This post is all about the 20 decluttering tips for hoarders and 10 causes of hoarding behavior.
I was a hoarder too, and I know how difficult it can be to let go of stuff.
It feels like if you get rid of one thing, another will take its place.
It’s a vicious cycle that can drain your energy and make you feel bad about yourself.
But I found a way to break the cycle. You can break the cycle, too.
Below I’ve gathered the best tips from various sources, including my experiences, books, and blogs, because I’m aware that it can be overwhelming for you too.
So stay on track!
Table of Contents
20 Awesome Tips to Declutter Your Stuff
Now let’s dive into why you are here (I’m sorry to keep you waiting!) and talk about how to get rid of your clutter.
You have plenty of choices when it comes to decluttering. You can do this on your own, or you can hire someone to help you out.
Either way, the most important thing is that you get started.
The following are my top 20 favorite ways to get rid of stuff. You may love it too:)
1) The power of three
Challenge yourself to find three daily items you no longer need and give them away. It will be a small step towards decluttering your house, but it can make all the difference if done consistently.
2) Reverse hanger technique
Hang all your clothes with hangers facing backward. After wearing an item, hang it back usually.
After a set period (e.g., six months to 1 year), check the items still facing backward and consider letting go of them.
3) The 20-second rule
If you encounter an item you’re hesitant to part with, ask yourself if you can replace it within 20 seconds or for under $20. If the answer is yes, consider letting it go.
4) Declutter by color
Choose a specific color each day and focus on decluttering items that match that color. This method helps you tackle the clutter in a more structured and systematic way.
5) The one-in-one-out rule
When you bring new items into your home, eliminate an equal number of old ones.
6) Digital decluttering
Apply the same decluttering principles to your digital life. Organize and delete unnecessary files, emails, and apps that are no longer useful.
7) The box method
Once your box is full, select the most meaningful sentimental items to keep—and consider passing on or donating the rest.
8) Decluttering games
Turn cleaning into a fun game. Try to beat the clock or challenge your friends or family to see who can declutter the most.
9) The four-quadrant technique
Divide your space into four manageable sections, then downsize one area at a time.
10) Travel-sized living
Imagine living in a tiny travel trailer or small apartment. That will help determine which things are essential and you can let go of.
You may not be able to apply this exercise directly, but it still offers valuable lessons about letting go of items that don’t really matter.
11) Hidden spaces matter
Don’t forget to check under the bed and in the closet for things you’ve forgotten about. It might surprise you what you find!
12) Decluttering countdown
Aim to get rid of 100 items at first. As you progress through your decluttering journey, decrease the number by 10 each time.
13) The sticky note method
Stick a note on any item you’re unsure about. Say goodbye if you don’t use or need it after 30 days.
Sticky notes are your little reminders to keep things clutter-free.
14) Declutter in 15-minute bursts
Set a timer for 15 minutes and declutter a specific area within that time. Breaking the task into shorter bursts makes it more manageable and less overwhelming.
15) The guest perspective
Imagine your home from the perspective of a guest. Identify items that might seem excessive or unnecessary to an outsider and consider decluttering them.
16) No-duplicate rule
It’s best to avoid duplicates of items unless they serve a specific purpose. It can contribute to your clutter and make your decision-making more challenging.
17) The five-second rule
When indecisive, give yourself five seconds to decide. If you hesitate, it’s a sign that the item is not worth keeping because of its inherent lack of value.
18) Create a “Happiness Box”
Set aside a small box to store items that genuinely bring you joy, with positive memories attached. Avoid excessive accumulation by limiting the size of your happy box.
19) Visualize your ideal space
Imagine the clutter-free, organized space you desire. Use this image as motivation during decluttering and deciding what to keep or let go.
20) Gratitude practice
When you let go of an item, express gratitude for its role. Recognize that letting it go is not a rejection but rather a necessary step on your path to growth and happiness.
🎯You should declutter at your own pace, and what works for some people won’t 💯 work for others. Choose the tips that resonate with you—and adapt them to fit your life!
Here are some famous names I admire and respect who have taught me much about decluttering.
- Marie Kondo: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Book)
- Joshua Becker: Becoming Minimalist (YouTube)
- Lauren Singer: Why I live a zero waste life (YouTube)
- Barrie Davenport & S.J. Scott: Declutter Your Mind: How to Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety, and Eliminate Negative Thinking (Book)
- Sarah Therese (YouTube)
The 20 strategies above are my personal take on what it means to downsize and embrace minimalism.
10 Reasons That Can Cause Hoarding Behavior
Now, let’s look at the most common problems that can lead to your hoarding behavior.
I spent hours watching other people’s videos on YouTube to learn about their behavior. The fact that we aren’t alone in this struggle was reassuring.
Also, throughout this article, I mention my experiences with hoarding because I was a hoarder and have overcome this challenge.
So if you’re trying to declutter but need help getting past a certain point, it might be time to look at these common issues.
Here are 10 possible reasons for your hoarding behavior:
1) Sentimental attachments
I struggle to let go of items due to sentimental attachments. I associate objects with memories, making it difficult for me to part—even if they are no longer practical or useful.
I like the idea of keeping my things forever, even though I know that’s not practical. I like having a sense of control over my possessions, and if I give them away or throw them out, it feels like I’m losing control.
I find this a selfish reason, but it’s true. Looking back at my life and what I’ve accumulated over the years made me realize that many of these items weren’t adding value to my life—in fact, they were taking up space and making me feel bad about myself.
They were just fillers and a source of stress at home for me.
If it seems like you, it’s time to take action.
2) Perfectionism
Some of us have a fear of making the wrong decision about what to keep and what to discard. We worry about potential regrets or the possibility of needing an item.
We can’t possibly predict the future, so let go of perfectionism. It’s time for us to move on and accept that good enough really is good enough.
We are not perfect, and neither are our homes. It’s OK to make mistakes.
Discarding something is not the end of the world, nor does it indicate failure or weakness.
3) Fear of scarcity
Clutter is stressful and overwhelming.
Before, I often feared not having enough or losing something valuable. Holding onto possessions provides a sense of security and comfort.
But I was wrong —the more I hold onto things, the more stressed I become.
4) Emotional attachments
I notice that this family experiences a sense of security in their belongings. They feel comfortable, even when things have lost their use or value.
And they become distressed when someone takes those items away from them.
While emotional attachment to things is essential, we should also be willing to let go of useless or invaluable possessions.
5) Compulsive shopping
My friend’s excessive shopping contributed to my hoarding when I was in Hong Kong. She acquires new items without considering the consequences, which influences me.
I am not blaming her for my hoarding habits. Yet, our shopping trips together contributed to the clutter in my home.
I fall into this trap. I now understand that we are all born with a desire for more.
And my advice from a former hoarder is don’t let these desires control your life.
6) Traumatic experiences
Individuals who have experienced trauma or loss may develop hoarding tendencies as a coping mechanism. They use objects to fill emotional voids or create a sense of control.
Hoarding can also be a form of self-punishment. It’s as if the hoarder is punishing themselves for their traumatic experiences by preventing them from moving forward with their lives.
In fact, this research found that hoarding is more prevalent among individuals who have experienced trauma.
It’s also associated with other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It may be because hoarders try to escape their painful memories by keeping the objects around them.
If you experience related feelings, it’s time to seek help.
7) Perceived value
Some hoarders assign value to items that others might consider worthless. They see potential in objects, believing they could be useful or valuable.
My grandmother is guilty of this. She’s a hoarder, and she has saved everything. I’ve tried to get her to throw things out, but she always says, “I might need it someday.”
Shen often mentioned that she loved the dress I gave her and how it fit perfectly.
I love how she appreciates it. However, it’s already old and damaged.
8) Fear of waste
In my last blog, your room is a reflection of your mind, I mentioned that after listening to Lauren Singer and her minimalist lifestyle. It became clear that she didn’t mean reducing the things in your life but also eliminating waste.
I am no longer afraid that my things will go to waste if I don’t hold onto them. It is now clear to me that the quality of my life has more importance than the quantity of items I own.
If you feel a sense of responsibility or guilt when discarding items, no matter how insignificant they seem.
I have a question, if something isn’t making you feel happy or good about yourself, then why keep it around?
9) Lack of organization skills
Minimalists develop organizational skills as they learn to let go of things that don’t belong in their lives. I often follow their advice in this area and find it extremely helpful.
I also think being a minimalist helps people develop organizational skills because minimalists maintain their homes not look like disaster areas.
On the other hand, hoarders may lack these skills and need assistance organizing their homes.
Poor organizational skills can contribute to hoarding tendencies. With effective systems, items accumulate and become easier to manage and sort.
10) Difficulty with decision-making
I save this point to last because decision-making is your guiding compass for your decluttering journey. It will guide you in determining what’s valuable and what isn’t.
Hoarders often face difficulty in making decisions, especially in letting go. You may feel overwhelmed or anxious about making the wrong choice.
If it challenges you, take some time to think about it and watch testimonial videos to give you an idea of living without clutter.
My suggestions:
- I created my ideal lifestyle with Minimalism✨ here is how I did it
- You will not believe😱This is the house of a handsome young man🤮 | CLEAN DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE
- I Got Rid of Everything I Own! Minimalism Before and After
Inspiring right? So make a plan and get to work!
🎯 Each person is unique in their struggles. These points will help you understand and learn how to manage your clutter better.
FAQs about Decluttering Tips for Hoarders
What are the 5 stages of hoarding?
Stage 1: Minimal Clutter – Have a few scattered items that don’t bother you much.
Stage 2: Increased Clutter – More things start piling up, making it harder to stay organized.
Stage 3: Severe Clutter – It challenges you to move around and use your space comfortably.
Stage 4: Extreme Clutter – Living areas with potential health risks become unusable.
Stage 5: Hoarding Disorder – Hoarding becomes a serious issue affecting all aspects of life.
What is the 20-second rule decluttering?
The 20-Second Rule Decluttering is like a game of questions. Ask yourself, “Can I replace this thing in 20 seconds or for less than $20?” If it’s easy to replace, it’s a clue that you can let go of the item and create a clutter-free environment.
What is the first rule of decluttering?
The first rule of decluttering is to start small. Begin with a small area or a specific category like clothes or books. Breaking down the decluttering process into manageable tasks makes it less overwhelming and more achievable.
What is the root cause of hoarding?
The root cause of hoarding is a complex combination of genes, environment, thoughts, and feelings. Traumatic experiences, strong attachments to things, and difficulty making decisions are some factors that may contribute to hoarding behavior.
What to do next?
You’ve probably noticed that decluttering isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a practice that you can keep up throughout your life to have a clutter-free space.
The more often you do it, the easier it gets!
And it’s not just about your home, either. The same goes for your mind and body. So take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned here and commit to taking action.
When you do, let me know how that goes in the comments below!
Hey! If you found this post useful, check out these organizing tips and tools, too:
