A few days ago, one of my readers decided to write me an email because of the concern he had about his clutter. I asked him if I could share our correspondence and he said he would be happy to let others read our emails if it might help someone. Thank you, John!
Here is what he wrote: 
Jessica,
I really enjoyed the article. It was recommended by www.woot.com. I have a getting-rid-of-clutter question that I have never seen answered anywhere before. I have fifteen years plus of clutter in every room including the garage. Very little of any real value [my emphasis] but these items were purchased over the years. And there's the rub, the term purchased. I feel if I give or throw away something that I am throwing away money since the item represents the money that was paid for it. Furthermore charities such as Goodwill in the area have a reputation that the help takes all the best items for themselves and leaves the rest for the store. The idea that someone else may enrich themselves with something that I have purchased and donated bothers me enough that none of the clutter moves out of the house.
Thanks,John K.
Greetings, John and thanks for your question.
I can't speak definitively, but I certainly am willing to tell you my experience, opinion and intuition about this question you have posed. I hope it's ok that I am very direct with you, that is the only way I know how to help. You will need to ask yourself some very difficult questions if you really want to have the freedom that comes from letting go of things you no longer need in your life.
You mention that many of your things have "very little if any real value" and yet you are willing to store them, maintain them, and allow them to remain in your energetic field. As you probably know from physics, everything on earth has an energetic as well as physical weight and therefore whatever you keep in your direct surroundings literally costs you energy.
Even if you are not conscious of it happening, the clutter, which after all is simply an unmade decision, (or otherwise it wouldn't be called 'clutter') is taking up your valuable energy. This can be draining and can actually make you sick. Have you ever noticed how much more difficult it is to concentrate in a cluttered room? That's because each object is silently screaming for your attention! You have to work increasingly harder over time to drown out the noise.
Clutter is also often used as a tactic to 'punish' others in your life and to keep you insulated from feeling the feelings of vulnerability or anger you have inside. In my opinion, this is not an effective way to manage your life! When you speak about the monetary value (which is paradoxical, because you start by saying most of your stuff isn't worth much), I hear a certain level of hoarding and fear.
I recently let go of about 10-15 objects that I had been holding on to for a few years, including information products such as books and CDs that I paid A LOT of money for (thousands of dollars). The reason I let these items go is that they were 'costing' me more than I was willing to 'pay'. My frustration at the people who created them was eating away at my serenity and my anger at myself for having wasted the money and not even listened to or read most of the items was killing me! It feels so much better to have let them go, despite their financial cost. (which I never could have recouped anyway!)
My priority right now is freedom and I support you in considering doing the same for the items in your garage and home. Try to imagine what it will feel like to have a yard sale with the dumpster waiting in your yard and anything that doesn't get sold gets tossed! It's ok to feel strings attached, as long as those strings are not a noose around your neck. Chose out the precious items that have MEANING for you and let go of the rest, regardless of the "cost". I promise, you will not suffer, you will actually be creating a vacuum for more abundance to show up, and this time you get to choose consciously whether something is worth keeping or not.
John, you have to ask yourself if keeping the junk is worth it. That is the bottom line. (ironically, though, keeping it doesn't make you any richer!) Somehow you equate keeping the things (even though you don't want or need them) as better than letting someone else have them. This is limited thinking, as if there is only so much pie, and if you give away your slice, you won't have any. This is not reality. My experience has taught me that when you let go of clutter, you make room for more bounty for yourself. Your clutter has been keeping you from what you really want and deserve!
I strongly recommend you read a short and astounding book by Karen Kingston called "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui". 
Even if you are not interested in Feng Shui, the book will turn your head around.
I have a program with In Perfect Order where one of my assistants and I will come to your home for 3-7 days anywhere in the world to help, or you can check the National Association of Professional Organizers website: www.napo.net to find an organizer in your area. I also do declutter coaching by phone if you are interested.
All the best on your exciting journey. warmly, Jessica Duquette
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for your excellent reply. You are truly an angel. I am 57 years old and married. We still have one wall of the garage stacked with unopened boxes from our move 12 years ago. Much of another wall is stacked with boxes of belongings from an aunt who died a couple of years ago. I thank you for taking the time to write a lengthly reply. I will try to take your advice and de-clutter the house. I hope that your kindness toward me is repaid many times over.Thanks,John
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Jessica -:¦:-
