Have you noticed as you’ve reached this point in your life that you seem to be accumulating more and more clutter? Clutter can build up in ways we don’t always notice, and often it’s not just about having too much stuff. There are deeper reasons why we accumulate clutter. Understanding these causes can help you take small steps toward a more organised and peaceful space. Let’s explore five common reasons why clutter sneaks into our lives and what you can do to tackle it:

1. Emotional Attachments

We often hold onto items that carry sentimental value or memories. Whether it’s a piece of jewellery from a loved one or a family heirloom, these things can remind us of important people or moments in our lives. The emotional connection makes it hard to let go, even when we no longer use them. While it’s lovely to have a keepsake from a loved one, we can sometimes be tempted to hold on to everything and quickly become overwhelmed by the volume.

Tip: Try taking photos of sentimental items or keep a small token to preserve the memory without the clutter. I recommend curating your collection of keepsakes to the ones that are the most special and have the most meaning for you and display them (or use them) in a way that honours the memory of your loved one. Keepsakes should spark memories not overwhelm.

2. Inherited Items (From Ageing Parents)

As our parents age, we often end up inheriting their possessions, which can add to our own clutter. You might feel an obligation to hold onto their belongings, thinking it’s disrespectful to get rid of them. But holding onto everything can lead to overwhelm, especially if you’re dealing with multiple generations of stuff. It can be especially painful when you know how hard your parents worked to be able to afford to buy these things in the first place or how much they may have meant to them.

Tip: Sort through inherited items slowly, keeping only what’s meaningful to you, and consider donating or passing on the rest. Your love for your parents is not diminished by not holding on to their stuff.

3. Lack of Time or Energy

Life gets busy! Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, decluttering often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. When you’re constantly juggling multiple roles, it can feel overwhelming to even start. The clutter piles up because there simply isn’t enough time or energy to tackle it.

Tip: Break it down into smaller tasks. Some people find it helpful to set a timer for 10-15 minutes and focus on one area at a time. Baby steps can make a big difference. Another helpful strategy would be to declutter as you see a problem starting - for example pop a basket/box at the bottom of your wardrobe and whenever you try something on that doesn’t fit or you no longer want to keep, add it to the box ready to take to donate once you’ve accumulated a few items. I keep a box in my garage for donations and if I come across items throughout the house I no longer need, I add them to the box and make a trip to the charity shop to donate once it’s full.

4. The “Just In Case” Mentality

We all have a tendency to keep things “just in case”—like old clothes that might fit again or random kitchen gadgets that could be useful one day. The problem is, the “just in case” items often end up taking up space without ever being used. How are you storing these items? Can you find them when you actually have a need to use them? If not, then why are you keeping the item? If you’re keeping it “just in case” you need to use it later but can’t find it when the need arises, is it really worth keeping?

Tip: Be realistic about what you truly use. Donate or recycle anything that hasn’t been used in the past year or two.

5. Fear of Waste or Guilt

Many of us feel guilty about getting rid of things, especially if they were gifts, purchased with good intentions, or things we’ve spent money on. This fear of waste, whether financial or emotional, can make it hard to part with possessions. It’s natural to feel this way, but isn’t it more wasteful to have items languish at the back of a cupboard that are susceptible to damage over time? How many times have you had to throw something away after storing it for a long time because it was covered in mould when you went to use it? 

Tip: Remember that clutter doesn’t honour the value of an item; it just takes up space. Donating or selling things can give them a new life, and it’s okay to let go. Someone else may have a greater need for the item than you do, so by letting it go to someone who will actually use and appreciate it is a great way to also let go of the guilt. 

Takeaway

Understanding why we accumulate clutter is the first step toward regaining control over it. Be kind to yourself as you navigate these emotional and practical reasons for the accumulation of your clutter. The goal is progress, not perfection, and a little decluttering each day can help create a space that truly serves you.

If you need a little extra support to get on top of your clutter, have you considered booking a declutter coaching session? I can help you work through the feelings of guilt, help you curate what matters most to you and support you through the process of letting go of what’s no longer serving you. 

Copyright @2025 Jodie Blewitt