Recognizing and Overcoming Clutter Blocks

Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your life? You’re not alone. Many of us face emotional hurdles that prevent us from letting go of our possessions—what Tracy McCubbin so aptly calls "Clutter Blocks" in her insightful book. In this blog post, we'll delve into what Clutter Blocks are, how they impact us, and why recognizing them is crucial to beginning your decluttering journey. By identifying these blocks, you'll take the first vital step toward reclaiming your space and peace of mind. Let's explore the path to a more organized and liberated life, inspired by Tracy McCubbin's wisdom.

Clutter Block #1: My Belongings Keep Me Anchored in the Past

This clutter block manifests itself in the trophies you received from playing football in high school. Similarly, it can show up in numerous bins filled with your children's artwork, even though they are now adults with their own accomplishments and households. Holding on to these items from the past can signal to yourself that your best days are behind you. If seeing these mementos fills you with a sense of loss and prevents you from looking forward to today or tomorrow, this may be your clutter block. To break free, ask yourself if these items align with the life you want to live today. Remember, letting go of these old items will make room for your current and future lifestyle.

Clutter Block #2: My Possessions Define Me

This block is common among shoppers and bargain-hunters. If you find yourself shopping just for the sake of it, you might be experiencing this clutter block. Perhaps you have stacks of boxes piling up in your entryway? Maybe it's a sign to hit pause on the online shopping. Maybe your closet is brimming with the same clothes in every colour, despite knowing pink isn't your shade. Or you might have a wall of designer bags when you only use your trusty tote bag daily. If any of this sounds familiar, challenge yourself to create meaningful daily interactions that don’t involve acquiring more stuff. Connect with people in ways that don't involve shopping. Remember, your value comes from who you are, not from the things you own.

Clutter Block #3: The Things I'm Avoiding

This block appears as mountains of unopened mail and unfiled paperwork. You might have hundreds of unopened emails and unread texts. Your car's trunk could be full of items waiting to be returned or donated. The key to overcoming this clutter block is to actually do the things you're avoiding. There's no magic solution to make it all disappear—I've tried. Sit yourself down and tackle what needs to be done. You can write a list and pick 3 tasks each day, or set a 30-minute timer and do as much as you can before it rings. I guarantee there’s nothing on your list that you can't handle, regardless of how daunting it may appear.

Clutter Block #4: My Fantasy Items for My Fantasy Life

This is like purchasing an expensive treadmill to start running, but it ends up gathering dust in the corner for years. Or purchasing all the gear for rock climbing, but the equipment is untouched because it’s never been used. These are items you buy or keep because you think that one day, maybe, you'll start using them. I promise you don’t need all that stuff to do what you want. It's not about what you acquire, but what you do with it that truly counts. If you have unused items collecting dust, it's okay to donate or try and sell them. It doesn’t reflect who you are, nor does it mean you’ll never pursue those activities. You can rent rock climbing shoes once you’re ready for the gym.

Clutter Block #5: I’m Not Worth My Nice Things

Are you saving fancy items for "someday"? Using chipped plates because your wedding china is "too nice"? If so, you’re stuck in Clutter Block #5. Perhaps you grew up in a household where the good towels were reserved for guests, or special outfits were only for holidays. But now, as an adult, you can decide how to use your things. Use your fancy china for Taco Tuesday because tacos are delicious. Light the expensive candle because it smells great and makes you happy. Wear that gorgeous dress on a random Wednesday because it makes you feel beautiful. You don’t need to wait for "someday." Celebrate today—tomorrow is never guaranteed!

Clutter Block #6: Surrounded by Other People’s Belongings

Does your house resemble a museum, filled with antique family furniture and rooms packed with boxes of memorabilia? You might find yourself stuck in this clutter block. I’ve observed countless instances where parents unload their unwanted items on their children, preventing them from letting go. It’s common to see people with multiple storage units filled with belongings from deceased loved ones. The saddest part is that these items often remain unused! Perhaps you’ve inherited a complete set of dishes you never liked, while you already own a set you adore. Or maybe grandpa’s favorite armchair now occupies your living room, despite your preference for your large sectional. You cherished your grandpa, but his chair doesn’t hold the same appeal. Let me tell you – your loved ones are not defined by their belongings. The number of items you keep doesn’t measure the love you had for them. There are ways to honor their memory that don’t involve holding onto their stuff. Remember, you can love and cherish their memory while still letting go of their things.

Clutter Block #7: The Items I Keep Paying For

This clutter block is easier to acknowledge in words than in actions. If you struggle to part with items because you spent “good money” on them or don’t want them to “go to waste,” you might be dealing with Clutter Block #7. If these items aren’t being used, their cost becomes irrelevant! Overcoming this block requires self-acceptance. When you bought these items, you made an informed guess that you would use them. This choice says nothing about your character or worthiness; it doesn’t make you a bad person if they went unused. It’s okay to let go of these items, and you can pass them on to someone who will use them.

Conclusion

Can you relate to any of these Clutter Blocks? Does this perspective help things make a bit more sense? Decluttering is an emotional journey, not just a physical task of throwing out unused items. Sometimes, merely identifying that you have one of these blocks can provide relief. Recognizing and understanding these blocks is the first step toward overcoming them. Once you accept your Clutter Block(s), you can begin the real work of decluttering and reclaiming your life from your belongings.

Credit: Content inspired by Tracy McCubbin. For more of her wisdom on decluttering, be sure to check out her work. www.dclutterfly.com