I used to believe that decluttering would leave me feeling deprived and that one day, I’d regret letting something go.
What if I had a sudden urge to read my high school yearbook? What if cargo pants come back in style, and I need all those pockets?
I’m laughing at myself, but let’s be real—we’ve all held onto things for reasons that don’t make much sense. The fear of needing something one day is powerful, even when that day never comes.
But after years of simplifying, I realised there’s not much I miss. Instead, I feel lighter and free! Here are 9 things I no longer keep and some tips that helped me let go.
1. Items I’m Keeping ‘Just in Case’ (When I Have No Idea What I’d Use Them For)
I’m a realist, and I don’t believe in never keeping items “just in case.” In fact, I think if you never hold onto anything, it can be wasteful. But the key is having boundaries—at the very least, you should have some idea of what you’d use the item for.
If you don’t set limits, it’s easy to justify keeping almost anything. Think about all those mystery cords and chargers tucked away in drawers—you have no idea what they belong to, but you keep them ‘just in case.’
But if you haven’t needed them by now, you probably never will.
Setting small limits—like keeping just one box for spare cables—helps strike a balance between practicality and simplicity. If an item doesn’t have a clear purpose or a designated space, then maybe it’s time to let it go.
Related Post: Why You Keep Things You Don’t Use & How to Declutter Them Instead
2. Things I’ve Kept Out of Habit, Not Because I Love Them
Some things stay in our homes not because we love them but simply because they’ve always been there—a piece of furniture, a kitchen gadget, or a stack of old magazines.
Other times, we hold onto things because we believe we’re supposed to have them. Maybe your mum had a fine china set, so of course, you need one too (except you never actually use it).
I’ve been there too, and learned that just because something has been in my home for years (or because of unspoken expectations) doesn’t mean it belongs in my future.
If you’re struggling to let go, ask yourself: What unspoken rule am I following by keeping this item? And how could I rewrite that rule to suit my life?
3. Clothes That Don’t Fit Who I Am Today
I once kept clothing that didn’t fit—physically or emotionally. Some things were too small, some no longer reflected my style, and others reminded me of a version of myself I had moved on from. Now, I only keep clothes that make me feel confident and comfortable today.
Related Post: 7 Reasons Why You Struggle to Declutter Clothes + What to Do About It
4. Aspirational Clutter—The Things I Think I ‘Should’ Use But Never Do
Let’s talk about change for a second. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to start a new hobby or get in shape, but it’s important to examine why we feel the need to.
I realised that some of my aspirations weren’t driven by internal motivation. Instead, they came from external pressure—expectations from society, family, or even myself. There was a disconnect between who I truly was and who I thought I should be. And the result? Clutter.
I had shelves of unread books, stacks of untouched craft supplies, and fitness gear that never left the closet. The reason? I didn’t buy them for me. I bought them for some imaginary version of myself.
Letting go of these things wasn’t about giving up; it was about making space for what truly aligns with my life now.
5. Gifts I’ve Kept to Please Someone Else (Even If They’d Never Know I Let Them Go)
For years, I held onto gifts out of obligation, even when they didn’t fit my lifestyle or taste. But I’ve come to realise that a gift is meant to bring joy, not guilt. The person who gave it to me wouldn’t want it to be a burden.
If you struggle with letting go of gifts, ask yourself: What was the intention behind this gift? How did the giver hope I would feel?
If that intention no longer aligns with how you genuinely feel about the item, then releasing it isn’t just about clearing clutter—it’s about honouring the spirit of the gift. Letting go with gratitude allows you to appreciate the thought behind it while making space for what serves you.
Related Post: 4 Ways to Declutter Without Feeling Guilty
6. Sentimental Clutter I Was Holding Onto for the Wrong Reasons
Sometimes, sentimental items become placeholders for unresolved emotions such as grief, guilt, or regret.
When my brother passed away, I kept many of his personal items—not because they brought me comfort, but because I carried guilt for not spending more time with him. Holding onto them felt like a way to make up for what I couldn’t change.
But letting go isn’t about forgetting—it’s about healing. If an item stirs more guilt or sadness than warmth, ask yourself: Am I keeping this because I love it or because I haven’t allowed myself to say goodbye?
Keeping a few meaningful mementos is natural—I do it too. But when objects hold more weight than just memories, releasing them with intention can be a step toward true emotional freedom.
7. “Keeping Up Clutter” — Things I Kept to Fit an Image, Not My Life
For years, I held onto items because I thought they were essential to “keeping up with the Joneses”—trendy home decor, designer handbags, and fancy dishware I never used.
At first, I thought these things mattered. But over time, I realised they weren’t adding value; they were just cluttering my space and mind. Now, I focus on what reflects my values and lifestyle rather than what simply looks good to others.
8. Pretty Things That Weren’t Worth the Extra Effort
This might surprise you, but deep down, I love maximalist home decor! I appreciate knick-knacks and cute decorations, and I enjoy seeing beautifully styled, eclectic spaces.
But I’ve realised that loving something doesn’t always mean I need to own it.
Too many decorative items made dusting a hassle, added visual noise, and left me feeling overwhelmed—especially with young kids in the house. Now, I admire maximalist aesthetics from afar while embracing clear(ish) surfaces in my own home.
(I still have a lot of plants … but plants aren’t clutter, right? 😂)
9. Stuff That No Longer Reflects Who I Am
There was a time when these things made sense—old work supplies from a previous career, sentimental gifts from relationships I’ve outgrown, or decor that once matched my taste but no longer feels like me. But over time, I realised these objects were just reminders of chapters I had already closed.
Letting go didn’t mean rejecting my past—it meant making space for the present. Now, I keep what truly aligns with who I am rather than holding onto things out of fear or nostalgia.
Final Thoughts: Letting Go = Gaining Freedom
Decluttering isn’t about deprivation—it’s about choosing freedom over excess. I don’t miss the things I let go of because they were just taking up space in my home and mind. Now, I have room for the things that truly matter.
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What am I really holding onto? And is it adding value to my life? You might be surprised by how little you actually need—and how good it feels to let go.
I’d love to hear from you! What’s something you’ve decluttered that you were hesitant to let go of—but now feel lighter without? Or is there something you’re still struggling to part with? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
