Let’s be honest—decluttering is hard. We tell ourselves all kinds of excuses to avoid letting go of things, even when they’re just taking up space. Whether it’s sentimental attachment, guilt, or the fear of needing something later, these lies keep us stuck in clutter instead of enjoying a home that feels organized and peaceful.
If your home is filled with things you don’t need, it’s time to challenge these 13 lies that are making you hold onto clutter longer than you should.
1. “I Might Need This Someday”
This is the biggest lie we tell ourselves when it comes to clutter. Sure, there’s always a chance you might need that extra blender, random screw set, or old textbooks from college—but how often does “someday” actually come?
Instead of holding onto everything “just in case,” ask yourself:
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Would I even remember I had it if I needed it?
- Could I borrow or replace it if I ever truly needed it again?
If the answer is no, let it go.
2. “It Was Expensive, So I Can’t Get Rid of It”
We often feel guilty about letting go of things we spent money on, even if we don’t use them anymore. Whether it’s a designer handbag, a fancy juicer, or an expensive coat that doesn’t fit, the truth is: keeping it won’t get your money back.
Instead of feeling guilty, think of it this way: you’ve already spent the money, and holding onto it isn’t adding value to your life. Selling, donating, or giving it to someone who will use it is a better way to honor the money you spent.
3. “But It Was a Gift!”
Guilt is a big reason we hold onto clutter. If someone gave us a gift, we feel like we have to keep it—even if we don’t like it, need it, or use it.
But here’s the truth: The purpose of a gift is to bring joy to the receiver. If it no longer serves that purpose, it’s okay to let it go. Your loved one wouldn’t want their gift to become a burden, so donate or pass it on without guilt.
4. “I’ll Fix It One Day”
A broken lamp, a pair of shoes with a missing sole, a chair with a wobbly leg—if your home is filled with things that need fixing, ask yourself: how long have they been sitting there?
If you haven’t fixed it by now, chances are you never will. Set a deadline—if it’s not repaired in a month, toss or donate it. There’s no point in letting broken things clutter your space and weigh you down.
5. “I Don’t Have Time to Declutter”
It’s easy to put off decluttering because it feels like a big, overwhelming task. But the longer you wait, the worse it gets. The truth is, you don’t need a whole day to declutter—you just need 5-10 minutes a day.
Try this:
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and declutter one small area.
- Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one corner at a time.
- Put one item in the donation box every day—small progress adds up!
Decluttering doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing—just start somewhere.
6. “I Don’t Want to Waste It”
It’s easy to hold onto things out of guilt—whether it’s unused craft supplies, old toiletries, or kitchen gadgets you thought you’d use. But keeping something you don’t need isn’t the same as using it.
Instead of feeling guilty, donate or give it to someone who will actually use it. That way, it doesn’t go to waste—and you free up space in your home.
7. “But It Holds Memories”
Sentimental items are one of the hardest things to declutter. We feel like getting rid of an object means losing the memory attached to it. But memories aren’t in the stuff—they’re in you.
If you’re struggling with sentimental clutter:
- Keep just a few meaningful items, not everything.
- Take a photo of items before letting them go.
- Repurpose sentimental pieces—turn an old t-shirt into a pillow or frame a special letter.
Your home should hold the best of your memories, not boxes of stuff you never look at.
8. “I Should Keep It for My Kids”
We love to save heirlooms, childhood toys, and family keepsakes for our children. But here’s the reality—they might not want them. Tastes and lifestyles change, and your kids may not have space for boxes of old dishes, collectibles, or furniture.
Instead of assuming they’ll want it, ask them. If they don’t, it’s okay to let it go. Keeping things out of obligation only adds clutter and stress.
9. “I’ll Sell It Eventually”
Many people hold onto clutter because they plan to sell it “someday.” But if an item has been sitting in a pile for months (or years) waiting to be sold, it’s probably not going to happen.
Selling takes time and effort, and sometimes it’s not worth it. If you haven’t listed it yet, consider donating it instead. The space you free up is more valuable than a few extra bucks.
10. “I Need to Keep Extras—Just in Case”
There’s a difference between being prepared and hoarding unnecessary extras. If you have five extra sets of bedsheets, a drawer full of takeout utensils, or a closet stuffed with hotel toiletries, ask yourself: How many do I really need?
Keeping a reasonable amount of backups is smart, but if it’s more than you’ll ever use, donate the extras and free up space.
11. “It’s Still in Good Condition”
Just because something isn’t broken doesn’t mean you need to keep it. If it’s been sitting untouched for years, it’s not serving a purpose in your home.
Instead of holding onto things just because they work, ask: Do I actually use this? Do I love it? If not, let someone else get use out of it by donating or selling it.
12. “I’ll Regret Getting Rid of It”
Fear of decluttering regret is real, but it’s rarely justified. How often have you actually regretted getting rid of something? Probably not as often as you think.
If you’re unsure, box up the item and store it for six months. If you don’t miss it, you don’t need it. Trust yourself—you’ll feel relieved, not regretful.
13. “I Just Need to Organize Better”
Many people think they need better storage solutions, but the real problem isn’t organization—it’s too much stuff. Buying more bins and shelves won’t fix clutter—it just hides it better.
Instead of reorganizing, declutter first. The less you have, the easier organizing becomes—no extra storage solutions needed!
