If you’re feeling guilty about parting with unused items or gifts, you’re not alone. This blog explores the reasons behind the guilt that often arises during the decluttering process and offers practical ways to overcome it. By following these tips, you can move past those feelings and take the first step toward a clearer, more peaceful home.
In this blog:
Letting go of items you no longer need, use, or love will create space and simplify your life. Holding on to unnecessary things should not take priority over living in alignment with your true values. Remember why you started this decluttering journey: to create space and time to live more freely. Keep that goal in mind as you work through each step of the process.
How to declutter without feeling wasteful
Have you ever kept something simply because discarding it felt wasteful? The guilt associated with waste is a major obstacle to decluttering. While it’s natural to feel this way, it shouldn’t come at the expense of living in a cluttered space that affects your wellbeing.
I like to reframe the concept of 'waste' in these ways: the real waste isn’t in letting go; it’s in keeping unused items hidden away. These unwanted items occupy valuable space in your home when they could be finding a second life with someone who would appreciate them while they’re still usable.
Shift your mindset from thinking about what you 'should' or 'ought' to do, to making positive choices about whether items add value to your life. By following Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method, you can become more comfortable with the idea that releasing items you no longer need isn’t wasteful—it’s a step toward creating a home that supports your life. The process of letting go can teach you valuable lessons about avoiding excess in the future and understanding what will truly bring joy to your home.
Minimize waste during decluttering by having an 'exit plan' for items you no longer want. Knowing your next steps removes the hesitation that can cause items to linger after you’ve decided to part with them. You can sell items on Vinted or Facebook Groups, donate to charity, regift, or recycle. For ideas on reducing guilt and finding new homes for items, check out the A Life More Organised Sustainability and Resource Guide.
How it works in real life:
A recent client, who was initially hesitant about decluttering, discovered old clothes in the back of his wardrobe that were too worn to donate to charity. He began to question why he had kept these items for so long, especially since they were no longer useful and were taking up valuable space in his wardrobe. Together, we found a suitable solution for these items through fabric recycling. I always recommend exploring recycling programs, as well as platforms like OLIO, Freecycle, and local Facebook groups, to ensure that as many items as possible are reused and kept out of landfill.
Decluttering Expensive Items Without Guilt
Do you find yourself thinking, “I can’t get rid of that—it was too expensive”? Holding onto items you don’t use simply because of their cost can create negative energy in your space, reminding you daily of the money spent on something that’s not adding value to your life.
If it’s something you’re saving for a “special occasion,” why not enjoy it now? Use and appreciate it fully. But if you’re simply not going to use it, then it’s time to let it go.
This is where the idea of sunk cost can help shift your mindset. Once you’ve spent money on an item, that cost is most likely irretrievable, whether you keep it or not. Check if it’s possible to get a refund or return and if not consider selling the item to recoup some of the money you’ve spent. Many of my clients become more conscious of their shopping habits as they declutter their homes – it’s an opportunity to learn about what you truly want or need in your wardrobe and home.
The sooner you let go of unused items the better. If the item is in good condition then sell it on Vinted, eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Remember, unused possessions lose value over time, like an old phone that depreciates as it sits in a drawer. Letting go now means you’re making space for things that genuinely add to your life.
Decluttering Guilt – Letting go of Gifts
I love sharing the lesson I learned from Marie Kondo’s book with my clients about dealing with gifts that don’t quite fit with who they are or what they want in their homes. Gifts are always given with the right intentions, but sometimes they just don’t spark joy.
My guidance to clients is simple:
The person giving you a gift did so to show their love and appreciation. Once you’ve received it with gratitude, its purpose has been fulfilled. The very last thing they’d want is for you to feel any burden from their gift.
If the gift doesn’t suit you, there’s no need to feel guilty about regifting it or donating it to a charity shop. This way, someone else can experience the joy of finding it and adding it to their own home. Displaying an unwanted gift may send the signal that it was well-received, which could lead to similar gifts in the future. If you feel comfortable, consider having an open, respectful conversation with the giver.
Remember, a gift’s purpose is fulfilled once it’s been accepted with gratitude. Letting it go is ok if it no longer aligns with your space or lifestyle.
Managing decluttering regret - what if I need it someday?
Holding on to things “just in case” is a common reason for delayed decisions which can lead to a build-up of clutter.
While I live sustainably and always look for ways to repurpose items, I also believe it’s important to let go of things I’m unlikely to need so they can be useful to someone else. Clutter tends to accumulate when we hold onto items that no longer serve a purpose in our lives. Take, for example, the breadmaker that’s been sitting unused at the back of your cupboard since the lockdown. Did you even enjoy the bread it made?
“Just in case” items take up valuable space in your home and are not being used to their full potential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider asking yourself these questions to help make decisions:
When was the last time I used it?
How likely am I to need it again?
How much space does it take up?
How easy would it be to replace?
Is it inexpensive to replace if needed?
Is it perishable or does it have a shelf life?
How valuable is the space it’s taking up?
If an item still fits your life, store it with similar items where you can easily find it. Otherwise, give yourself permission to release it, knowing it might be useful to someone else right now.
Guilt Around Letting Go Of Sentimental Items
Sentimental items are often the hardest to part with, as they carry memories and emotions that connect us to loved ones, places, and experiences. Over time, they can accumulate and sometimes overshadow the items that bring you the most joy. If these items belonged to a loved one who has passed, it’s natural to feel attached—but it doesn’t mean you have to keep everything. Rather than holding onto all items out of obligation or guilt, focus on choosing a few that genuinely bring you joy and represent happy memories. Display these where you can see and enjoy them daily.
As Marie Kondo wisely says, “Truly precious memories will never vanish even if you discard the objects associated with them.” Letting go of items doesn’t mean letting go of the memories or the people connected to them; it simply means prioritizing what truly matters to you now.
I recently helped author Clover Stroud as she sorted through her home, which she described as "drowning in precious mementos.” Reflecting on our work together, she shared, “Sue is very non-judgmental and helps me identify the things that make me happier, as opposed to those I feel duty-bound to keep. For example, an old lamp that had been my mother’s made me feel stressed, since it needed rewiring and had never worked properly. However strong my emotional attachment to it, Sue helped me to understand that it will never make me happy. In contrast, a cardboard model of a bird box my daughter and I made together one rainy Sunday afternoon makes me smile as soon as I see it.”
For more about Clover’s experience, see her story in the Daily Mail article, “After my sister died I was drowning in precious mementos.”
Consider creative ways to keep memories alive: transform sentimental clothing into a quilt or display small items in a shadow box so you can enjoy meaningful pieces rather than keeping them tucked away. Other items can be stored in a dedicated memory box, which creates an intentional limit. Each time you add to it, you can review what’s inside to see what still deserves a place there.
Your Exit Plan – Moving Items Out
Once you’ve decided to declutter, don’t let the items hang around. Take action quickly to maximise your space:
Sell or trade in valuable items through Vinted, eBay, or other platforms. For a quick overview on how to make money from your clutter take a look at 'how to make money when you declutter and sell stuff'
Donate to local charities.
Use Freecycle or Facebook groups to find new homes for reusable items.
Recycle items through local programs and clothing banks.
Check out my useful resource guide for more ideas on how to move items out of your home.
Letting go of decluttering guilt
The true power of decluttering goes beyond creating Instagram-worthy wardrobes and kitchens. It's an effective way to reduce waste, give back to the community, and reconnect with your values. By letting go of items you no longer use, you can free yourself from their burden and create space for what truly matters. Through donating, gifting, or repurposing items, you can ensure that what you no longer need will find value with someone else. Release the guilt, focus on what serves you now, and take joy in making room for what's really important.
Hi! I’m Sue, a professional home organiser and KonMari Consultant based in Hampshire, UK. I had the privilege of training with Marie Kondo and by using her methods, I help growing families and empty nesters Rightsize their Homes.
We declutter and organise to clear space and time so they can get on with the important job of enjoying life.
Are you ready to start living A Life More Organised?
For a no-obligation chat about how I can help, please get in touch
m: 07740 782575 www.alifemoreorganised.co.uk
I'd love to keep in touch - why not follow me on Instagram or join in the conversation in my Facebook group
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