Is This Why You Can’t Let Go of Stuff?

How To Win The Clutter Mind Game

I’m fascinated by different personalities. My psych thesis was called Don’t Worry Be Happy: The Moderating Effect of Happiness-Eliciting Behaviors for Neurotic and Introverted People. I know what you’re thinking: how has Netflix not made it into a series? I KNOW.

I’ve applied my personality lens (more of a monocle) to the question of why people struggle to let go of stuff—and identified four clear clutter types.

1. ‘One Day I’m Gonna’ Clutter Personality

This person owns an ab roller circa 1995 they’re definitely gonna use twice daily—once work calms down. Appliances seen on TikTok they’re gonna take out of the box soon. On a fabled, mythical one day.

It’s fun making plans and projects for the future—unless all the one-day stuff obliterates your ability to live happily this day.

If your present peace of mind is suffering under too many tomorrow projects, release some of the stuff and enjoy more of what’s happening right here, right now.

Clearly, we need to pause for a dance break.

2. ‘The Best Is Behind Me’ Clutter Personality

This personality is also time-focused—but on the past, not the future.

Keepsakes help us treasure memories. They honor our personal history and our loved ones.

But what if your home becomes a shrine to the past? What if you can’t move in the present without knocking over ancient tchotchkes? Can’t embrace the future without whacking your elbow on one of Great Aunt Bertha’s many mahogany fainting couches?

Better to curate your mementos and keep only your most cherished items.

3. ‘I Can’t Decide’ Clutter Personality

This person defers decisions—so stuff piles up everywhere.

I don’t know what to do about this invitation to Cousin Winifred’s Eyes-Wide-Shut-themed erotic barn dance, so I’ll just leave it… here.

I can’t decide which shampoo I like, so I’ll fashion 27 half-used bottles into a fragrant bathroom tableau.

Leaving your options open can be wise—but not if your deferred decisions drown you in clutter.

Make a small decision, then another, and another—and move on with your decluttered life.

4. ‘I’ll Do It Later’ Clutter Personality

While the previous personality defers decisions, this one defers action.

I’ll stress-load the dishwasher later, when I’m also running late for my Procrastinators Anonymous meeting.

I’ll pack away the limited-edition Crocs I need to return—next month, once the return window has closed.

Meanwhile, the stuff sits around, cluttering your mind and your home.

Stop putting things off. Stop leaving things half-finished. Start putting things away. You—and your space—will feel much lighter.

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As these personalities show, clutter is a sneaky mind game—or we’d all be better at dealing with it. That’s why in Chic Minimalism: 21 Rules for Mastering the Art of Less, many of my rules are mindset shifts—ideas to lubricate our thinking so stuff slides away more easily.

So, which clutter personality are you? Or are you a combination? Tell me in the comments.

To less stuff and more living now,
Michele

PS I sincerely thank you for the kind replies to my last email. Honestly, I had a little dust in my eye as I read… All the copies are gone now.
M x