Why Getting Permission to Let Go Works

By Megan Golightly | Read time: 3 min

Letting go of clutter is more than just clearing out physical space; it's an emotional and psychological journey. Many people feel overwhelmed by the process, often experiencing anxiety, guilt, or a sense of loss. This is normal. But when a trusted person gives us permission to let go, the process becomes easier. This is because we often seek external validation and comfort in shared decision-making. 

The Role of Trust in Decluttering

Trust is crucial in helping us let go of sentimental items or things tied to unfulfilled dreams. When someone we trust, like a friend, family member, or professional organizer, supports our decision and gives us a little encouragement to discard or donate an item, it eases our mental burden. This trust reduces the anxiety of wondering if we're making the right choice, tapping into our need for social approval and making it easier to let go. 

Permission and the Release of Guilt

We often hold onto items out of guilt, whether because they were gifts or investments of our time and money. Permission from a trusted person helps us reframe these feelings, shifting from guilt to acceptance. This psychological release makes it easier to part with items without feeling like we are dishonoring the past. 

Shared Decision-Making and External Validation

Research shows that shared decision-making leads to better outcomes because it offers a "reality check" that helps overcome emotional attachment to clutter. Having someone by our side who validates our choices activates our brain’s reward centers, making us feel good about letting go.

⚡⚡ Pro-tips

• Identify Your Trusted Person: Choose someone who understands your emotional connection to your belongings and can offer non-judgmental support. This could be a friend, family member, or a professional organizer.
• Set Clear Intentions Together: Before you begin decluttering, discuss your goals with your trusted person. Are you aiming to clear space, reduce anxiety, or simply feel more in control? Clear intentions help guide decisions and keep the process focused.
• Start Small: Begin with less sentimental items to build momentum. This approach helps ease into the decluttering process without feeling overwhelmed by deep emotional ties.
• Use the “Permission Phrase”: Create a simple permission phrase that resonates, like “It’s okay to let this go,” or “You don’t need this to remember.” Have your trusted person repeat this when you struggle to decide.
• Take Breaks and Reflect: Decluttering can be emotionally exhausting. Plan short breaks to reflect on the progress made, celebrate small wins, and acknowledge any feelings that arise.
• Create a Let-Go Ritual: Establish a small ritual when letting go of particularly sentimental items. This could be as simple as taking a photo, writing a short note, or sharing a memory before saying goodbye to the item.
• Establish Boundaries with Sentimental Keepsakes: If certain items are too hard to let go of, place them in a “maybe” box. Revisit this box in a month with your trusted person and reassess whether you’re ready to let go.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Permission

Letting go of clutter isn’t just about organizing; it's about emotional freedom. A trusted person’s permission can provide the support needed to make confident decisions, helping create a space that reflects who you are today. When you struggle to part with an item, reach out to someone you trust—their validation might be the key to a clutter-free, more peaceful life.

If you’re looking for your trusted person, I can help. Be sure to keep up-to-date on my Instagram for more tips, download my freebies and browse through my courses where I will give you permission to let go every step of the way.