
Holding on to clutter can be an unhealthy way of dealing with certain emotions and may provide a comforting feeling.
When it comes to shopping, it could be the quick hit of dopamine that’s used as a quick coping mechanism
Learn more about clutter and its relation to your mental health!
4. Issues With Attachment
One of the hardest aspects of decluttering is “letting go”.
Letting go can be a freeing feeling when simplifying, but it can also be scary at first…
Letting go of attachment to your stuff will allow you to declutter relentlessly and help you to create the clutter-free home you desire.
5. Strong Emotional Memories
Even though attachments can mostly be emotional, one of the main aspects of why we don’t want to get rid of things lies in the fact that you may have strong emotional ties and memories with your stuff.
These sentimental items are the hardest to declutter for this reason.
Learn more about decluttering sentimental items here:
6. You’re Too Tired
It’s no secret, you’re busy, and when you’re not busy,y you want to relax…
Decluttering isn’t necessarily the thing you’ll be jumping and excited about after long days at work, with your children, or spending time taking care of other chores around the house.
Check out helpful tips to declutter when you’re tired and overwhelmed here:
7. You Lack Motivation
Finally, a lack of motivation to declutter can prove to be one of the biggest reasons you may not be making progress…
Without a solid reason to simplify, there is no fuel behind your actions, and this leads to poor habits and little to no effort given.
If clutter is a big issue for you, think deeply about your ideal situation…
- Is it a clutter-free home?
- Organized living areas, but still a decent amount of stuff?
- An extreme minimalist home?
Whichever you desire, make it clear and consider all of the benefits…
When you start to think of all of the positive results, it can give you a boost of encouragement and drive you to take action.
Lastly, another way to build up motivation is to hear stories from others through blog posts and YouTube videos.
These are perfect for motivation because you hear first-hand tips and get a glimpse of a before and after that someone has overcome.
Then you realize that this can be you, too!
Get inspired to declutter your home by checking out this video:
Final Thoughts
While there are many obstacles to decluttering your home and life, it helps to know what may be stopping you and what’s holding you back!
Take some time to reflect on your weaknesses and consider ways that you can overcome these decluttering roadblocks.
