The following are some reasons that stop people from decluttering. If we are aware of these, we can plan for them, and shape up the decluttering process
Hard to start
Decluttering is sometimes hard to start. We keep on putting other more important tasks ahead. Its something we always think about, but takes a lot of boldness to start. For people that are challenged by this, its sometimes better to start with a small section, rather than only start when everything is planned out.
Items that have freely or cheaply come to you
We find reasons to hold onto things all the time. When we have received something on the cheap, or even freely, we think that its good value, even if it has no real value to us. Sometimes it is worth looking at the opportunity cost of having the item, and whether its worth to convert it to space for something else, or even cash.
In the middle of processing
This is a common excuse. Decluttering can be a start and stop activity. There are some items that we have lightly thought of before, and kind of identified where it should go, and haven’t really had any strong reasons for keep or releasing. Its the ones on the border that we need to take action on. The alternative is that we have in limbo all sorts of junk.
Redundant items
Sometimes we hold redundant items consciously as backup to the stuff we use or admire. Other times we just have redundant stuff around the house, and just never stop to identify and get rid of them.
Regretful purchases
We often buy things regretfully, and sometimes at great cost. We rather hold the items in case they have future use. If they aren’t of use, and are taking up valuable space, its better to admit the mistake and move on.
Time in possession
The longer the item is stored in the home, the harder it is to discard. Its worth to look through all these as they are also likely to be the least commonly used items
Time management
Decluttering requires a realistic estimation of time and commitment. If we don’t have the time, we can end up starting and stopping, and eventually giving up before completion.
Mental drain
Decluttering requires a lot of rapid decision making. This can cause a lot of mental drain, and discourage us from finishing.
Associations
There will be sentimental items in the home that take longer to process. Kondo’s process take these to the end, so that all the straight forward decision making is done, and trained us up to the hard part.
Future potential use
There are many items in the home that we don’t use, that we hope to use in the future. If there is no realistic scenario where we can use and depend on the item, its worth to discard the item. You may not even realise not having it.
Differing values in the family
Decluttering can be a difficult process when there are differing values and attachment to items. Also, one side of the partnership may dislike the process of decluttering more than the other. This requires boundaries and expectations set at the beginning.
E Waste
Old electronics with heavy metals require separate waste disposal. They may also have sensitive data that although hard to access, are still important and worth to retrieve. Old electronics require booking ahead for E Waste collection, or finding out when they can be left for pickup.
Image / defined by your objects
Sometimes we are defined by the objects we own. For some, they may be comfortable to be defined by material items. Other people see other things as more important, such as people and relationships. When we hold onto material things strongly, and have an image supported by them we would find decluttering difficult