Why Your Stuff Is Draining You (And What to Do About It)

Inside: Discover 10 eye-opening truths I’ve learned about the stuff we keep — and how decluttering your life can help you reclaim your peace, purpose, and power.

I used to think being surrounded by stuff meant I was doing okay — that I had created a home full of memories, comfort, and security. But what I didn’t realize was that all the stuff I held onto? It was holding me back.

As a single work-from-home mama, I’ve had my fair share of chaotic seasons. Toys everywhere, clothes I swore I’d fit back into, drawers full of broken chargers, and boxes of things I didn’t even remember owning. Every time I tried to clean or “get organized,” I’d end up overwhelmed and frustrated. Sound familiar?

What I didn’t understand at the time was this: it wasn’t about organizing. It was about letting go.

Letting go of the stuff that didn’t serve me, the stuff that weighed on me, and the belief that I needed all of it to be whole. Once I started questioning why I owned so much, everything changed — not just my home, but my mindset too.

Here are 10 hard truths I’ve learned about our stuff, shared from my heart to yours. My hope is that this post feels like a deep breath and a warm hug — the kind that says, “Hey mama, you’re not alone.”

1. Your Stuff Doesn’t Define You

I used to think the right couch, the right wardrobe, the right toys for my daughter — meant I was doing motherhood “right.” But stuff doesn’t define our worth. Your value isn’t found in throw pillows or name-brand anything.

Letting go of this mindset helped me focus on what really defines me: how I show up for my daughter, how I treat others, and how I care for myself. The rest? Just background noise.

Try this: Walk through your space and ask, “Does this reflect who I am or who I’m trying to impress?”

2. Your Stuff Costs You More Than Money

We think of clutter in terms of price tags, but the real cost? It’s our time, energy, and mental bandwidth.

How much time have you spent looking for lost items? How often do you feel overwhelmed by messes that seem to grow overnight? For me, it was daily.

Decluttering gave me back precious time with my daughter. Now, we play more, clean less, and I feel less like I’m drowning in my own house.

Try this: Every time you hesitate to toss something, ask yourself: “Would I rather have this item, or 10 minutes of peace?”

3. Not Everything You Own Has to Spark Joy — But It Should Be Useful

I love Marie Kondo, but let’s be real — not everything in my home sparks joy. My broom doesn’t spark joy, but it sure keeps my floors clean.

The key is asking: “Is this useful or is it just taking up space?”

Some items serve a purpose without giving us butterflies, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t a joy museum. It’s a life that feels lighter and more aligned.

Try this: Create a “useful but not joyful” drawer. Keep it neat. Ditch the duplicates.

4. Clutter Can Keep You Emotionally Stuck

There were clothes in my closet I hadn’t worn since before I had my daughter. They didn’t fit anymore — physically or emotionally. But I kept them… just in case.

Turns out, I was holding onto who I used to be, not who I was becoming.

Decluttering helped me release the past — the ‘someday’ me, the guilt-ridden me, the overwhelmed me — and step into who I am right now.

Try this: Let go of one item that represents your “old life.” Then journal how it feels.

5. More Stuff Won’t Make You Happier

There was a time I thought a new outfit or the perfect toy for Sofia would finally make everything feel complete. But the feeling never lasted.

Happiness doesn’t come from more stuff. It comes from feeling free in your space, present in your life, and at peace in your heart.

Try this: Do a no-buy week and focus on experiences instead of purchases.

6. Guilt Is Not a Good Reason to Keep Anything

I kept gifts I didn’t like, inherited items that didn’t match my vibe, and baby items long after Sofia outgrew them — all out of guilt.

But guilt is not love. And letting go doesn’t mean disrespect. It means honoring where you are now.

Try this: Choose one “guilt item” to donate. Say a quick thank you, then let it go.

7. Quality Beats Quantity Every Time

As a budget-conscious mom, I used to gravitate toward “cheap and cute.” But it never lasted. Now, I’d rather own less but choose items that work harder and last longer.

Whether it’s my go-to leggings or a wooden toy for Sofia — I’ve learned to invest in quality.

Try this: The next time something breaks or wears out, replace it with something better — not more of the same.

8. Your Stuff Can Be a Distraction

I used to spend hours “organizing” instead of working on my goals. Folding baby clothes, rearranging shelves… it felt productive, but it was avoidance.

Clutter can keep us busy so we don’t have to face what’s really going on.

Try this: Before tidying, ask: “What am I avoiding?”

9. Letting Go Is a Radical Act of Self-Care

I used to think self-care was bubble baths and face masks (and yes, those are great). But one of the best things I’ve ever done for my peace? Letting go of what no longer served me.

A clear space = a clear mind.

Decluttering is a way to love yourself better — to give yourself space, energy, and ease.

Try this: Declutter one drawer or surface today, and light a candle when you're done. Celebrate that peace.

10. You Can’t Take It With You

This one hits hard. I think about what I’d leave behind if something happened to me. Would Sofia have to sort through junk, or would she find items that told our story?

What I keep now, I keep with purpose. Not out of fear or obligation.

Try this: Walk through your space as if you were helping someone else clean it out. What would feel like a burden? What would feel like a blessing?

Final Thoughts: More Peace, Less Stuff

If you made it this far, I hope you feel encouraged, not judged. This isn’t about becoming a minimalist overnight. It’s about becoming intentional.

You deserve a home that supports you, not drains you. You deserve to wake up feeling calm, not chaotic. And you deserve to live with less so you can experience more.

More time. More peace. More connection.

So, friend — what’s one thing you’re ready to let go of today?

Drop a comment and let’s chat. 💬

You're not alone. You're just getting started — and it’s already getting lighter.

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