Hey friends!
You ever look at something in your home—a kitchen gadget, a pile of scrapbooking supplies, maybe that $89 throw pillow you thought would be perfect—and think, “Well I have to keep it… I spent good money on it”?
Yeah. That right there? That’s the sunk cost fallacy.
And as someone who’s been helping people get organized for over 13 years, I can tell you: it’s one of the biggest mindset blocks I see over and over again.
What Is the Sunk Cost Fallacy?
It’s the idea that because you’ve already spent money (or time or energy) on something, you should keep it—even if it’s not working for you, even if it takes up space, even if it makes you feel bad every time you see it.
But here’s the truth: That money is already gone. Keeping the item doesn’t bring it back. In fact, it usually costs you more.
The Real Cost of Keeping Something Out of Guilt
Let’s say you bought something that didn’t work for your lifestyle. Or maybe it got buried in a closet and you forgot about it. Or you thought you’d love it and… you didn’t.
So now what?
A lot of people feel like they have to keep it just to get their “money’s worth.”
But what I remind my clients is this: there is a cost to keeping it.
Every time you see it—
- You feel guilt for wasting money.
- You feel shame for not using it.
- You feel overwhelmed trying to make it “fit” in your life or home.
It clutters more than just your space. It messes with your head.
Over time, this kind of clutter becomes a drain on your confidence and energy. It can shift how you view yourself, your ability to stay organized, and your overall sense of peace in your home.
And all of that… over an item you don’t even like that much?
What You Can Do Instead
Let it go. With love. With grace. With full permission to move forward.
Here’s what I tell my clients:
“The cost of keeping it is greater than the value you think you still need to get out of it.”
Donate it. Pass it along. Bless someone else with it. And let yourself be free from that little loop of guilt and regret every time you open that drawer.
Your space, your peace of mind, your time—they’re worth more than that $20 thing you feel bad about.
This Is the Deep Work of Decluttering
Organizing isn’t just putting things in cute bins (though I do love a good bin!). It’s about unpacking what keeps us stuck—and choosing to move forward.
And that’s where I come in. If you’re tired of circling the same piles, second-guessing yourself, or feeling overwhelmed by what to keep and what to toss—let’s talk.
I’ll help you make those decisions with confidence and compassion, no shame attached.
Because your home should feel like a place you want to be. Not a museum of mistakes or unfinished projects.
You ready to let go of what’s really weighing you down? Let’s do it together.
Reach out here to get started, or check out my services [link].
You’re not alone in this. And you’re not behind.
You’ve just been holding on to too much for too long. Let’s change that.
💛
Nicole
📩 Reach out here and let’s talk about what support would feel good for you:
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Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
This post may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Regardless, I only share products and resources I genuinely love or find helpful!
