Your Story Inventory: The Emotional Side of Stuff
Letting go of “stuff” isn’t just about clearing physical space—it’s about making emotional room for what truly matters. As someone who has moved cross-country (more than once), paints furniture for a living, and owns more baskets than any one person probably should, I’ve had my fair share of clutter battles. But what I discovered along the way is that our belongings aren’t just things—they’re stories. And some of those stories weigh us down.
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That’s why I created the Story Inventory—a two-step process that helped me reduce my belongings by nearly a third and completely reframe my relationship with the items I chose to keep.
How It Started: The California Wake-Up Call
In 2018, my family relocated from spacious, basement-blessed Wisconsin to the beautiful, but square-footage-starved land of Northern California. One of the first things I noticed while house hunting wasn’t the views or the avocado trees—it was the garages. They were packed. I mean, floor-to-ceiling, 3D-Tetris-style stuffed with belongings. No cars. Just stuff.
It was a stark contrast from the Midwest garages I knew, where you could work on a project, watch the game, or gather with neighbors around a driveway firepit. These California garages were storage units in disguise—and they helped me realize I didn’t want that for us.
We were downsizing significantly, and if we wanted to live without renting extra storage or sacrificing our garage, I had to let go of 30% of our household items. That number felt overwhelming… until I started listening to the stories behind the stuff.
Step 1: Take Inventory—Beyond the Bins
The first step of your Story Inventory is to take stock of more than just your possessions. To truly understand what’s weighing you down, you need to take inventory of three things:
- Your possessions
- Your relationships
- Your daily cyclical thoughts
Let’s start with the obvious—possessions. These are the things sitting on your shelves, crowding your closets, or collecting dust in the garage. But instead of asking “Do I use this?”, ask: What story does this tell me every time I see it?
Then move on to relationships. Some items are tied to people—people who bring joy, yes, but also sometimes guilt, obligation, or unresolved emotions. And those ties matter. Understanding that connection can help you break it.
Finally, examine your daily thoughts. What narratives are on repeat in your mind? “I should really do something with that project pile.” “I’ll use that someday.” These internal loops are just as cluttered as the stuff itself.
My Houseplant Wake-Up Call
Here is a great example. I once had a lush, thriving set of houseplants in my living room—gifts from a relative who was, let’s say, challenging. Every time I walked past them, I felt a subtle tension in my chest. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, until I realized: these plants were beautiful, but the story attached to them was draining me. I had to let them go.
Step 2: Let Go of the “Would, Could, Should” Narrative
After that first inventory pass, I was feeling lighter. But there was still more to release. That’s when I created Step 2 of the process—challenging the internal narratives of “would,” “could,” and “should.”
If you ever hear yourself say:
- “I should keep this because it is a family heirloom.”
- “I could use this someday if I learn that new hobby.”
- “I would wear this if I lost 10 pounds…”
That’s not practicality talking—it’s pressure. These statements are signs that you’re holding onto imaginary versions of yourself. Letting go of these items doesn’t mean letting go of who you are—it means releasing who you’re not.
The Graduation Dress That No Longer Fit
Here is another great example. One of the most surprising “would/could/should” items I held onto? My high school graduation dress. It still fit (though let’s just say… not in a good way). I kept it because it was pristine, because my mom said it was important.
But I wasn’t that girl anymore. I had moved on, grown up, and stopped attending reunions decades ago. Every time I saw it hanging there, it pulled me backward when I really wanted to look forward. Saying goodbye to that dress wasn’t easy—but it felt right.
Why It Works
The Story Inventory isn’t about becoming a minimalist. It’s about becoming intentional. When we take stock of what surrounds us—physically, emotionally, mentally—we begin to understand what we’re really carrying.
Sometimes we keep things because we don’t want to feel wasteful. Other times, it’s out of guilt, nostalgia, or the hope of who we “might” become. But by identifying the emotional ties behind our clutter, we empower ourselves to decide what truly deserves space in our lives.
Final Thoughts: Spring Cleaning for the Soul
If you’re ready to try this out, start small. A drawer. A shelf. Even five minutes of reflection can help uncover the stories behind your stuff.
And remember:
- Make it personal. Decluttering is best done solo—it’s your journey.
- Allow small wins. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Progress counts, no matter the pace.
- Listen to your inner narrative. What are you telling yourself every time you walk past that thing?
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means making space—for yourself, your present, and what’s still to come. If this message resonates with you, I invite you to take the next step with the Your Story Inventory worksheet. It’s a gentle, guided companion designed to help you reflect, release, and realign your space with who you are today.
