6 Reasons We Hold Onto Stuff


Decluttering Tips and Support

Dear Reader,

We are officially moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania this summer, and I have NEVER been more grateful for my clutter-free home.

In order to get house "listing-ready" we've had to clear surfaces, relocate furniture, and maximize the space to entice potential buyers.

Since we don't have a garage, any excess stuff has been moved to part of our basement. As I moved Lego sets, bean bag chairs, bookshelves, and end tables, I am incredibly grateful that we have purged unnecessary stuff from our home over the last 11 years I've pursued a minimalist lifestyle.

That being said, there's still more we will likely declutter before the move - and I've been thinking about the six reasons that we hold onto stuff (and how to more easily let go).

On the Podcast

I LOVE creating acronyms on my podcast. A few of my favorites include:

- The S.I.M.P.L.E. method from Episode 97

- Your Simple S.P.R.I.N.G. Decluttering Plan from Episode 111

Now I've introduced a new (somewhat strange) acronym for the six reasons we hold onto our stuff - MUPPET. (Not sure how to remember that. Perhaps we want to hold onto stuff like we want to hug Elmo??)

Here's a brief overview of the six reasons - I dive into each one in Episode 235 as well as how can get unstuck and start letting go!

🌟 Memories - the sentimental items we hold onto because we equate the thing with the memories they evoke

🌟 Utility - keeping something because it's useful is fine, as long as we are actually using it and not keeping it because it MIGHT be useful someday

🌟Possibility - these are the things we "might" use "someday" if only we had the time, energy, or resources (otherwise known as aspirational clutter)

🌟 Pleasure - it's fine to hold onto things because they "spark joy" as long as we display them and contain them so that they don't take over our space

🌟 Expectations - keeping things because we "should" or because we think others expect us to means that we are surrounding ourselves with things that make us feel guilty

🌟Tomorrow - clutter is delayed decision-making, so holding onto what we're going to get to "tomorrow" is problematic because tomorrow usually means never

Listen to Episode 235 on your favorite podcast player or watch on YouTube!

video preview

My decluttering/organizing tool of the week is STILL the Moms Spring Break Bundle which has now been extended to April 30!

For just $27, you get access to 26 powerful resources from experts who understand motherhood and want to make this transition easier — not heavier.

It features resources from former guests on the podcast, such as:

✔️ Lori Oberbroeckling - one free month in the Supermom Society

✔️ Michelle Byrd - Chaos to Calm eBook

✔️ Jessica Przulj - The Weekly Reset Workshop

✔️ Valerie Recore - The Secret to Getting it All Done

Remember, it's only available until April 30 - and once the bundle is gone, it's gone.

If you want an easier end to the school year and a smoother start to summer, do yourself a favor and grab it today!

My decluttering/organizing resource of the week is creative reuse centers. I recently learned about these amazing places where you can buy (and donate) secondhand crafting and art supplies. You can learn more about them here and Google the closest one to you!

My favorite recipe of the week is creamy Crockpot crack chicken - as delicious as it sounds!

What things you're loving right now? Hit reply and let me know.

On the journey with you,

Emily

P.S. Skipped to the end? No problem! This week I shared the six reasons we hold onto stuff (and how to start letting go).

*Note- affiliate links may be included, which means I get a small commission if you use my link - thanks!T

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I help overwhelmed moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. Decluttering coach and the host of top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm.

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