Welcome back to Ask Cathy: Real Home Organizing Advice!
Each month, I tackle your toughest organizing challenges with practical solutions (and a little humor). Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just don’t know where to start, you're not alone—I’m here to help.
Overcoming the Fear of Decluttering: How to Get Unstuck
This month’s question comes from a reader who feels buried in clutter and paralyzed by decision-making. Sound familiar? Let’s look at what’s going on.
Reader Question: Feeling Stuck with Clutter?
Dear Cathy,
I don’t even know where to start. My house is overflowing with things from my old businesses, things I’ve saved for my grandchildren, and just too much of everything. A couple of our rooms are completely packed, and the garage is so full we can barely park. My husband is frustrated and keeps saying he might start throwing things away, which makes me panic. I know I need to declutter, but I feel stuck. I want to sell some things to get back some of the money I spent, but I never seem to have the time or motivation. And every time I think about getting rid of things, I freeze up. What if I need it later? That’s happened before, and I regretted getting rid of something. At the same time, I know I’ll feel better if I just start. It all feels so overwhelming. How do I do this without making decisions I’ll regret? I need a push, some kind of plan—something to help me get unstuck.
Sincerely,
Buried and Stressed
How Fear of Decluttering Holds You Back
Dear Buried and Stressed,
You know when you freeze up and can't decide? It’s not really about your stuff —it’s about fear. Fear of making a mistake, fear of needing something later, and the very real memory of past regrets. Clutter often represents postponed decisions or unfulfilled expectations, making it feel even heavier than it looks.
Those "what if I need it" thoughts aren't really about wanting the items; they’re about wanting to feel secure about the future. That’s perfectly normal! But when this fear keeps us from using our spaces comfortably today, it's time to gently challenge those thoughts.
Practical Steps to Get Unstuck from Clutter
Instead of tackling your spaces right away, start by understanding your pattern. The next time you feel that freeze response while looking at an item, stop and ask yourself:
Am I keeping this out of fear or because it’s genuinely useful?
Is the space, stress, and impact on my family worth keeping this "just in case"?
If I needed this in the future, what are my options?
Start Small: How to Begin Decluttering Without Feeling Overwhelmed
When you’re ready to declutter, start small. Not the whole garage—just one surface. Or set a timer for five minutes and see what happens. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything; it’s to reclaim space for your life today. It’s okay to take it one step at a time.
Professional Help: Working with a Decluttering Expert
If you find that fear is holding you back, it might be time to get some professional help. A professional organizer who understands these challenges can help you move forward. You can find qualified organizers through Professional Organizers in Canada (www.organizerscanada.com) or, if you're in the United States, through the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (www.napo.net). They can help you work through the emotional side of decluttering and create a plan that's right for you.
Breaking Free from the Fear of Decluttering
The key to getting unstuck from clutter is recognizing your patterns. Decluttering isn't about perfection—it’s about progress. Taking small steps with the right support can turn everything around. You are not alone in this process, and you don’t have to do it all at once.
If you're in the Toronto area, I’d love to help. Get in touch with me at In and Out Organizing for a free 30-minute consultation, and let's create a simple, manageable plan that works for you.
Warmly,
Cathy Borg
In and Out Organizing
P.S. Got a clutter challenge you’re dealing with? Submit your question, and it might be featured in an upcoming post!
Oh, goodness, I'd like to brand "Those "what if I need it" thoughts aren't really about wanting the items; they’re about wanting to feel secure about the future." on my forehead so that when I walk into a client's home, I don't even need to say this.
It is one of the biggest truths of the work we do that fear of the unknown, of making a mistake, of being the cause of one's own, later, possible disappointment, actually contributes both to feeling frozen and to guaranteeing that you'll have disappointment and frustration (due to the ongoing clutter). Sometimes, it's NOT "better the devil you know," and with clutter, that's especially the case!
So smart!
This is a familiar story. Many of my clients feel this exact same way. It can be overwhelming to think about unraveling a cluttered home after years of accumulation. I love your encouraging words and practical suggestions. I do think that professionals really help in situations like these. We aren't there to judge or pressure, just to help them make real progress and support them along the way.
Thank you.
This is solid advice when you're feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Fear can be a big driver. So breaking projects down to smaller pieces, diving into the fear aspect, and getting help to get over the hump are all excellent strategies.