How to Let Go of Guilt
We’ve all been there. You open your closet and there it is: that outfit you swore you’d wear again but haven’t touched since that one event. Maybe it’s a cocktail dress, a fancy jacket, or those shoes that were on sale but never quite fit right. It’s not just clothes either—many of us keep items around out of a sense of guilt. But holding onto things that no longer serve us only clutters our space and our minds. So why do we do it?
Why We Keep Things Out of Guilt
Sentimental Value: We often associate objects with memories or milestones, even if we don’t actually like or need the item. You might keep that outfit because it reminds you of a special occasion, even though you’ll never wear it again. Bridesmaid dresses anyone?
Waste: Many people feel guilty about wasting money, especially when they’ve bought something they haven’t used. The guilt can keep you holding on, thinking, “Maybe one day I’ll wear it.” But that day rarely comes.
Fear of Regret: “What if I need this someday?” This fear keeps us holding on to things “just in case,” even when those cases rarely occur.
Here are some common things we tend to keep out of guilt, even when they no longer serve us:
Clothing That Doesn’t Fit or Suit Us
Unwanted Gifts
Outdated Electronics or Gadgets
Sentimental Items
Hobby Supplies We Don’t Use
Items for “Someday” Projects
Books We’ll Never Read Again (or At All)
Expired or Unused Beauty Products
Inherited Items
Furniture we don’t love or use
The Problem with Guilt Clutter
Holding onto things out of guilt creates what I call "guilt clutter." It’s not only physical clutter that fills up your home, but also emotional clutter that can weigh you down. Every time you see that unworn dress, you feel a pang of guilt, a reminder of an unfulfilled promise to yourself. This clutter can drain your energy, take up valuable space, and make it harder to find the things you actually love and use.
How to Let Go of Guilt Clutter
Acknowledge the Guilt: Recognize that feeling guilty about unused items is normal, but it’s not a reason to keep things. Remind yourself that the value of the item has already been served through the experience of buying or using it once. Thank the item for it’s service and let it go.
Change Your Mindset: Instead of focusing on the money “wasted” by not using an item, focus on the space and peace you’ll gain by letting it go. You’ve learned from the purchase, and now it’s time to move on. You need stuff in your life for the life you’re actually living. Choose to look forward rather than backward.
Repurpose or Donate: If parting with items is hard, consider giving them a new life. Donating to charities or giving to friends and family can relieve guilt by knowing the item will be appreciated elsewhere. It’s especially fun in if you have nieces or nephews to give them things your children no longer fit in. Then years later you get to see a familiar outfit every once in awhile.
Be Selective with Sentimentality: Not everything needs to be kept as a memory. Choose a few items that truly hold meaning, and say goodbye to the rest. There is a business I recently learned of called Artifcts that allows you to take a photo, tell a story and save it to your account. A simplified and streamlined solution to preserve the stories without the stuff for future generations to enjoy.
A Fresh Start for You and Your Space
Clearing out guilt clutter isn’t just about making room in your closet or home—it’s about creating space for things that truly bring you joy. Letting go of these items can be freeing, making room for new experiences, new items you’ll actually use, and a clearer, more organized space.
Remember, the goal is to create a home filled with things that serve a purpose, not ones that weigh you down with guilt. Ready to clear the clutter and let go of guilt? Contact me today for a consultation, and together we’ll create a space that feels lighter, organized, and guilt free.
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
