A REALISTIC GUIDE TO DECLUTTERING
Let’s be honest: the idea of decluttering can be overwhelming or even paralyzing. The Pinterest-perfect minimalism, the color-coded storage bins, and my personal favorite, the pressure to purge your entire life in one weekend; it’s enough to make anyone lose their mind. But what if decluttering didn’t have to lean to one extreme or the other? What if it actually felt liberating without losing your grip on reality in the process?
Decluttering isn’t about becoming a minimalist overnight. It’s about reclaiming space physically, mentally, and emotionally so you can breathe, think, and live more freely. I know all too well what it’s like so I gathered a few of the best tips I’ve found over the years to declutter without overhauling your whole life in a single afternoon. Let’s break it all down into something sustainable, intentionable, and dare I say, enjoyable.
When and Why Declutter?
There isn’t one perfect time to declutter, but there are seasons and shifts that naturally call for it: moving into a new place, changing careers, post-breakup reinventions, the whole ‘New Year fresh start energy’ or even just realizing everything you own is stressing you out more than it’s serving you. The ‘why’ is just as important. Are you looking for peace of mind? More space? Less stress? Do you want your space to reflect who you are now not who you were five years ago? Decluttering becomes a whole lot easier when you root it in purpose instead of the pressure.
Declutter without losing the plot
Remove the Shame
Before anything else: drop the guilt. Clutter doesn’t mean you’re lazy, messy, or bad at adulting. Life is busy, sentimental, and even complicated. Your stuff tells a story. Give yourself grace. You’re not a failure because you have an overflowing junk drawer or dishes in the sink. You’re human.
Find Your ‘Why’
Decluttering works best when it’s tied to your real values. Looking to host more people? Work intentionally to make a cozy and welcoming space. Want to simply feel less overwhelmed every time you walk in the door? Focus on cleaning visible surfaces. This ‘why’ becomes your compass. It will keep you focused especially as things feel hard or emotionally sticky.
Focus on One Thing at a Time
I am guilt of trying to do everything all at once. Trying to tackle the entire home or space in one go is a recipe for burnout. Pick one drawer one shelf, one room, one bag of clothes. Momentum builds when you make progress in small, bite-sized wins. It may make the activity last a little longer, but that’s okay. If it takes days or even weeks, the goal isn’t speed. It’s staying sane.
Pick a Method that matches your style
Decluttering isn’t one-size-fits-all. With all the trends and ways to declutter and organize, here are a few that can work depending on your vibe.
The Declutter Burst - Set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes and go all in. Perfect for busy schedules or when it’s important to burn off some energy.
KonMari - A classic. Ask yourself if it ‘sparks joy.’ Dramatic? Maybe. Effective? For many, yes.
The 80/20 Rule: You wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time. Start there.
Slow Cleaning - A gentle, room by room or category by category approach. Great if you’re easily overwhelmed.
The 30 Day Minimalist Game: Start with 1 item on day 1, 2 on day 2, etc. It adds up quickly and feels like a fun challenge.
The Relocation Shuffle - Set a timer for 15 minutes and walk around your space looking for things that aren’t where they belong, and simply put them away.
Make it easy to lighten the load
Don’t let logisticas be an excuse or a roadblock. Keep a ‘donation bin’ in a closet or by the door so you can toss things in as you go. Identify where you’ll take your stuff whether it’s Goodwill, a women’s shelter, local Buy Nothing groups, or even friends in need. Making it easy to offload stuff is half the battle.
Reduce the noise
Sometimes the clutter that affects us most isn’t the quantity. It’s the visual noise. Reducing surface clutter by storing things in baskets or behind closed doors can work wonders. Prioritize clear countertops, open space, and items you actually love to see. It creates instant calm without a massive purge.
Progress Over Perfection
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing mission. You don’t need to live in a capsule apartment or own just three shirts to feel the benefits. What you need is clarity. Clarity in your space, your routines, and your relationship with stuff. Start small, stay curious, and remember: you’re not doing this to be perfect. You’re doing this to feel better. Lighten the load, literally and emotionally, one drawer at a time.
