Is It Time to Let Go? (You Might Be Surprised)
/Clear Space. Clear Mind. Clear Heart.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about boundaries—not just the ones we set with people, but also the ones we can set with things.
We all have our collections: books stacked sky-high, plants multiplying by the window, clothing busting out of our closets. And then there’s the next level: hoarding. Let’s talk about it.
What Is Hoarding, Really?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hoarding is a clinical condition marked by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. It affects up to 6% of Americans and is often linked to trauma, grief, anxiety, or periods of extreme scarcity. But hoarding doesn’t always look like the extreme cases shown on TV.
Sometimes it’s take out containers without lids, the stack of expired coupons, or the junk drawer that’s quietly taken over three rooms. Some of this comes from love, our history and even our family who may have saved everything immaginable during the Great Depression. That mindset—“just in case”—can echo for generations.
*According to the DSM-5-TR Hoarding now is able to be diagnosed on its own and is not limited to a sub-set of OCD. I just learned this so I thought I would share it with you.
Collecting vs. Hoarding: What’s the Difference?
Some Top Things I Collect:
Books
Houseplants
Apothecary Jars
Gemstones
Insense Burners (Really I have SO many)
Artisanal Ceramic Mugs
Some Top Things People Tend to Hoard:
Broken electronics or cords
Junk mail, old newspapers and magazines
Clothing that no longer fits
Expired food or toiletries
Sentimental items from decades past
Collections are typically organized, curated, and valued. Hoarding, on the other hand, tends to be disorganized, excessive, and anxiety-inducing.
Anxiety related to hoarding behavior may not always be experienced by the individual exhibiting the behavior, but can be experienced by others who share the living space.
When Does “Saving” Become “Too Much”?
That’s really subjective. Ask yourself:
Do my belongings bring me comfort or create anxiety?
Am I holding onto things for who I am now—or out of fear, guilt, or nostalgia?
If I moved tomorrow, what would I really bring with me?
Right now, I’m surrounded by books, plants, and crystals. They don’t cause me stress—yet. But I am aware that for me I have reached my limit. If I brought home even five more of each? I would feel a bit off kilter.
✨ I know I have Enough. — and if I’m honest, I probably have more than I need. ✨
What Happens to Our Stuff When We’re Gone?
We all hope to be remembered for our laughter, presence, and love—not the piles we left behind. And yet, many of us will be called to sort through the belongings of a loved one. That process can be emotional, sacred, and at times completely overwhelming.
If You’re Cleaning Out a Loved One’s Home:
🌱 Start with the essentials — Identify documents, medications, valuables, and photos. Set these aside with care.
🌱 Honor their collections — Take time to understand what mattered to them. Photograph special items before letting them go.
🌱 Keep only what resonates — A single teacup may carry more meaning than an entire set. You don’t have to keep it all to keep the memory.
🌱 Invite help — Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or professional, support makes all the difference.
🌱 Give with love — Donate usable items to causes your loved one would appreciate. Sharing their legacy can feel healing. I sometimes give something that is emotionally charged to a good friend instead of donating it.
If this is you right now: be gentle. This is deep, emotional work. You’re not just sorting stuff—you’re honoring a life.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Letting go can be hard.
I help people who are ready to reclaim their space and energy—but need compassionate guidance to get started.
My approach isn’t about judgment or strict minimalism. It’s about clarity, intention, and transformation. Whether you’re downsizing, handling a loved one’s estate, or just feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to support you.
Take a moment and send this one friend who you think would benefit from the content in this post.
Are You Interested in Letting Go? A Challenge for the Coming Weeks
Here’s your gentle invitation:
Do a visual scan of your space.
Choose one category of “collected” things—books, yarn, figurines, wrapping paper.
Ask:
Is this still adding value to my life?
Would someone else benefit more from this?
Pick one thing to donate, repurpose, or let go of. Then repeat daily until you feel more balanced in your space.
Even small steps are meaningful.
Ideas:
🌱 Donate used corks to My Organic Market, MOM’s or your Buy Nothing groups for crafting.
🌱Offer unopened toiletries to shelters.
🌱Recycle or digitize old documents and photos.
Final Thoughts: Enough. isn’t about living with nothing. It’s about living with intention.
✨ You can do incredible things.
✨ You are doing incredible things every day.
✨ Keep going. Keep decluttering. Keep creating a home that works for you—not against you.
Because your space should support the life you want — not the stuff you’re afraid to release.
