Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast

How Your Childhood Is Cluttering Your Home (And What to Do About It) | Clutterbug Podcast # 284

22 snips

Jul 28, 2025

Explore how childhood experiences shape adult clutter habits and the emotional weight of sentimental items. Discover the three emotional types of memory keepers and learn practical strategies to declutter without guilt. Dive into the surprising connection between a scarcity mindset and clutter management. Enjoy entertaining listener stories that highlight the challenges and joys of organizing memories. This conversation is a blend of self-reflection, psychology, and actionable tips for creating a home that truly reflects you.

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ADVICE

Declutter Childhood Memories

Take time to go through your childhood memory bin and be brave by letting go of at least one item.
Create a simple memory system to keep your memories organized without feeling overwhelmed.

INSIGHT

Childhood Shapes Clutter Habits

Childhood upbringing deeply influences adult clutter habits, often unconsciously.
We inherit not just traits, but attitudes around possessions that stay with us long-term.

INSIGHT

Chaos Spurs Control or Surrender

Growing up in a chaotic home causes adults to cope by controlling everything or embracing chaos.
Both extremes create stress; the goal is to find a balanced system for peace and function.

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If you’ve ever opened a memory bin and instantly felt overwhelmed, sentimental, or just plain stuck — this episode is for you. Whether you're drowning in childhood keepsakes, struggling with guilt over what to let go of, or wondering why your clutter feels so emotional, you are not alone.

In this episode, I open up about how our childhood experiences — from chaotic homes to hyper-clean parents — shape the way we hold onto stuff as adults. We dig into the emotional weight of sentimental clutter, the psychology behind why it's so hard to let go, and how to finally break the cycle with grace and self-awareness.

This isn't just a chat about organizing — it's a journey into the roots of our clutter, the beliefs we inherited from our parents, and the systems we need to build a home (and life) that works for us now. Plus, I share powerful mindset shifts, simple systems for organizing memories, and a few hilarious listener stories that will make you laugh and cringe.

✨ We chat about:

Why childhood experiences shape our relationship with clutter
The 3 emotional “types” of memory keepers — and which one you might be
How to finally declutter sentimental items without guilt
The surprising link between scarcity mindset and clutter
Simple memory systems that actually work (and won’t leave you overwhelmed)
Why loving your home starts with healing your past

👇 What’s the weirdest or most sentimental item you’ve held onto — and why? Share it in the comments!

And if this episode gave you a lightbulb moment (or made you tear up a little), don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s also ready to let go of the past and make space for their future.

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