321: Why You Actually Struggle to Let Go of Clutter (It’s Not What You Think)

You’ve tried every checklist. You’ve sorted, purged, and folded your clothes KonMari-style. You’ve even whispered sweet nothings to your donation bin. 😅

So why does decluttering still feel so hard?

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening beneath the surface when you struggle to let go of stuff—no, it’s not that you’re lazy or too sentimental. It’s science.

From survival wiring and dopamine hits to something called the “endowment effect,” I’m breaking down the biological and psychological reasons your brain resists decluttering—and how to finally work with it instead of against it.

This is the episode you need if you’ve ever asked: “Why can’t I just get rid of this stuff already?!”

Let’s drop the shame, ditch the guilt, and simplify in a way that actually makes sense for your real life and real brain.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your brain resists letting go of “perfectly good” stuff

• The psychological trick your brain plays (and how to break it)

• How to stop guilt-based decluttering in its tracks

• Why shopping gives you a dopamine rush—and what to do instead

Resources Mentioned:

✨ Join the 14-Day Decluttering Challenge Get fast wins and big results—in just 20 minutes a day. This isn’t another checklist. It’s a total nervous-system-safe, progress-over-perfection approach. 🎉 Get $20 off with code PODCAST: https://www.katyjoywells.com/cluttercrusherchallenge

🎯 Come Hang Out on Instagram You’ll find more simple tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and messy real life at https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells

✨ Your Simple Action Step:

Pick one item in your home that’s never used but you’ve been holding on to “just in case.” Ask yourself: “If I didn’t already own this, would I pay to bring it into my home today?” If the answer’s no? Time to let it go.

If this episode felt like a lightbulb moment 💡, would you share it with a friend or leave a review? You never know who needs to hear this message today.

You know what to do… Ready. Set. Simplify. 💛