From Clutter to Clarity | Rewire Your Brain to Let Go

Photo byGetty Images

You can train yourself to let go of emotional attachments to your belongings. To end the clutter cycle, from clutter to clarity, requires you to rewire your brain. To make this manageable this can be done little by slow. We are adding good stuff to your life, not more stress.

I know, easier said than done. Let me give you a recent example. I just had to put my sweetest furry soulmate into his forever sleep. I was not sure how I would carry on without my loyal companion at my side. While making end-of-life plans for Simon the staff was surprised when I said 'no' to the 'Do I want Simon's puppy paws cast in clay'.

The veterinarian staff knew I doted on Simon and went to great expense, mentally and otherwise to keep him comfortable and provide a good quality of life for him the past few months.

So why say no to puppy paws? I instantly knew it would be an item I would have an emotional attachment to and, therefore, find hard to discard. Why would I think of this now? Because I refuse to leave my stuff for others to take care of when I, too, pass over the rainbow bridge.

Learning your 'Why' to Rewire Your Brain

I have worked at learning my 'why'. My 'why' includes a clean, clutter-free home full of pups and a fenced-in yard to play. My why is not to collect a bunch of stuff.

Stop clutter before it enters your home and heart. Know your 'why'! By the way, I tucked gorgeous locks of Simon's coat behind a picture in a frame.

And I have artwork on display that we made together. Most of all I have Simon's memories locked in my heart forever, leaving nothing for others to deal with.

Photo byMarj Bates

How to Train Yourself to Let Go and Rewire Your Brain

Letting go of possessions with sentimental value can be a challenge. Whether it’s a gift, a family heirloom, or an item tied to a specific memory, these objects often carry emotional weight.

The good news is that releasing these attachments is possible with practice and intentional thought. Here are strategies to help you shift your mindset and move forward.

Some of you reading this will dig in and say you will never part with these sentimental possessions. If you want to keep these things more than you want to declutter you have answered your 'why'. To you, I say 'Enjoy your things!'

To everyone else, here are some helpful tips.

Acknowledge the Emotion and Focus on the Purpose

• Recognize the emotions tied to the item without judging yourself. Understand that it’s not the object that holds meaning—it’s the memory or feeling associated with it.
• Shift your focus to the life you want to create. Ask yourself: “Is this item helping me build the life I envision, or is it holding me back?” What is your 'why'?

Photo byMarj Bates

Take Small Steps and Practice Letting Go Gradually to Rewire Your Brain

• Start with less emotionally charged items. By practicing with objects that hold mild sentimental value, you build your "letting go" muscle over time.
• The kitchen junk drawer is a great way to practice decluttering because the drawer is small and there is generally little in it of sentimental value.
• Try setting aside a few items to donate or discard each week. This allows you to ease into the process without overwhelming yourself.

Use the “Keep the Memory, Not the Object” Approach

• If an item holds sentimental value, take a photo of it. This lets you preserve the memory without holding onto the physical object.
• You can frame the image or scan and file the picture digitally, which makes it easy to access from all your devices and to share with others.
• Write about your connection to the item in a journal. Sometimes, expressing your feelings on paper provides closure and makes it easier to let go. Journaling is a great tool to use for processing information.

Photo byGetty Images

Reframe the Way You See the Item

• Ask yourself, “Would this person (or memory) want me to be burdened by clutter?” This shift in thinking helps detach guilt from discarding objects.
• Recognize that releasing the item doesn’t mean you’re losing the memory or love tied to it. What’s meaningful is already a part of you.

Set Limits and Establish Boundaries to Rewire Your Brain

• Limit the number of sentimental items you keep. For example, choose one meaningful keepsake from a trip instead of many.
• Designate a memory box or special shelf to contain sentimental items.
• A mom of four found identical-sized boxes to store her four kid's special things. She reports the only challenge is when the boxes get filled and she wants to add more momentos, she has to decide what to keep and what to let go of.

Photo byIdeogram

Envision the Positive Impact of Letting Go

• Picture how freeing your space will create room for new experiences and opportunities. Visualizing the benefits of decluttering helps shift your mindset toward the future.
• Imagine how your donation could bring joy or usefulness to someone else. Knowing that an item will serve someone else’s life can ease the emotional burden.

Support

• If the process feels overwhelming, ask a trusted friend or family member to help you make decisions. Talking through your emotions can offer clarity.
• If emotional attachments feel too heavy to release, consider working with a professional therapist. They can offer strategies and support tailored to your needs.
• Our Declutterbuzz Facebook group offers a safe and private online community. We help and support one other without judgement.

There are over 198,811 therapists and over 81,000 psychologists practicing in the US. Psychology Today offers a free look-up for professionals in your area.

Practice Self-Compassion Throughout the Process

• Recognize that letting go is a skill that takes time to develop. It’s okay if the process feels hard or emotional.
• Celebrate small wins along the way. Every step forward—no matter how small—is progress.

Letting go of sentimental belongings doesn’t mean abandoning the memories tied to them. It’s about creating space for a lighter, freer version of your life knowing how you want to live and working toward this. Your 'why' should be the center of your universe.

With practice and patience, you will get there. You may notice subtle shifts in your mindset, and this will motivate you to keep going.

I have come to find what most people want at their core is clarity and peace. This will come when you find your 'why'.

Photo byMarj Bates

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutterer and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

For more Declutter Buzz & Freebies check out our safe and private Decluttering community on our Facebook page. We are a safe and private space of like minded folks tackling this all encompassing clutter thing once and for all. No shame allowed! We will have a few laughs too!

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