It all started with a pair of mismatched socks. You know the ones—their partners mysteriously vanish into the void that exists between the washer and the dryer. One day, I looked at that sock and thought, Why am I holding onto this? It doesn’t match anything, and yet, there it sat in my drawer, as if someday its partner would miraculously appear.
That sock got me thinking: What else am I holding onto that I don’t need?
It was an innocent enough question, but it opened a floodgate. I started pulling open drawers, rifling through closets, and examining every corner of my home. By the end of the day, I had three piles: “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Why on Earth Do I Still Have This?”
The process wasn’t easy. It turns out, I wasn’t just holding onto stuff—I was holding onto memories, hopes, and even a little guilt. The ceramic teapot I never use but couldn’t part with because it was a gift from someone I love. The dress I hadn’t worn in years but kept “just in case” I needed it for a hypothetical party. The stack of old magazines I swore I’d read someday.
Every item had a story, but I realized I didn’t need to keep the item to keep the story.
Letting go of physical clutter made space—not just in my home, but in my mind. And when the space opened up, something surprising happened: I found clarity about what really matters. It wasn’t the teapot or the dress or the magazines. It was the relationships, the experiences, and the peace that comes from living simply.
What’s in Your Junk Drawer?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of looking at your “stuff,” start small. Open a drawer, pick up one item, and ask yourself:
• Do I use this?
• Does it bring me joy?
• Am I keeping it out of obligation?
You might be surprised by what happens when you let go.
And if you ever find yourself staring at a single, lonely sock in your drawer, take it as a sign. It might just be time to let go and make room for something better—something as simple and freeing as a drawer that finally closes without a struggle.
