Wants vs Needs in Decluttering? Why It Matters for Successful Decluttering

Decluttering can be confusing and complicated. How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of and stay motivated? In this article I’m exploring wants vs needs in decluttering and how to understand the difference for more successful decluttering.

HOW TO MAKE DECLUTTERING EASIER

When we set out to declutter, we’re often faced with an overwhelming number of items and a big decision: what to keep and what to let go? Sorting through everything can feel daunting, especially when trying to distinguish between what we truly NEED and what we simply WANT.

Knowing the difference between the two, wants vs needs, can make decluttering a more mindful process, helping us create a home filled with things we love and use, without the burden of unnecessary stuff.

In this article let’s take a closer look at what this difference means and how it can help us declutter with more confidence and ease.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “WANTS” AND “NEEDS”?

In the simplest terms, needs are the essentials, the things we require to function day-to-day. These are practical items that serve a purpose, like clothing, kitchenware, or bedding.

Wants, on the other hand, are things that may bring us joy or pleasure but aren’t strictly necessary. These are items that might be sentimental, decorative, or simply things we enjoy having around.

Distinguishing between the two isn’t always straightforward, though. Sometimes an item might meet a need but also feel like a want, such as a beautifully designed teapot that we use daily. So, the real question is: does this item add value, or is it adding to the clutter?

Step 1: Start with Your Daily Essentials

When sorting through your belongings, a great starting point is identifying the items you use daily. These are likely to be needs because they contribute to your daily routine. Things like your toothbrush, favourite mug, or go-to coat all serve a clear purpose, which makes the decision to keep them easier.

But here’s the trick: once you’ve identified those essentials, you’ll start to notice other things that fall outside this group. Maybe you have a drawer full of half-used notebooks or five nearly identical jackets. By zeroing in on what you truly need each day, you can better evaluate whether those extra items add any genuine value to your life.

Step 2: Identify Sentimental Items

Sentimental items often blur the line between want and need, as they hold emotional value. A box of letters, family heirlooms, or even the jumper from your school days may not be things you need, but they connect you to memories, people, and parts of your life.

When decluttering sentimental items, a good question to ask is, “Does this item still have meaning to me?” Sometimes, we hold onto things because we feel obliged to, rather than because they genuinely bring us joy.

A photograph, for instance, can capture a memory far better than a random souvenir. If something doesn’t hold real meaning, it may be time to let it go, leaving more space for items that do matter.

Step 3: Differentiate Between Practicality and Multiples

When we own multiples of the same item, we’re often holding onto things out of habit or ‘just in case’ reasoning. These items fall into the want category rather than need because they’re not essential for our daily routines. Think of how many pairs of shoes, similar tools, or extra bedding sets we might own, even if we regularly use just a fraction of them.

Try to keep only the number of items you realistically need and use. If you’re drawn to a few key favourites, consider letting go of the duplicates. This approach not only frees up physical space but also allows the items you love and rely on to shine without being buried in clutter.

Step 4: Consider the “Joy Factor”

Sometimes, the line between want and need isn’t just practical – it’s also about joy. Our homes should be places where we feel happy, content, relaxed and inspired, which means there’s a place for those special wants that bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our heart.

If you’re curious about how warmth, compassion and minimalism can work together, try my article on the comforts of minimalism for more on this topic.

When you’re struggling to decide whether something is a want or a need, ask yourself if it genuinely brings you joy. If it’s something you treasure and would truly miss if it were gone, then it’s worth keeping. However, if the item no longer brings joy and just sits gathering dust, it may be time to let it go.

Remember, it’s okay to keep things that make you happy, even if they aren’t strictly necessary!

Step 5: Reframe Your “Just in Case” Items

Many of us keep things “just in case” we’ll need them one day. Whether it’s kitchen gadgets we’ve barely used, outdated electronics, or craft supplies for hobbies we no longer pursue, these items often fall into the “want” category.

They’re not essential to our lives, but we keep them out of a sense of potential usefulness or because they represent or are relevant to a lifestyle, experience or skill that we want to enjoy in the future or have enjoyed in the past.

Me keeping hold of my black boots is an example of that!

Decluttering is about self-acceptance and understanding when our fantasy self is talking louder than our true self.

While there’s value in being prepared, holding onto too many “just in case” items can actually create more stress. When deciding whether to keep these items, ask yourself how realistic it is that you’ll use them. If it’s been over a year since you last touched it, it’s probably safe to let it go. You’ll be surprised how liberating it can be to release these “maybes” and focus on the things you actually use.

Step 6: Think About Sustainability

When we hold onto things we don’t truly need, we’re not only cluttering our homes but also adding to environmental impact. Sustainable decluttering is about letting go responsibly, so if you find items you no longer need but that someone else could use, consider donating or passing them on.

This mindset shift can help you feel better about letting go of certain items, knowing they’ll serve a purpose for someone else. It also encourages mindful purchasing in the future, helping you avoid bringing unnecessary “wants” into your home.

By focusing on what you truly need, you’re reducing waste and simplifying your lifestyle.

Step 7: Give Yourself Permission to Keep Some “Wants”

Decluttering can sometimes feel restrictive, but it’s important to give yourself permission to keep some “wants” that make life enjoyable. Perhaps you don’t need a shelf full of books, but if they’re a source of inspiration or relaxation, they’re adding value to your life. Or maybe you have a few sentimental trinkets that aren’t practical but make you smile.

You know my site is all about finding balance? Well, the key here with decluttering wants vs needs is also balance!

By identifying your needs and allowing space for a few meaningful wants, you’re creating a home that feels both functional and personal. There’s no need to aim for a perfectly minimal space if it doesn’t feel like “you” – instead, aim for a space that feels authentic and comfortable. Home should be a place you really enjoy to be.

Step 8: Remember, It’s a Process

Understanding the difference between wants vs needs in decluttering isn’t always instant, and that’s okay. Decluttering is a process that can take time and even evolve.

Some items may feel like needs now but become less essential as time goes on. Equally, some wants may prove their value over time, finding a natural place in your home and life.

It can be helpful to revisit your decluttering decisions every few months to see how you feel about the things you kept. This allows you to tweak and refine your space and continue moving towards a home filled only with things that truly matter to you – regardless of whether they’re wants or needs or a mix of both!

HOW WANTS VS NEEDS AFFECT OUR DECLUTTERING

Before I end this article, I wanted to mention the brilliant work by Susan David, author of Emotional Agility. She writes about wants and needs and how this relates to motivation and goal-setting. And, of course, decluttering is ALL about both motivation and goal-setting.

• Decluttering motivation to give you oomph to overcome the physical, and often, mental challenges of digging through boxes of stuff and memories.
• Decluttering goal-setting so you create a plan, based on an incentive or reason, and a clear objective.

So, how does this relate to wants and needs?

Well, if you’ve ever failed to achieve something you set out to, it could be because your goal isn’t motivating enough.

If you want to clear clutter because you’ve got too much stuff, that might not sound too inspiring – or more to the point of this article – a “want to” goal. It maybe a “need to” because you have piles of clutter everywhere and they’re getting in your way, but is that enough of a want to put in all the effort required to declutter your home, the time and energy it requires?

However, if you reframe your goal so it’s more motivating – to become a want not just a need – then it’s far more likely you’ll achieve it.

Everybody has different reasons for decluttering so it’s up to YOU to decide what your want might be. But, some examples could be (notice that there’s a need AND a want in these examples):

• You’re downsizing and your current stuff just won’t fit in your new home which you’re excited to be moving into and you want a fresh start
• You’d love to have more friends and family over because you’re newly living on your own and you feel lonely and want company.
• You have a toddler and you don’t want the stress or safety concerns of stuff everywhere that your little one could eat, throw or fall over so you need to clear clutter so your child is safer at home.
• You want to create a room at home for your kids to play messily, away from more adult living space, or you want to set up a meditation corner in your bedroom to improve your mental health and feel better, or you want to start a new hobby and need creative space.

Yes, some of these may be needs but there’s the emotional want angle too which is vital.

When you tie your goals to your emotions to something that aligns with your personal values (friendship, safety of your kids, learning and personal development etc) then that’s where your motivation and goal-setting for decluttering takes on a much more positive and, hopefully, successful outcome.

A “need or have to” goal becomes a “want to” goal which makes us feel much more self-motivated because it’s something that you truly care about.

So, your homework from this article is to define why you want to declutter. Why do you NEED to do it vs why do you WANT to do it? Keep exploring your wants vs needs until you get to the root of what you’re thinking.

CONCLUSION

Distinguishing between wants vs needs when decluttering can bring clarity to the process, helping you make more mindful choices and create a home that supports your life and values. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you, holding onto things that make life better, and finding that sweet spot where functionality and joy come together.

Remember, this isn’t an instant project and there’s no right or wrong way to approach this – it’s all about what works for you. Decluttering is as much about understanding ourselves as it is about clearing out our space. By tuning into what we need and what we love, we can build a home that feels lighter, more intentional, and uniquely ours. I think that’s quite exciting!