25 Signs You’re Still Holding On to Too Much Stuff
Hi, and welcome back to The Cottage!
Today, we’re talking about something that happens to almost all of us — realizing that even after a big declutter, we might still be holding on to too much. If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time for another round of simplifying.
Decluttering isn’t about perfection or minimalism. It’s about finding that balance — the right amount of things for you and your family to comfortably manage. I’ve personally experienced every single one of these signs while working through our own home, so you’re definitely not alone.
Let’s get into it.
1. You can’t find things when you need them
If you’re constantly searching for your keys, shoes, or your kids’ backpacks, it’s usually a sign there’s simply too much to manage.
2. Your storage spaces are bursting
If drawers, cabinets, or closets have to be closed just so to keep things from spilling out, it’s a sure signal you’ve exceeded capacity.
3. You don’t feel relaxed in your home
Your home should feel like a haven. If clutter makes you restless, anxious, or eager to escape, that’s a sign there’s more to let go of.
4. You dread surprise visitors
Feeling embarrassed or stressed when someone drops by often points to too much clutter.
5. You feel dread about certain chores
If laundry, dishes, or organizing a neglected space brings instant overwhelm, there’s probably too much to manage in that area.
6. Getting dressed takes forever
A packed closet can make outfit decisions harder, not easier.
7. You have kitchen items you never use
Those gadgets and pans you never reach for? They’re taking up space that could be freed for what you actually love using.
8. You buy duplicates
If you’ve ever purchased something only to find you already had it, that’s clutter confusion in action.
9. Your home feels like it’s “shouting” at you
Every item around you sends little reminders — dishes to wash, clothes to fold, papers to sort. Too many of those “silent signals” can feel overwhelming.
10. You miss small deadlines
When bills, permission slips, or library books slip through the cracks, cluttered systems may be part of the problem.
11. You collect random mystery items
Pieces of puzzles, unknown keys, orphan cords — all signs of too much.
12. You have more than one junk drawer
One “miscellaneous” drawer is normal. More than one usually means you’ve exceeded what you can organize.
13. Your purse or wallet is overflowing
If it’s heavy, hard to close, or painful to carry — time to simplify.
14. You can’t use your seating areas easily
If you have to move piles to sit down or clear the bed to sleep, that’s a red flag.
15. Your attic, garage, or storage bins haven’t been opened in years
If you don’t know what’s inside, it’s likely not serving you.
16. You keep gifts you don’t love out of guilt
Holding onto unwanted gifts doesn’t honor the giver or yourself.
17. You can’t find matches
Mismatched socks, lids, and containers are little clues that clutter’s in control.
18. Decision-making feels hard
Too many options — books, clothes, meals — can overload your brain. Simplifying helps restore clarity.
19. You can’t park in your garage
Or you keep tripping over things on the floor — both clear signs of overflow.
20. You rent storage or keep adding sheds
If you’re expanding storage just to hold more, that’s clutter growing unchecked.
21. You’ve become a “storage Tetris” expert
Cramming, stacking, or “Jenga-ing” everything into place means you’re managing stuff, not living with it.
22. Your flat surfaces are never clear
Desks, tables, and counters should be usable workspaces — not storage zones.
23. You always have piles
Piles of papers, clothes, or dishes usually mean items lack a designated home.
24. You keep too many duplicates
Especially “just in case” backups that never actually get used — like extra shoes or kitchen tools.
25. You feel burdened or overwhelmed
When your belongings start to feel like a weight instead of a comfort, that’s the ultimate sign it’s time to reset.
A gentle reminder
Clutter only becomes a problem when it becomes a burden. What’s manageable for one person might feel overwhelming to another — and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection, but peace.
When you start letting go of the excess, you’ll notice a lightness and freedom that truly transforms your home — and your mindset.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you handle clutter in your space? Drop a comment below and share your approach!
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I’m so overwhelmed I dont even know where to begin.
Several things happen at our house. chairs are use to hang coats. Chairs are use to hold newspapers and then the neighbor comes in and I move the coats and the papers. I met a woman who lived in a 800ft square house and asked her where you put stuff. She told me she thinks before she buys.