Episode
108 - Why Is Decluttering So Hard? 7 Emotional Blocks Keeping You Stuck
- Published
- Apr 17, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2286
- Processing state
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- https://www.thecommonnest.com
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Summary
Clutter is one of those things we tend to blame on being busy, disorganized, or just not having enough storage. But what if the real reason your home feels stuck has nothing to do with any of that? In this episode, we're diving into a concept that completely changed the way I think about clutter and why letting go can feel so hard even when we genuinely want to. We're talking about clutter blocks, seven emotional stories we tell ourselves about our things that keep us from releasing what we no longer use, need, or want. This framework comes from the work of Tracy McCubbin, a professional organizer and author, and it's one of those ideas I've returned to again and again because it gets to the root of something so many of us experience. This episode is for you if you have ever: Tried to declutter but kept stalling out without knowing why Felt strangely attached to things you know you don't actually need Held onto items out of guilt, grief, or a sense of obligation Wondered why the practical tips never seem to stick long term Sensed that your clutter is about something deeper than just the stuff We'll explore: What a clutter block actually is and why naming it changes everything All seven emotional clutter blocks and what each one reveals about our beliefs The underlying stories driving each block, from identity and worth to grief, avoidance, and self-permission Reflection questions to help you identify which blocks might be showing up in your own home A more compassionate and holistic way to approach letting go Whether your clutter lives in a closet, a garage, a storage unit, or a pile that's been following you from house to house, this episode is here to help you understand what's really going on beneath the surface. Because when you can name the story, you can finally…