In 2010, I found myself sitting on the floor of my garage, surrounded by boxes. Inside were things I hadn’t touched in years: old computer cords, excess stationary I’d never use, and home decor I couldn’t even remember buying. As I sifted through the clutter, I felt a wave of frustration and guilt. How did it come to this? I was drowning in stuff I didn’t need, with a babysitter caring for my kids, yet I didn’t know how to climb out of the mess. Sound familiar?
It took time, but I eventually realized the truth about my things: they weren’t just cluttering my space—they were cluttering my life. If you’ve ever felt the same way, these seven truths about your stuff might resonate deeply— and hopefully help you let go of more things that aren’t adding value. Let’s dig in.
If you would benefit from a guided course to get your home decluttered, I highly recommend the Uncluttered Course. Registration is now open!
The Hidden Cost of Clutter; & Truths You Can’t Ignore
1. It lives on-even when you’re done with it.
When you declutter, the items you let go of don’t simply disappear. They’re sent to landfills, where they often stay for decades, even centuries. Every piece of clothing, gadget, or home good we own has a lifecycle that extends far beyond us. If you’d like to learn more about how where our stuff ends up, check out The Story of Stuff .
2. You’re paying for it long after you buy it.
The real cost of stuff is the space it steals from your life.
That “bargain” item you snagged on sale might have felt like a win at the time. But every piece of stuff we own demands something from us: space to store it, time to clean it, and mental energy to manage it. When we hold onto things, we’re paying a hidden cost.
3. It’s stealing your time.
The less you own, the more you reclaim your time.
Think about how much time you spend tidying, organizing, or searching for lost items. Each piece of unnecessary stuff adds to your work and mental load. Decluttering isn’t just about having a clean home; it’s about freeing up your time for what really matters.
4. You only use about 20% of it.
Your essentials are waiting under the weight of excess.
Studies show that most people use only 20% of what they own regularly. The rest—that other 80%—just sits there, creating clutter and guilt. Imagine what your home would feel like if it only held the things you truly love and use.
5. It holds emotional power over you.
Letting go isn’t loss; it’s freedom.
Every box in your closet or pile on your counter has an emotional story. Maybe it’s guilt over wasted money or a project you never finished. Decluttering isn’t just physical; it’s about releasing the emotional weight those items carry.
6. Your kids don’t want it.
Pass down memories, not burdens.
Many of us hold onto sentimental items thinking our kids will want them someday. The reality? They probably won’t. Instead of saving everything, choose a few meaningful pieces to pass down. The best legacy isn’t stuff—it’s time, love, and memories. Keep The Memories Lose the Stuff is my favorite book to help select key items, preserve the memories and let go of the extra.
7. More stuff won’t make you happier.
“Happiness isn’t in what you own; it’s in what you experience.”
The thrill of buying something new fades quickly, but the burden of owning it lingers. True joy comes from experiences, relationships, and peace of mind—not from accumulating more things.
It doesn’t have to be that way…
Sitting in my garage that day, I realized my stuff wasn’t just physical clutter—it was stealing my time, energy, and peace of mind. Letting go wasn’t easy, but it was one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done. If you’re ready to feel lighter, start small. Pick one drawer, one box, or one shelf. Begin today, and take back your space—and your life.
If you’re struggling o declutter your home or just want a boost, I encourage you to join Uncluttered ! Joshua of Becoming Minimalist is offering it One Finale Time!
Uncluttered is a 12 week online class that will give you a clear plan for decluttering your home successfully and everything a book can not: a positive community, opportunities to ask questions, life times access to course private group and course material.
You can learn more and sign up through my link HERE. Be sure to use code FF25 at checkout for 25% off !
Registration closes Sunday, January 12, 2025 so don’t wait to sign up!
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