5 Essential Questions to Help You Break Free from Clutter
Decluttering can be tough, and I mean really tough. It’s not just about cleaning up a space—it’s an emotional and physical workout. And if you’ve found yourself completely stuck staring at a pile of “maybe keep” items, welcome to what we call “decision fatigue.” The trash and the clothes that clearly don’t fit are the easy part. The real clutter—the sentimental, the “someday” items—is hard to say goodbye to.
When you find yourself struggling to decide whether something should stay or go, try asking yourself these five questions. They can make saying goodbye (or deciding to keep) a whole lot easier.
1. Do you use it fairly regularly?
By “semi-regular,” I mean at least once a year. Daily use isn’t the only criteria for keeping an item, but if it’s been gathering dust for the past decade… it might be time to reconsider.
Here’s a little example from my own life. I have these jars for storing the herbal medicines I make. I don’t use them all the time, but I definitely pull them out at least once a year. They take up some space, but they serve an important purpose when I need them.
If you have a blender tucked away in the back of your cupboard that hasn’t been used since your smoothie phase in 2015, it’s probably time to let it go.
2. Is it generating revenue for you?
Does this item help you make a living? If the answer is yes, it stays. Simple as that. But if you’re holding onto something because you think it might make you money someday, here’s a reality check.
Most of the time, these items aren’t worth what we imagine they are. Trust me, I’ve seen it all. People spend months (sometimes years) thinking about listing an item for sale, but it just takes up space and mental energy in the meantime. This is your permission to set a deadline. If you can’t sell it in a reasonable amount of time, donate it and reclaim that space in your life.
3. Is it possible to purchase it again at an affordable price or borrow it?
This one is a game-changer. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that happens if I need this again?” If the answer is, “I could borrow it or buy another for a reasonable price,” then you can probably afford to let it go.
For example, if you’re holding onto an old waffle maker that you haven’t used in ages “just in case” you suddenly crave waffles, it might be time to let it go. If the craving ever hits, you can likely borrow one from a friend or family member.
Holding onto things “just in case” actually costs you more long-term—in space, in stress, and in clutter—than getting it again IF you ever need it. And trust me, after 5+ years of decluttering, I can tell you this with confidence: people almost never use those “just in case” items.
4. Do you have somewhere to store it?
And no, I’m not talking about stuffing it into a closet where it topples out every time you open the door or hiding it in the “spare room” that’s turned into a catch-all junk zone. If the item has a proper, accessible spot, great—keep it. But if you’re cramming it into places where it doesn’t belong, it’s a clear sign you’ve got too much. Take a moment to ask yourself—where does this really belong in my home? If you don’t have an answer, it might be time to let it go.
5. Do you absolutely adore it?
Not just “like” it, not just “someone else loved it,” but you have to genuinely adore this item.
If it makes your heart happy every time you see or use it, it stays. But if it’s a gift from someone else, or you’re holding onto it out of guilt or obligation, it’s time to free yourself from that weight. You don’t need to carry someone else’s burdens in your home. Keep things because YOU love them—not because someone else once did.
Here’s a tip I share with my clients when they feel stuck letting go of sentimental items. Many people feel like they need to tell a story about the item before they can release it. If that’s the case, find someone to share that story with—maybe a family member or a loved one. That way, the memory lives on, even without the clutter.
Reaching the Final Decision
If you answered “yes” to any of these five questions, the item stays! But if you answered “no” to all of them, trust yourself and say goodbye.I assure you, it will be okay!
Decluttering is a process, and it’s normal to feel stuck sometimes. Next time you’re in a rut, come back to these questions. They work like magic to keep your momentum going.
Remember, your space is valuable—make sure everything in it brings you purpose, joy, or function. Most importantly, give yourself grace. Decluttering is a gift you’re giving to your future self, so take it one step at a time.