If you’ve ever looked around and thought, Why is it so hard to let go of this stuff?, you’re not alone. There’s a reason behind that clutter, and it’s deeper than just being “too busy” or “not ready.”
I call them Clutter Blocks. The emotional stories we tell ourselves about why we can’t let go of the things we don’t want, need, or use.
The real reason it’s hard to let go
If you’re struggling to declutter, chances are you’re caught in a Clutter Block. These are the emotional narratives we tell ourselves about why we can’t release the things we no longer want, use, or need. As a professional organizer and declutterer, I’ve come across the same seven Clutter Blocks again and again. They show up so consistently that I filled an entire book with real-life stories and practical strategies to help break free from them. Most people have at least one—sometimes more. Full disclosure: even pro organizers aren’t immune. Mine is Clutter Block #3!
When you’re dealing with a Clutter Block, it can feel like the mess will never end and that letting go is impossible. But once you recognize the Block that’s holding you back, everything starts to shift.
Clutter Block #1: My stuff keeps stuck in the past
This Block often shows up in your childhood trophies or bins of your kids’ old artwork—even though they’re now grown adults with homes of their own. Holding on to these objects might be telling yourself that your best moments are behind you. If these items stir up a sense of loss and prevent you from living in the present or planning for the future, this could be your Block. To move forward, ask yourself: Do these belongings align with the life I want to live now? Letting go of the past creates space for what’s next.
Clutter Block #2: My stuff tells me who I am
If you shop for the thrill or collect things in every color “just because,” you might be stuck in this Block. Maybe your entryway is piled high with unopened packages, or your closet is full of things that don’t reflect who you are today. Maybe you have a shelf of designer bags, but your daily go-to is a canvas tote. To challenge this Block, focus on building meaningful daily experiences that have nothing to do with purchases. You are worthy because of who you are—not what you own.
Clutter Block #3: The stuff I’m avoiding
This one’s personal—my own Clutter Block. It shows up in stacks of unopened mail, chaotic paperwork, unread emails, and overstuffed car trunks full of returns and donations. There’s no magic fix here. The only way out is through. Start by writing a list or setting a timer for 30 minutes and tackling one thing at a time. I promise—whatever’s on that list, you canhandle it. It only feels overwhelming because you haven’t started yet.
Clutter Block #4: My fantasy stuff for my fantasy life
You bought a pizza oven to become a home chef… but it’s still in the box. You invested in top-notch rock climbing gear… but haven’t touched a rock wall. This Block is all about the life you think you’ll live someday. Here’s the truth: you don’t need all the gear to start. Action—not accumulation—is what leads to change. It’s okay to donate or sell the things you never used. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means you’re choosing to live in the now.
Clutter Block #5: I’m not worth my good stuff
Are you saving the “nice” things for someday? Using chipped dishes instead of your wedding china? If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck in Block #5. Maybe you were raised to reserve the best for guests—but you’re an adult now, and you get to decide. Use the fancy candle. Wear the beautiful dress. Eat tacos off the fine china. You are worth the good stuff today—not just on holidays or special occasions.
Clutter Block #6: I’m trapped with other people’s stuff
Does your house look more like a storage unit than a home? Filled with furniture and keepsakes passed down by family—most of which you didn’t choose or don’t even like? You’re not alone. I see this all the time: people overwhelmed by inherited items or guilt-ridden about letting things go. But remember—your love for someone isn’t measured by how much of their stuff you keep. You can honor their memory without living under their things.
Clutter Block #7: The stuff I keep paying for
This Block is sneaky. It whispers, “But I spent good money on that,” or “I shouldn’t waste it.” Here’s the truth: if you’re not using it, it is already wasted. Holding on doesn’t get your money back—it just clogs your space and drains your energy. The key to this Block is self-compassion. You made a reasonable decision at the time. It’s okay that it didn’t work out. Let it go. Someone else may use it—or maybe it’s time for the trash. Either way, you’re not a bad person.
Did any of these Clutter Blocks sound familiar?
Maybe things are starting to make a little more sense now. Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of objects—it’s emotional work. Simply recognizing your Block can lift some of the pressure. Awareness is the first step. Once you understand what’s really behind the clutter, you can finally start clearing it—for good.
