Below are some suggestions on navigating common emotions that arise when clearing clutter:
36 www. AspireMAG. net | October / November 2025
decluttering often stirs a mixture of emotions. Instead of seeing these feelings as obstacles, we can recognize them as natural signals pointing toward self-reflection and growth.
Below are some suggestions on navigating common emotions that arise when clearing clutter:
Guilt: Guilt often arrives quietly, almost imperceptibly. Perhaps you bought an expensive jacket you never wore. Maybe you’ re holding onto a gift you didn’ t love to avoid seeming ungrateful. Guilt ties us to past decisions, money spent, or relationships we value. Letting go can feel like admitting failure or disrespect.
How to move through guilt: Practice selfforgiveness. Acknowledge that your past choices were the best you could make at that time, given who you were at that time.
Reframe letting go as an act of generosity. Your items may bring joy to someone else instead of sitting unused. Gratitude transforms guilt into release.
For example, one client I worked with felt guilty about donating her daughter’ s old
36 www. AspireMAG. net | October / November 2025