Blog
/
Decluttering
/
Which type of clutter-keeper are you?

Which type of clutter-keeper are you?

Published: 
August 13, 2026
Updated: 
August 13, 2026
Share:
Small blue and white logo of FacebookLogo for website X (formally Twitter)Small blue logo for LinkedInSmall envelope logo for Gmail
Written by:
5 min read

TL;DR

We all hang onto clutter for different reasons (it’s only human!). Recognizing your clutter-keeper type is the secret to creating a more organized space and enjoying that stress-free feeling.

  • The Sentimental Saver holds onto items because of the memories attached to them–but the memories can stay, even if the items don’t. 
  • The Procrastinator puts decluttering off due to a busy schedule, but making progress is as simple as starting with one small space. 
  • The “Just-in-Case” Keeper saves items they might need someday, though many of those items never get used. 
  • No matter your clutter style, there’s no perfect way to declutter. Start where you can, build momentum, and celebrate each step toward reclaiming your space for a fresh start.

Over the years and after helping clear out countless homes, we’ve noticed something interesting: while everyone’s clutter is different, the reasons for keeping it are often the same. Whether it’s nostalgia, the fear of needing an item someday, or just not having the time to declutter, we’ve all held onto things a little longer than we meant to.

We put together this quick (and very scientific) guide to three common types of clutter-keepers. Which one sounds like you?

The Sentimental Saver

A woman wraps her arms around her parents as they smile and look through a photo album together.

“I can’t get rid of these mugs; I got them on that trip we took in 2009.” 

You form deep connections–to people and possessions. Letting go of an item can feel like letting go of the memory attached to it. But memories don’t live in things. You don’t have to keep everything to honor the moments that matter. After all, the best parts of a trip probably aren’t hiding in that box of old beach towels.

Give yourself permission to keep the memory and let go of the item. Snap a photo, tell the story, and turn that overcrowded storage closet back into a space with potential.

The Procrastinator

A man reads a book while lying on the couch in a room where several household items have been left out rather than put away.

“I’ll deal with this later.” 

You’re not lazy or messy; you’re busy. Between working full-time, socializing, starting a new hobby, and trying to find time for yourself, dealing with clutter is at the bottom of the priority list. You’re not alone. 

You don't need a free weekend or a massive game plan. You can start small—with one drawer, one shelf, or one closet—and let the momentum build from there. 

The “Just-in-Case” Keeper

A woman holds a floral-patterned plate and looks hesitant, with several dishes and glasses spread across the table.

“But what if I need this someday?”

You’re optimistic, and we love that about you. When something goes wrong, you’re the one who’s always prepared, the parent of the friend group. But the truth is…you’ve never once needed that spare printer from 2011, and it’s taking up space where something better could be. 

Give your "just in case" items a deadline. If you haven't used that mystery cable, bread maker, or worn that shirt that’s slightly too big for you by this time next year, chances are you never will. 

Whatever type you are–or maybe you’re a little bit of all three–there’s always a place to start on your journey to a clutter-free space. There’s no right or wrong way to declutter. Start where you can, and celebrate your progress.

container-large

Frequently asked questions

How does 1-800-GOT-JUNK? charge for junk removal?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is more affordable than you may think. Our junk removal prices are all-inclusive, which means you get:

  • Professional, uniformed and insured crew members
  • Junk removal from anywhere on the premises
  • Loading, lifting and sorting
  • Recycling, donating and disposing of items
  • Transfer station tariffs and fees
  • Gas and travel

We charge by the amount of space your items take up in the truck. We think it’s more fair to you to price by volume instead of the length of time it takes us to lift and load. The best part is we’re cheaper in bulk: the more stuff you have, the more value you get!

For materials with a heavy cubic weight, like dirt, concrete, and gravel, pricing is based on the total volume the material takes up in the truck, up to a maximum of one foot in height for a full truck.

Email us at business@1800gotjunk.com or call us at 1-888-475-3461

Do you provide recurrent, bulk-service pricing discounts?

If you need service on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, we offer bulk pricing discounts. This gives you better value compared to common alternatives, such as dumpsters or less-professional junk removal services.

Interested? Call our business account team at 1-866-916-5865 to discuss your needs as well as pricing options.

When should I expect you to arrive?

On the day of your appointment with us, our friendly, uniformed truck team members will give you a call 15-30 minutes before the start of your two-hour promise window. They’ll say hi, let you know what time they plan to arrive, and confirm any other details about your appointment if needed.

Do you service multiple locations?

Whether your business has a single location or multiple locations, we can create a custom junk removal solution that works for you. We can coordinate pickups at multiple locations at a local, regional, and national level. Rather than work with dozens of regional or local companies, let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? handle the jobs across all your locations.

Can you remove large and bulky items?

Absolutely! We take large items all the time. As long as it can be lifted and loaded into the truck by two people, we'll be happy to take it away for you!

What items can 1-800-GOT-JUNK? remove?

We work with all types of businesses and can handle any type of job - cleanouts, bulk item removal, general junk removal and even specific items like cardboard or pallets. We can take pretty much anything as long as it's not toxic or hazardous. We can remove your items from wherever they’re located, whether it’s your office, store, site or anywhere else—all you have to do is point!

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we're fully licensed, bonded and insured! We have insurance covering damages to both persons and property for every single booking.

Do you service my region/location?

While we don't quite service the entire map, we cover almost every greater metropolitan area across the US, Canada, and Australia. To see if we’re in your neighbourhood, you can start a booking by entering your postal code.

What are your hours of operation?

Our customer service center is open 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us! While operating hours may vary in our franchise locations, we offer same-day and off-hours service, including weekends.

Similar articles

Decluttering

The Great Junk Transfer: Navigating clutter & grief with Nick Fox

What started as a joke about unwanted family heirlooms quickly became a 500,000-strong movement. In this interview, creator Nick Fox breaks down the "Great Junk Transfer"—explaining why younger generations are turning down inherited stuff, how to navigate the physical weight of grief, and the exact script to start hard, compassionate, decluttering conversations with aging parents.

Decluttering

What a Harvard Psychiatrist wants you to know before your next cleanout

Why do we hold onto things we don't need? Harvard's Dr. Blaise Aguirre explains the psychology of clutter and how to let go of sentimental items without guilt.

Decluttering

The one-hour declutter challenge

Ready to reclaim your space without losing your whole weekend? The 1-hour declutter challenge proves that all you need is one room, a 60-minute timer, and three simple boxes: Keep, Donate, and Junk. Ditch the overthinking, grab quick wins with old tech and duplicate tools, and create a lighter, more enjoyable home today—one hour at a time!