Blog Layout

Why Can't I Get Rid of Things?

Ed Wilkins • December 16, 2021

Why Can't I Get Rid of Things?

Decluttering your home or garage can be a daunting task but can become even more difficult if you struggle to let go of items that you no longer need. It's common for us to get attached to our belongings, which makes getting rid of items around the home difficult.

Common Reasons You Can't Get Rid of Things


There are a variety of roadblocks that can occur in life that prevent you from decluttering. Here are some common struggles that make decluttering difficult:

Lack of time to declutter

One of the most common reasons many people have for not decluttering is that they don't have the spare time to do so. You may have a busy work schedule or home life keeping you away from decluttering. For those with never-ending to-do lists, you may be wondering how to find the time to declutter your home. Here are a few tips for finding the time:


  • Keep in mind that you can declutter 5 to 10 minutes at a time. You don't have to do it all at once. Breaking it down into smaller chunks of work may help you fit it into your schedule more easily.
  • You may also consider decluttering as you go about the day. Maybe get rid of some old dish towels while you are cooking or cleaning in the kitchen. As you sort the laundry, make a pile of clothing that you want to donate, etc.

Be sure to keep an eye out for items you no longer need throughout your daily tasks, and you'll have your home decluttered in no time!

Lack of motivation to declutter

As we mentioned before, decluttering can seem like a daunting task when you look at the big picture of all the things you need to sort and get rid of. This can make you feel like you don't have the motivation to tackle such a large project. To help with this issue, you can:


  • Schedule time to declutter so you can stop putting it off. Add a series of times for decluttering to your schedule to help you stick with it. Even if you only declutter for 5 to 10 minutes a day, it will be worth it!
  • Make a plan of attack. Decide where you want to start and then plan out your decluttering efforts from there. Say you want to start in the kitchen, then move to the living room, then the basement, etc. Having a plan will make decluttering less intimidated and will take less effort to get started.
  • You are saving items "just in case."

This is another common reason many people struggle to let things go. This thought of keeping something just in case is caused by fear. People fear they may get rid of something and then need it later down the road.
Clutter adds stress to your home and sucks up a lot of time and energy, so it isn't worth keeping something "just in case." If you find yourself in this situation while trying to declutter, first think about how likely your "just in case" scenario is to happen. 

Do you really need enough bath towels for 20 people? How likely is it that you will host that many people in your home at once? This is one of many "just in case" situations that isn't likely to happen, so be sure to think it over first.

You also want to consider that if you did need the item after getting rid of it, you could borrow the same item from a friend, use a different item in place of it, or maybe you could make do without the item altogether.

Need Help Hauling Away Your Clutter? A-1 Hauling can Help!

If you've decluttered your home and have items you need hauled away, we can help! From boxes of items to larger items like furniture, we have an experienced team who can efficiently and safely load and haul away your items. Contact us today to learn more!


Author: Ed Wilkins

Ed Wilkins is the founder and owner of A-1 Hauling, a company celebrated for its integrity and dedication to providing top-notch hauling services. With a foundation built on honesty, trustworthiness, and hard work, Ed and his team have earned a reputation for delivering safe, gentle, and stress-free services to their clients.

The Hidden Dangers of Hoarding & Why Timely Removal is Crucial
By Ed Wilkins February 10, 2025
Hoarding can pose serious health and safety risks. A-1 Hauling explains the dangers and why prompt junk removal is essential for a safer home.
Estate Cleanout Guide for Families Facing Tough Decisions
January 31, 2025
Facing a difficult estate cleanout? A-1 Hauling provides a compassionate guide to help families navigate the process with ease and efficiency.
How Pittsburgh Junk Removal Services Can Benefit You
December 27, 2024
Declutter effortlessly with A-1 Hauling! Learn how our Pittsburgh junk removal services save time, reduce stress, and improve your space.
How Do I Get Rid of a Bunch of Furniture?
October 31, 2024
Need to get rid of lots of furniture in Pittsburgh? A1 Hauling offers quick, stress-free furniture removal solutions to simplify your cleanup!
How to Clean Out Your Garage Before Winter
By Ed Wilkins October 11, 2024
Get your garage ready for winter with A-1 Hauling’s expert tips on decluttering and organizing for a stress-free October move and cleanup.
Decluttering Your Home Before a Move
By Ed Wilkins September 4, 2024
Simplify your move with our ultimate guide to decluttering your home. Learn how to effectively clear out unwanted items and streamline your moving process
Summer Decluttering Projects for a Breezy Home Makeover
August 7, 2024
Transform your home with summer decluttering projects from A1 Hauling. Discover tips for a breezy makeover, from organizing spaces to removing unwanted items.
How to Clear Out Storage Units Quickly and Efficiently
July 12, 2024
Learn how to clear out storage units quickly and efficiently with A-1 Hauling. Get expert tips and strategies to streamline the process and maximize your time.
The Home Seller's Guide to Quick and Effective Property Cleanouts
By Ed Wilkins June 17, 2024
Selling one’s home can be a mix of exciting and nerve-wracking. There's the anticipation of a new chapter but also the formidable task of getting your property ready for market. Amidst the staging and paperwork, one critical but often overlooked step is property cleanout. It's not just about tidying up; it's about crafting a canvas for potential buyers to imagine their own lives. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the strategic ins and outs of a successful property cleanout to ensure that your home speaks to the hearts of its future occupants. The Importance of Decluttering Before Selling The impact of decluttering on the selling process is profound. A well-organized space allows prospective buyers to envision it as their future home. It also signals to them that the property has been well-cared for and is move-in ready. Plus, studies have shown that decluttered homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices. It’s not just about making a good impression; it's about enhancing your home’s market value from the start. Step-by-Step Cleanout Strategies for Home Sellers Starting with a Plan When tackling a property cleanout, preparation is key. Start by making a comprehensive plan, assigning specific tasks to each room, setting deadlines, and, most importantly, sticking to it. Tips for creating a cleanout plan include: Prioritizing rooms based on their visibility and impact on potential buyers Enlisting the help of friends, family, or professional cleaners and organizers to lighten the load Setting achievable goals and breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones Room-by-Room Decluttering Approach each room systematically. Begin with the simplest room as a confidence booster, and work your way to the more complex spaces. Decide on items to keep, sell, donate, or discard. To help determine what to do with your items, consider the following when deciding what to keep, sell, donate, or throw out: Does it serve a functional purpose? Is it in good condition? Do you have multiple items serving the same purpose? Does it hold sentimental value? Dealing with Personal Items Navigating the emotional terrain of personal belongings can be challenging. The goal here is to depersonalize the space so that potential buyers are not distracted or feel that they're in someone else's space. When it comes to your personal items, consider the following: Pack away family photos and personal mementos Put away religious or political items Remove excessive knick-knacks and clutter How to Efficiently Remove Unwanted Items Hauling Away Junk For large and cumbersome items, it's wise to call in professionals to handle the job quickly and efficiently. A-1 Hauling specializes in the removal of all types of junk, from old appliances to yard waste, ensuring your property is clean and prepped for its market debut. Donation and Recycling For items that still have life left in them, consider giving them a second chance through donation. Local charities and thrift stores welcome donations, and A-1 Hauling can help direct you to the right resources. For the eco-conscious, recycling is another responsible option that A-1 Hauling fully supports. Organizing a Garage Sale A well-organized garage sale can be a fun way to get rid of unwanted items and even make a little extra money. To set up a garage sale, consider the following tips: Advertise your sale through social media, community bulletin boards, and local newspapers Price items fairly to attract buyers Have a variety of items to appeal to different buyers Make sure items are clean and displayed neatly Enhancing Your Home's Appeal Post-Cleanout With the clutter gone, it’s time to focus on presentation. Simple rearrangements of furniture and art can make your home feel more spacious and inviting. You can rearrange furniture and decor to maximize space and to help highlight the best features of your home using these tips: Consider hiring professional stagers to help showcase your home’s potential Use neutral colors and decor to appeal to a wider range of buyers Add some fresh flowers or plants for a touch of color and life A final cleaning service, such as carpet cleaning and window washing, can also elevate your home’s appearance and create a home that is showroom-ready for potential buyers. Why Professional Junk Removal is a Game-Changer for Home Sellers The Stress-Free Solution Professional junk removal services like A-1 Hauling allow home sellers to breathe easily. While our team focuses on removing the junk, you can concentrate on other aspects of selling your home, such as finding your next dream home or hosting open houses. Efficient and Effective A-1 Hauling’s experienced team is efficient and effective, with the resources to clear out large or small loads. Our priority is your satisfaction and the optimal presentation of your property. Responsible Disposal We believe in responsible junk removal. A-1 Hauling is committed to disposing of your unwanted items in an environmentally friendly way, recycling and donating when possible, and ensuring all waste is properly disposed of. Professional Junk Hauling Services In selling your home, a property cleanout is more than just a chore. It's a strategic move to make your home market-ready, inside and out. We've explored the steps to declutter effectively and the benefits of enlisting professional services like A-1 Hauling. Remember, the goal of a cleanout is to create a neutral, inviting space that allows the buyer to see the potential for their new life there. With this guide and the support of the right professionals, the home-selling process can be as smooth and rewarding as the move to your new address. For homeowners in the Pittsburgh area looking for a trusted partner in their property's cleanout, A-1 Hauling stands ready to assist. Our experienced team knows the local landscape and the unique needs of Pittsburgh homeowners. Whether you need a full-service cleanout, professional junk removal, or simply advice on how to tackle the task yourself, A-1 Hauling is your all-in-one solution. Contact us today for a consultation, and take the first step toward a hassle-free home selling experience.
Preparing for Renovation: The Critical Role of Hauling Services
May 17, 2024
Don't overlook the importance of proper hauling services in your renovation plans. Trust A-1 Hauling to help you declutter and make space for your project.
More Posts
Share by: