What’s holding you back from sorting your clutter?

Much of your stuff represents someone you used to be; the clothes you wore when you were at your thinnest, paperwork from a former job, or photographs from an old relationship. Perhaps you keep piles of old drawings and exercise books from your own childhood, or your children’s early years?

You may rarely look at them and, on some level, resent the space they take up, but the thought of getting rid of them feels like a wrench. It’s all a question of balance. Old photographs and other possessions allow us to reminisce, which can generate a sense of wellbeing, particularly when shared with loved ones.

So, if holding onto your stuff is your way of keeping the past alive, can you find a way to make it work for you, so that it doesn’t impinge on the present? Choose key possessions and put them on display, then get rid of those that will never see the light of day.

If that feels too hard, ask yourself, why is holding onto the past so important to me right now? You may be going through a period of transition or uncertainty, and reminiscing helps you to feel grounded.