Biggest Hurdles to Clutter-Free Living

Living clutter-free is a desirable goal for many, but it’s not always easy to achieve—or maintain. Below are some of the most common hurdles people face when trying to create a clutter-free lifestyle, along with insights into why these challenges occur.

1. Emotional Attachment

Many of the items we own carry emotional value. Whether it’s a gift from a loved one or a souvenir from a special time in life, sentimental attachment can make it difficult to let go—even when those items contribute to visual or physical clutter.

2. Decision Fatigue

Decluttering means making countless decisions: what to keep, what to donate, what to toss. The constant decision-making can quickly lead to mental fatigue, causing many to give up halfway through the process.

3. Lack of Time

Busy schedules and daily responsibilities often push decluttering down the priority list. When time is limited, it's easy to procrastinate, allowing clutter to build up over time.

4. Fear of Letting Go

There’s a common fear of “What if I need this later?” This mindset often leads to holding onto things that are no longer useful or relevant, just in case. Unfortunately, this fear can severely hinder progress.

5. Perfectionism

For some, the desire to have a perfectly organized space becomes overwhelming. Perfectionism can stall momentum, making it difficult to make any progress if the results don’t match a specific vision.

6. Acquisition Habits

New items keep arriving—sometimes faster than the old ones leave. Without intentionality around shopping habits and consumer behavior, clutter can quickly return. Social pressure and trends only amplify the issue.

7. Lack of Systems

Even if you've decluttered, clutter will reappear without clear systems in place. Items need designated homes; otherwise, they tend to scatter and create chaos all over again.

8. Overcommitment

Too many obligations can eat away at the time and energy needed to maintain a tidy space. When life is overly full, clutter often becomes a visual reflection of that overwhelm.

9. Physical or Mental Health Challenges

Chronic illness, depression, anxiety, or physical limitations can make decluttering feel impossible. These hurdles can reduce motivation, stamina, and focus, turning a simple task into a mountain.

10. Family Dynamics

Decluttering isn’t always a solo activity. Different family members may have different comfort levels with organization, cleanliness, and minimalism, which can cause friction or setbacks.

11. Lack of Motivation or Vision

Without a clear reason or desired outcome for decluttering, it’s hard to stay motivated. A strong "why" or visual goal can make a major difference in pushing through the hard parts.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming these hurdles requires a mix of mindset shifts, practical strategies, and consistent effort. Decluttering is a process—not a one-time event. Be patient with yourself, stay realistic, and remember that support from family, friends, or a professional organizer can go a long way in helping you build and maintain a clutter-free home.

Join my free workshop, where you'll learn practical tools to overcome these common roadblocks, create a clear plan for your space, and finally move toward the clutter-free lifestyle you’ve been craving.