You might not realize it, but some things you’re holding onto—whether physical items, thoughts, or habits—could be quietly ramping up your anxiety. It’s easy to overlook how these everyday triggers add weight to your stress without you even noticing.
Understanding what you’re keeping that fuels your anxiety can help you take steps to feel calmer and more in control. This article will help you spot those hidden sources so you can start letting go and making space for peace of mind.
Old clothes you never wear
You probably have clothes tucked away that haven’t seen the light of day in months, maybe years. Holding onto them “just in case” can create invisible clutter that weighs on your mind.
When you keep these items, it adds to decision fatigue every time you choose your outfit. Letting go of old clothes frees up space and reduces that background stress.
If donating feels easier than tossing, it’s a good way to pass them on without guilt. Your closet deserves to be filled with things you actually wear and enjoy.
Expired makeup and skincare
If you’re holding onto old makeup or skincare, it might be causing more harm than good. Expired products can change in smell, texture, and effectiveness.
Using them can lead to irritation, redness, or breakouts because bacteria can grow over time.
Products like mascara and eyeliner usually only last about three months, while foundations can last up to a year. Keep an eye on liquids that go near your eyes. Tossing expired items can save you from unnecessary skin issues and ease your mind.
Unused kitchen gadgets
You probably have kitchen tools you rarely use cluttering your drawers. Holding onto them can make your space feel overwhelming without even realizing it.
If a gadget hasn’t seen the light of day in months, it might be time to let it go. Clearing out these items can free up space and reduce those little stress spikes when you open a crowded cabinet.
Focus on keeping essentials that you use regularly. Losing the extras won’t disrupt your cooking but will help your kitchen feel calmer.
Broken electronics gathering dust
You probably have some old gadgets lying around that don’t work anymore. They just take up space and add to the clutter without serving a purpose.
Keeping broken electronics can also make it harder to keep your space organized. Letting them go frees up room and clears your mind a bit.
If you’re not ready to toss them, consider recycling at a certified center. That way, you’re responsible and eco-friendly while cutting down on your anxiety.
Stack of unopened mail and bills
You might have a pile of unopened mail or bills that keeps growing and just stresses you out. It’s easy to avoid opening them because of anxiety or uncertainty about what they might say.
But leaving them unattended often makes the stress worse. Taking a few minutes to open and sort through your mail can help clear your mind.
Even if it’s just junk mail, sorting it out stops the pile from looming over you every time you look around.
Books you’ll never read again
You might be holding onto books that brought you comfort once but now just gather dust. These can weigh on your mind more than you realize.
If you’re not going to pick them up again, it’s okay to let them go. Keeping them out of obligation only adds to your clutter and stress.
Focus on the books that still inspire or soothe you. Letting go of the rest can lighten both your shelves and your mood.
Toys from your childhood
Holding onto childhood toys might seem comforting, but they can sometimes trigger anxiety instead. You may associate them with past stress or uncomfortable memories you haven’t fully processed.
If these toys are cluttering your space, they might add to that anxious feeling, even if you don’t realize it. It’s okay to let go of some items that don’t bring you joy anymore.
Regretting getting rid of toys happens, but focusing on what makes you feel calm now is more important than keeping every piece from the past.
Collections you no longer care about
You might have collections sitting around that once excited you but now just take up space. Holding onto these things can create unnecessary mental clutter.
If you’re no longer passionate about them, it’s okay to let them go. Clearing out those items can help ease anxiety and give you more room to focus on what matters.
Sometimes, you keep stuff out of habit or guilt, but asking yourself why you still have it can make it easier to part ways.
Dated magazines and newspapers
Holding on to old magazines and newspapers can clutter your space more than you realize. They often pile up, making it harder to relax and focus.
You might think you’ll read them later, but that usually doesn’t happen. Instead, these stacks can create a sense of unfinished business, which adds to your stress.
Consider recycling or donating them if you want to keep a few. Clearing out those outdated papers can help you feel lighter and more in control.
Old receipts and warranties
You might be holding onto old receipts and warranties thinking they’re useful later. But once the return period or warranty expires, they usually just take up space.
If the receipt isn’t for something expensive or a business expense, it’s probably safe to toss it. Keeping them can add unnecessary clutter that quietly builds stress over time. Let go to keep your space—and mind—clear.
Cups and mugs you never use
You probably have a bunch of mugs sitting around that you don’t actually drink from. Seeing them piled up can add to visual clutter, which quietly stresses you out.
Some mugs even get scratched or cracked, which isn’t great for hygiene or your peace of mind. Using only the mugs you love can make your kitchen feel calmer and more organized.
Keeping mugs that just take up space might seem harmless, but they can add to the mental noise you’re already carrying. Try clearing them out and keeping just a few favorites.
Expired food in the pantry
You probably have food in your pantry that’s way past its prime. While some items like pasta can last a long time, others, like dried potatoes or instant mashed potatoes, might start tasting off sooner.
Holding onto expired food can cause more stress than it’s worth. Tossing it out can clear space and ease your mind.
If you struggle with anxiety about eating past-dated food, try gradually testing small amounts. Often, you’ll realize the fear is bigger than the actual risk.
Excessive smartphone notifications
If your phone constantly buzzes, it can pull your attention away and spike your anxiety. Every ping makes you feel like you need to check immediately, even if it’s not urgent.
You don’t have to keep all notifications on. Turning off non-essential alerts or putting your phone on silent can help you stay calmer and more focused.
Try getting into the habit of checking your phone less often. It’s okay to give yourself a break from constant digital interruptions.
Clutter-filled junk drawer
Your junk drawer might seem harmless, but it can quietly add to your stress. When it’s crammed with random stuff, you waste time digging through it and feel overwhelmed.
Clearing it out doesn’t mean getting rid of everything, just sorting and tossing what you don’t need. A neat drawer can actually make you feel calmer and more in control.
Sentimental items causing stress
You might think holding onto certain sentimental items brings comfort. But sometimes, these things just remind you of past stress or guilt instead.
If you’re keeping stuff out of obligation more than true feeling, it can create mental clutter. That kind of tension quietly adds to your daily anxiety.
Try asking yourself if an item honestly makes you feel good or if it’s just filling space. Letting go can lighten both your physical and mental load.