7 Common Hurdles to Decluttering (and How to Overcome Them)

Owning less might sound great to you. More space. Less stress. Easier mornings. But often times, when it comes to actually decluttering, obstacles arise. It’s not just about sorting through things—there are emotional and mental barriers that make it difficult to let go.

The good news? These hurdles aren’t insurmountable. When you recognize what’s holding you back, you can push past it. Here are seven common roadblocks to decluttering and how to overcome them.

1. You Feel Too Overwhelmed to Start

One of the biggest reasons people stay stuck is because they don’t know where to begin. Looking around at a cluttered home can feel paralyzing—every drawer, shelf, and closet seems like too much to handle.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: When everything feels chaotic, it’s easy to shut down and do nothing. The mental load of figuring out where to start can keep you from making any progress.

How to Overcome It: Instead of focusing on everything at once, narrow your focus. Start small—one drawer, one shelf, one 10-minute session. Give yourself a quick win by tackling an easy area first, like expired pantry items or old magazines. Progress fuels motivation, and as you see results, the momentum will build.

2. You Are Too Busy

With work, family, and countless obligations, decluttering can feel like one more thing on an already packed to-do list. There never seems to be enough time.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: It’s easy to assume decluttering requires a large, uninterrupted chunk of time. And when you’re busy, that time never comes.

How to Overcome It: Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day event. It can happen in small pockets of time. Set a 5-minute timer and clear out a junk drawer. Sort through a single shelf while waiting for dinner to cook. The goal isn’t to finish everything at once—it’s to make steady progress.

3. You Struggle with Worry

What if you need that item later? What if you regret getting rid of it? Fear of making a wrong decision can cause hesitation.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: Instead of confidently letting go, you second-guess yourself. So, you keep things ‘just in case,’ even if they never actually get used.

How to Overcome It: Flip the question. Instead of asking, “What if I need this someday?” ask, “Do I actually use this now?” If an item has sat untouched for years, it’s unlikely to suddenly become essential. For things you’re unsure about, create a ‘Maybe Box.’ Place items in it and set a reminder for 30 days. If you don’t retrieve anything, you can let it go with confidence.

4. You Are Tied to Sentimental Items

Gifts from loved ones, inherited belongings, childhood keepsakes—sentimental items can be the hardest to part with.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: These items feel like they hold memories. Letting go of them can feel like letting go of the people or moments they represent.

How to Overcome It: Remember, memories are not in objects—they are in you. Keep the best, not everything. Choose a few meaningful items and find ways to honor them, like displaying them instead of storing them in a box. If you’re keeping something out of obligation, remind yourself that gifts should bring joy, not guilt.

5. You Are Holding Too Tightly to the Past

Clutter isn’t always about things—it’s about identities we struggle to let go of. The sports equipment from a hobby you no longer enjoy, the wardrobe from a previous phase of life, the books from a past career. These items tie us to who we used to be.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: Letting go can feel like admitting that a season of life has ended. But holding onto old versions of ourselves can keep us from fully embracing who we are now.

How to Overcome It: Ask yourself, “Does this reflect my life today?” If not, it’s okay to let it go. Let go of the person you were so you can make space for the person you are becoming.

6. You Feel Guilty About Wasted Money

Many people keep things they don’t use simply because they spent money on them. The clothes with tags still on, the expensive kitchen gadget that never made cooking easier—letting go feels like admitting a mistake.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: It’s painful to acknowledge that money was wasted. But keeping something you don’t use won’t get that money back—it only clutters your home.

How to Overcome It: The money is already spent. The best thing you can do is learn from it. If something didn’t add value to your life, recognize it, let it go, and make better choices in the future.

7. You Don’t Have a Plan for What to Do with Your Stuff

Sometimes, it’s not the letting go that’s hard—it’s figuring out what to do with everything. You want to donate but don’t know where. You want to sell, but it feels like a hassle.

Why This Makes Decluttering Difficult: Without a clear plan, items end up in limbo—piled in a corner, waiting for ‘someday’ to come.

How to Overcome It: Make decluttering easier by deciding in advance where things will go. Choose a donation center and set a drop-off date. If selling, limit yourself to items worth the effort. Giving your things a second life in someone else’s home can be more rewarding than keeping them unused in yours.

Decluttering isn’t just about removing excess—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. The hardest part is starting. But once you do, you’ll find that the freedom of owning less is worth every step.