We Asked Experts to Debunk These 5 Decluttering Myths—Here's What They Said

When it comes to home organizing, there are a lot of common misconceptions floating around. We spoke with pro organizers and asked them to debunk some of the main myths that we often hear when it comes to decluttering, and you may be surprised at what they share below.

You'll Regret Donating Your Items

Janet Bernstein, a professional organizer and founder of The Organizing Professionals, notes that many times, clients are fearful of parting ways with their items during the decluttering process. In reality, though, it's extremely rare that giving an item away causes any feelings of regret.

"I have been a professional organizer for 16 years and I can count on less than one hand the times a client has told me they have regretted donating or giving away an item," she says.

Better yet, not only do Bernstein's clients not miss the items they've donated to someone else, but they also find that the experience of doing so allows them to feel more comfortable in their own homes.

"Our clients repeatedly mention how much lighter they feel after they have gone through the decluttering process," Bernstein says.

You Should Keep Items Because You Might Need Them One Day

On the other hand, perhaps you're not worried about missing an item you've parted ways with but fear that you'll end up donating something that will come in handy down the line.

"The word might here is the anchor that could weigh down progress when it comes to decluttering," Hayley Anderson, a professional organizer and the founder of Meraki Home Organization, says. She explains how making fear-based organizing decisions on a future maybe will not bring any value in the here and now.

Anderson encourages her clients to put these "may need" items into a box in the garage for six months. If they do not end up proving useful during that period of time, you're best off bringing them to the donation center.

"I also like to keep in mind that someone else could be getting way more use out of them than I am," she says.

Decluttering Is a One Time Task

If only decluttering was as simple as carving out one weekend of your life and going through all of your belongings to ensure that your home will appear neat and organized for good.

"Decluttering is an ongoing process," Sarah Bartol, a professional organizer and founder of Simplify Curate, says. "Without consistent effort, clutter can quickly accumulate again and without an easy to adhere system in place, we're likely to leave no longer needed, never wanted items right where they sit."

In fact, there can be negative side effects to expecting to declutter your entire home at once.

"Diving into a massive decluttering spree can leave you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out," Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids, says. She recommends starting small by focusing on one room or type of item at a time and then gradually moving onto the rest of your stuff. This will allow you to have a practical approach and feel good about the process you're making.

While organizing and reorganizing a home is part of life, there are steps that you can take to set yourself up for success on the daily, Bartol says.

She suggests keeping a donation container somewhere in the home, such as the closet or basement, and filling it up over time with items that you no longer need. Once the container is full, you'll know it's time to make a trip to the donation center.

You Can't Declutter Sentimental Items

If you feel as though your home will never be truly organized and pared down because it's filled with sentimental items, think again.

"It's possible to downsize even these possessions and find new creative ways to preserve the memories these pieces bring you," Anderson says.

For example, Anderson likes to turn special pieces of clothing into wall art using the company Pokidots or repurposing textiles in other ways.

"You are not doing the keepsake items any justice by keeping them in a box in the attic," Anderson says, noting that she had her father-in-law's favorite shirts repurposed into teddy bears for the family.

Anderson also encourages taking photos of favorite items that you no longer have the space for and creating a digital or printed photo book instead. She finds this method especially effective when it comes to children's artwork throughout the years.

Minimalism = Modernism

If you're worried that parting way with too many things will leave your home feeling cold and inviting, you're not alone.

"Minimalism has kind of a bad rap these days," Aimee Hutzell, professional organizer and founder of Inspired Living NW, says. "Many people equate it with a cold 'modern' feel.'"

However, Hutzell says that minimalism is about only keeping what you love and use. She assures her clients that they can maintain a home that is clutter-free while still embracing color, personality, and the pieces that they love the most.