Decluttering Your Home When it Feels Difficult: 7 Ways to Let Go

A recent conversation on a Florida beach reminded me of how difficult it can be to declutter in a society defined by compulsory consumption.

My conservation partner was a mom from Germany who had just graciously snapped a vacation photo of our family.

As we chatted, the topic of minimalism soon came up—she seemed fascinated.

“There is such a push to buy things in America,” she said, reflectively. “You have these huge homes you need to fill and big stores like Target. If I lived by Target, I'd want a new candle or throw pillow every week.”

“It makes sense,” she continued, “that with such a drive to consume there would also be a 'market' in your culture for the opposite of buying — for getting rid of stuff.”

I liked her immediately. She continued to talk about European home sizes (which average around 1,000 sq. ft. compared to America's average 2,164 sq. ft.) and how she'd been using rental companies for kids' stuff lately (strollers, bassinets) instead of buying.

Later that day, on the drive home from the beach, I wondered…. Is our over-consumption and proclivity to hold onto stuff just a product of our culture?

Would someone naturally live with less in a different environment (like a country without Target)?

Maybe.

Yes, cultural factors can certainly contribute to your clutter, especially clutter caused by over-consumption (and an awareness of this is good to have). But I think difficulty decluttering your home—specifically, letting go of possessions—goes beyond a cultural milieu. It is a human problem.

Even if you downsize your home and significantly reduce your consumption of physical items, you still need to let go of the clutter you've already accumulated.

And German, American, or (you fill in the blank), it seems that most humans simply aren't wired to let go of their possessions.

Here's why decluttering your home can feel difficult and seven tips to help you let go of your stuff.

Read the full article here!

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached over 1M people worldwide through her blog. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home. She resides with her husband and their four extremely lively young children. You can also find her on Facebook.