Why Is Decluttering So Hard? The Truth About Letting Go of Stuff
Hey, hey! Welcome back to another episode of the Motherhood Simplified podcast. Today, I’m diving into a topic that always sparks interest: why is decluttering so hard when you have kids? A few weeks ago, I shared my story of decluttering during our move from Alaska to Florida with three kids in tow, and today, I’m answering a question I often get—should you declutter as drastically as I did?
Spoiler alert: decluttering is a challenge for most people, especially moms. In this post, I’ll break down why decluttering is so hard, how my own extreme decluttering experience unfolded, and what you can learn from it to make the process easier.
Our Story: The Extreme Decluttering
In 2011, we decided to move from Alaska to Florida in about six weeks. My husband had a job opportunity, and everything happened really fast. During that time, we decided to declutter down to what fit into our suitcases. We rented a fully furnished house in Florida, so all we needed were clothes, bedding, towels, dishes, and a few toys for the kids.
It was an extreme move, but it made the most sense financially and logistically. Shipping everything from Alaska to Florida would have cost $15,000, and when we looked at what we owned, it didn’t feel worth it. We didn’t need to hold on to old furniture or unnecessary items.
But why is decluttering so hard for most people, and why did we struggle during this process too?
The Real Reason Decluttering Feels Impossible
The biggest challenge we faced while decluttering was realizing how much stuff we actually had. This is where the question “why is decluttering so hard?” becomes really relevant. For most of us, it’s not just about the physical act of getting rid of things—it’s the emotional and psychological hurdles we have to overcome.
When I started sorting through everything, I had no real understanding of what we truly needed. Our house was full of stuff we barely used, but I was so used to having it all that it felt essential. This is a huge part of why decluttering is so hard: we get accustomed to having so much that we don’t even recognize what we actually need for daily life.
Overcoming the Emotional Barriers to Decluttering
As I decluttered, I had to face some uncomfortable truths. One of the hardest realizations was that no one wanted our stuff. We tried selling some items, but most things had no value to others. This is another reason why decluttering is so hard—it’s not easy to accept that the things we once valued are now just clutter.
Even when we donate things, it’s not always as helpful as we’d like to think. Donation centers are overwhelmed with stuff, and many of the things we drop off end up being trashed. This truth can make the decluttering process feel even more wasteful and discouraging, but it’s something we need to face if we want to live clutter-free.
Why I Would Do It Again (But Don’t Recommend the Extreme Approach)
Even though decluttering was hard, and I had to confront some tough realities, I would absolutely do it again under similar circumstances. The fresh start we got from letting go of nearly everything was worth it. It was a huge learning experience, and it’s led me to create a business that helps moms like you get relief from clutter.
That said, I don’t recommend taking an extreme approach like I did unless your circumstances call for it. For most families, decluttering doesn’t have to mean getting rid of everything. The point is to reduce your clutter in a sustainable way, not to take drastic measures just because.
Why Is Decluttering So Hard? Understanding the Bigger Picture
So, why is decluttering so hard for so many moms? Here’s what I want you to understand:
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We are used to overconsumption. We live in a time where we accumulate so much stuff, and that makes it hard to separate what’s truly important from what’s just taking up space.
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It’s uncomfortable to face the waste. A lot of what we own has little to no value when it’s time to get rid of it. It feels wasteful, but the long-term benefits of decluttering far outweigh the short-term discomfort.
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It’s hard to let go of the emotional attachment. We attach sentimental value to our belongings, but once you start decluttering, you realize that much of it is just “stuff” and not as essential as you once thought.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why is decluttering so hard?”—know that you’re not alone. It’s a process that takes time, emotional awareness, and practice. But once you do it, you free up not just physical space, but also time, energy, and mental clarity for what really matters in your life.
The Long-Term Benefits of Decluttering
Even though my experience with extreme decluttering was tough, it was absolutely worth it. Today, I don’t overconsume or unintentionally contribute to landfills. Instead, I make mindful purchases that align with the life I want to live.
Decluttering may feel hard in the short term, but the long-term benefits are priceless. You’ll save time, energy, and money, and you’ll create more room—both literally and figuratively—to focus on what matters most.
Final Thoughts: Yes, Decluttering Is Hard, But You Can Do It
I hope this story gives you a deeper understanding of why decluttering is so hard. It’s not just about the stuff—it’s about the emotions, habits, and mindsets we have around what we own. But once you start decluttering, you’ll see that it gets easier, and the rewards are well worth the effort.
