We all have things that we probably know in our heart of hearts we should just let go of. Objectively speaking, it would be so much easier if we did. For whatever reason (guilt? nostalgia? fear of regret?), we end up keeping things that quite literally stress us out every time we see them.
We asked people about the possessions they keep even though they know it causes them anxiety or stress, and yes, the replies we received were so much more relatable than we expected.
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Half-used planners or notebooks
They seem innocent enough, but some people said these unfinished journals or calendars sitting around just make them feel like failures. “I start every January with such good intentions,” one woman told us. “I fill in the appointments, color-code, then by March, I just stop. And now the empty pages mock me.”
Clothes that need too much care
Not the ones that don’t fit, but the ones that need constant ironing, dry-cleaning, special hangers, or “so much work.” One woman told us she feels anxious every time she spots her pile of silk blouses: “They look so nice, but man, do they make me tired just thinking about having to wear them again.”
Expensive furniture that’s hard to use
Several people said their most stressful home item is a pricy sofa, dining set, or chair they’re nervous to use. One man shared, “I bought it to show off for people I didn’t know well, and now I jump if anyone sets a drink on it.”
Gifts from exes or old friends
A few people described the lurking emotional heaviness of things they can’t seem to get rid of that belonged to former friendships or lovers (especially if they had a bad breakup or falling-out). “It’s like walking on eggshells,” one woman told us. “I want to get rid of it, but I can’t.”
Work laptops or other office equipment
For some people, even when work is over, the sheer presence of a work laptop or company tablet or computer keeps them feeling on edge. Several people said they feel their anxiety rise as soon as they lay eyes on the login screen. “It’s like I’m forced to be at the office when I’m home,” one participant wrote.
Expensive hobbies that no longer bring joy
We heard a lot of these, from photography equipment to musical instruments to golf clubs. For some people, things they used to love doing (but are now far too expensive to justify doing again) can become reminders of guilt or regret. One person said, “Every time I see that guitar in the corner, it reminds me that I just gave up.”
Exercise equipment
Perhaps one of the most emotionally fraught possessions people seem to keep around is their exercise equipment. Many of them bought a treadmill, dumbbells, or an exercise bike during a moment of false motivation, or shame, or both. Now it just collects dust and shame.
Books they “will definitely read someday”
This one was a popular theme. People have shelves full of books they bought with good intentions but that they just have never actually read. “Every time I look at my bookshelf, I feel bad about all the books I haven’t read, but then I go out and buy more,” one woman said. Parting with them feels like giving up on the version of themselves they want to be.
Their smartphone
Their phones came up several times. Not because people hate technology, but because of the 24/7 pressure to be responsive, to perform, to be reachable. “I plug it in like it’s a life support system,” one person said. “I feel alive again the moment it goes dead.”
Credit card bills and other old financial documents
Stacks of paid or expired bills were one of the most commonly named stress inducers. People said they feel like they should keep them “just in case” for proof, record-keeping, or guilt. But they admit that the second they open that drawer, all they can think about is old money mistakes and looming responsibilities.
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