Jade Small
Jade Small
October 17, 2024 ·  5 min read

22 Decluttering Mistakes You Need to Stop Making

Decluttering is a process that can feel overwhelming, especially if you hit some common roadblocks. If you find yourself derailed or unsure how to proceed, these mistakes might be why—and it’s time to stop making them!

1. Taking On Too Much at Once

Squamish, British Columbia, Canada - April 2, 2016: An organized indoor house garage storage filled with personal stuff and junk stacked on shelves.
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It’s easy to get overly ambitious when starting a decluttering project. However, aiming too big can leave you frustrated when time runs out. Keep your projects manageable by tackling one drawer, shelf, or closet at a time. Break it down so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

2. Buying Storage Containers Too Soon

Hoarder room packed with boxes, electronics, business equipment, household objects and miscellaneous junk.
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Before you rush to buy new storage solutions, take stock of what you really need. Often, once you’ve decluttered, you’ll find that you don’t need extra bins or boxes, and may already have something at home that works.

3. Decluttering Other People’s Stuff

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It can be tempting to clear out someone else’s belongings, but this is a big no-no. Everyone has different values when it comes to their things. Always get permission, and if it’s your kids, involve them in the process to teach responsibility.

4. Getting Distracted Mid-Task

Funny Woman Looking inside her Disorganized Messy Purse. Disorganized lady trying to find something in her bag
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Staying focused can be tough when decluttering. Avoid wandering into other rooms to put things away until you’ve finished one area. Distractions will slow you down and make the job feel never-ending.

5. Letting Decluttered Items Pile Up

A cluttered collection of household items, including upholstered chairs and a vintage cooler, sits abandoned on a suburban curb, illustrating themes of waste, moving day, or garage clearance.
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Once you’ve decided to get rid of something, don’t let it linger in your house or car. Make it a priority to drop off donations or sell unwanted items quickly so your space feels lighter and more organized.

6. Getting Caught Up in “What If”

Woman at home deep in thoughts thinking and planning
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One of the most common obstacles to decluttering is worrying about “what if” scenarios. Stay practical and remind yourself that most of the time, you won’t need that item in the future. Let go of the hypothetical.

7. Being Hard on Yourself

Unhappy Woman Making Facepalm Gesture Waiting Outside. Stressed person having a breakdown regret crisis
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Decluttering can stir up emotions like guilt or regret over past purchases. Don’t let these feelings bog you down. Be kind to yourself and focus on the positive outcome you’re working toward.

8. Holding Onto Things for Sentimental Reasons

Sweet Teddy bear soft toy looking in on windows. At a morning sun light. Good morning concept. Romantic gift. back view. Stay home, safe.
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It’s difficult to part with items that remind you of loved ones, but it’s important not to associate people with things. Letting go of an item doesn’t mean you’re letting go of the person or memory attached to it.

9. Letting Negative People Dampen Your Progress

Evil Men pointing at stressed woman. Desperate young businesswoman sitting at desk in her office isolated on grey wall background. Negative human emotions face expression feelings life perception
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Naysayers, especially those within your household, can make the process more challenging. Focus on what you can control—your stuff and your progress. Don’t let others’ negativity slow you down.

10. Losing Sight of Your End Goal

No people clothes are sorting into three boxes that stand on top of each other against the backdrop of an open minimalist wardrobe. Concept: minimalism, decluttering, charity, reuse zero waste
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Decluttering is often a marathon, not a sprint. To stay motivated, keep your end goal in mind. Whether it’s a more organized home or just less stress, reminding yourself of why you’re decluttering will keep you on track.

11. Expecting Someone Else to Do It for You

young tattooed woman in casual clothes sorting thrift store finds while sitting on floor near couch in modern living room, sustainable living and mindful consumerism concept
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Hiring a professional organizer can help, but don’t expect them to declutter for you. The process is personal, and only you can decide what stays and what goes. A helper can support you, but the decision-making is yours.

12. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Upset young woman with wardrobe box in dressing room
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It’s great to imagine a perfectly organized home, but remember that life is imperfect. Decluttering won’t fix everything, and your home will still have quirks. Focus on progress, not perfection.

13. Avoiding Decisions

Upset young woman with wardrobe box in dressing room
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Decluttering requires decision-making, and it can be tempting to postpone choices. But keeping piles of “maybe” items will only slow you down. Practice being decisive and trust your instincts.

14. Holding Onto Items to Sell “Eventually”

Elderly woman's hand taking out jewelry from a box during decluttering
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Selling items you no longer want is fine, but give yourself a deadline. If you don’t sell it by then, donate or discard it. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with stuff that’s just taking up space indefinitely.

15. Nagging Others

Surprised woman holding metal laundry basket with messy clothes on white background. Laundry. Isolated housewife. Copy space. Textile. Dirty wardrobe. Decluttering concept. Disorganized wife.
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Decluttering is easier when everyone’s on board, but nagging rarely motivates. Set boundaries for shared spaces and give your kids tools to decide what they keep, but don’t force others to declutter on your timeline.

16. Trying to Do It All at Once

Surprised woman holding metal laundry basket with messy clothes on white background. Laundry. Isolated housewife. Copy space. Textile. Dirty wardrobe. Decluttering concept. Disorganized wife.
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TV shows may make it seem like decluttering an entire home can be done in a weekend. In reality, it’s a process that takes time. Go at a steady pace to avoid burnout, and don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than expected.

17. Holding Onto Expensive Items

Full length portrait of modern Asian woman using digital tablet while unpacking boxes in new house or apartment, copy space
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It’s tough to let go of things you spent a lot of money on, but holding onto them just because of their cost doesn’t help. Once you’ve decided they don’t serve a purpose, move on.

18. Going Down Memory Lane

New Zealand - October 2 2019: Garage full of stuff, exercise equipment, clothes, junk. Looks like moving, decluttering, unpacking. Plastic tubs and boxes filled, empty. Typical scene spring cleaning
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As you sort through things, avoid getting caught up in memories of how or where you acquired them. This can slow you down. Stay focused on whether the item is still relevant in your life today.

19. Starting with Sentimental Items

decluttering and tidying up conceptual still-life, storage boxes with Keep and Declutter labels on them next to each other
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Don’t start your decluttering journey with the most emotionally charged items. Begin with easier areas, like the kitchen or bathroom, and work up to the more difficult categories like family heirlooms or mementos.

20. Making Excuses

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Decluttering can seem overwhelming, but don’t let excuses hold you back. If it’s important to you, prioritize it. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel once your space is cleared out. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll find that the decluttering process is smoother, more manageable, and ultimately more rewarding. Happy decluttering!

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