We get it. That broken couch has been with you through thick and thin. It’s basically part of the family at this point. But let’s be fair: It’s also 90% duct tape, 8% denial, and 2% pet fur.
It’s also taking up valuable space you could use for literally anything else, say, making room to breathe.
Homes in Ireland are overflowing. And no, not just with joy. Now is the time to prevent waste and not just manage it. This means reducing consumption, reusing what you already have, and decluttering.
If your space is starting to look more like a storage unit than a living room, you’re probably telling yourself (and others) these classic excuses.
1.“It’s not that bad.”
You sure about that?
Sometimes clutter isn’t procrastination. It’s comfort. For many, especially collectors and sentimentalists, holding onto stuff provides a sense of control. So, they use clutter as a coping mechanism.
But when your bookshelf is already bowing and your living space smells like 1997, it’s probably time for a little intervention.
Rule of thumb: If it’s giving you stress or guilt every time you walk by it, it’s not “grand”.
2. “But it has sentimental value” ❤️
Of course it does! That’s the couch where you watched all your shows. You laughed, cried, and lost the remote in its cushions.
We’re not saying memories don’t matter. But if that thing is sagging like your will to clean and you haven’t sat on it without fearing for your spine, or it’s just there, taking up space in your storage, then maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let it go.
Friendly reminder: You can keep the memory without keeping the mildew.
3. “What if I need it someday?”
Ah, the old scarcity mindset. Having more stuff can sometimes mean security. You tell yourself you might need that wonky chair or broken toaster for parts, “just in case.” In case of what, exactly? A nationwide parts shortage?
People tend to hold on to their things because they’re afraid they can’t replace those items in case they need them again. However, understanding that letting go of stuff and decluttering is going to be hard is the first step, so you’re on your way!
Once you accept that you’re going to need to sift through your emotions throughout the decluttering process, the physical act of letting go of your old and broken things can begin.
4. “I can still fix it”
Sure! Right after you build that treehouse you said you would two summers ago, learn Spanish, and start the sourdough you’ve been talking about since the first lockdown.
Look, we love a DIY master as much as anyone, but if something’s been “waiting to be fixed” for so long, it’s probably time to get rid of it.
Ask yourself this: Are you really planning to fix the broken couch or refurbish that old cabinet? Or is it just living rent-free in your brain and your hallway?
5. “It’s part of who I am”
It’s easy to attach identity to stuff, especially when it’s been around for a while. Your battered IKEA bookshelf from college. Your cracked coffee table you always get a splinter from, that you can’t really get rid of because it reminds you of your first studio.
This might stem from the fear of loss. You might be hesitating to part with your items, even when they’re not useful (and can physically harm you), because you fear the loss of identity.
People attach identity to stuff because it makes change – like moving to new places or taking up new career paths – less scary. But don’t confuse “meaningful” with “moldy.”
If your clutter no longer fits your lifestyle, goal, or aesthetic (and it smells weird), it’s time to break up with it by scheduling a rubbish removal service or heading to your local Bring bank.
Why you should let go (hint: you deserve better!)
You would think more stuff = more comfort, more happiness, more control. But science and your overflowing kitchen drawer would beg to differ:
The Downsides of Holding On To Old Things:
- The endowment effect
The endowment effect is when, once you own something, you assign a higher value to it simply because you own it. So even if it’s not useful, or worn out, or just buried in the back of your closet, you have a hard time letting it go.
- It’s quietly draining you
Studies show that excess clutter can increase stress hormones, even if you don’t notice it. It shows in your day-to-day life, from getting annoyed at a missing sock to having a hard time getting a good night’s rest.
- It creates a false sense of security
Having more stuff and consuming more instead of keeping fewer but high-quality and functional items does not help with life satisfaction for people.
The Surprising Benefits of Letting Go:
1. Better mental clarity
A clean and decluttered space makes decision-making easier and improves focus.
2. Boosted mood and energy
People who declutter often consistently report feeling lighter, freer, and more motivated.
3. Improved daily flow
When everything has a place (and you can actually find it), the whole day just moves smoother.
Break up with your clutter
It’s not you, it’s… definitely the clutter.
Turns out, clutter doesn’t just take up space. It eats up your time, too. And it might be stealing more of your life than you think. We broke it down in this blog: Why Clutter Might Steal 153 Days of Your Life—Time for a Clearout.
So, go on and channel your inner Marie Kondo because letting go of your stuff is not just about clearing your space. It’s also about making room for a lighter, freer life.
And if the mess feels like it’s winning? You can always call in reinforcements – that’s us!
Quick fact: In addition to furniture, Electronic waste is among the world’s fastest-growing waste streams. And we do our part for the planet at JunkandWaste.ie by recycling over 95% of everything we collect, including that tangled mess of old chargers and electronics.
Got a graveyard of old gadgets? Get rid of them responsibly here.
Need help making a clean break?
Whether its furniture removal or other rubbish, we can lift, haul, and responsibly dispose of it for you. Reach out to our team now for reliable rubbish removal or skip hire.
Image credits:
- Photo by Giacomo Carra.
- Image by zoschfrosch
- Photo by ErikMclean