While it’s always a good idea to trash the junk, decluttering isn’t just about throwing things away. Decluttering is all about reclaiming your time, energy and space for whatever brings you joy. It’s about cultivating a mindset of abundance and energizing you into a more productive mood.
You may be struggling to let go of the excess – these simple reminders can nudge you in the right direction.
Decluttering reminders
1. Start small
Start with one drawer or one area to avoid overwhelm.
You don’t have to tackle your entire house in one day – start small with the easiest areas and items first. Decluttering is a practice that builds on momentum. You might dread getting started and then feel amazing as you clear the junk…but you have to start somewhere.
2. Progress matters more than perfection
Decluttering is a process, not a one-time task.
It took me 6 long years to get rid of my storage unit. And 2 of those years to turn our home clutter-free. Even as I was decluttering our home, I wasn’t the most organized and didn’t have fancy shelving options for the items I was keeping. But I kept going and made the most of the space I did have!
Your journey may look similar to mine and that’s ok. Stay in for the long haul.
3. Let go of guilt
It’s okay to part with items you once loved or spent money on.
You’ll have to make some difficult decisions when parting with gifts from loved ones. I recommend following the Konmari Method of asking whether the item sparks joy. If that itchy green sweater, big pendant necklace, gaudy purse or all those gadgets don’t match your current vibes, it’s perfectly ok to part with them.
4. Less is more
Ask yourself, what would you do with more physical space in your home and more brain space to think, dream and create?
5. Focus on what adds value
Keep items that bring you joy or serve a purpose.
There are several items you should keep, including:
- Seasonal decorations
- Photos and heirlooms
- Things you love – anything that is valuable to you
- Tax documents
- Items that belong to other people – let them part with their own stuff on their own terms.
6. Your space is a reflection of your mind
Clearing your environment can help clear your mind.
A Princeton University study revealed that our environment can negatively or positively impact our ability to complete tasks as well as either improve or worsen our mental health. Basically, if your physical environment is a mess – papers all over your desk, a walk-in closet you can’t walk in, a disorganized kitchen pantry – it can encourage feelings of anxiety, a lack of confidence and even sadness.
7. Memories aren’t in the objects
You can hold onto memories without keeping every memento.
I held onto the signage we used in our wedding for as long as I could. They were hand-lettered by a dear friend and it was a reminder of that special day. But they were also taking up space in our garage and they were difficult to properly store away.
Our photographer took beautiful photos of each sign and even without those photos, I will never forget that perfect day for as long as I live.
The items aren’t the memories because the memories live on in your heart and they become a deeper part of you through the years.
3 ways to preserve memories without keeping extra stuff
- Save all of the pictures you can find and neatly organize them
- Journal your memories so that you can read and reflect on them later
- Keep only the item(s) that represents the best part of that memory – for me it was cards and a copy of our hand-lettered wedding invitations
Decluttering isn’t about lack or sacrifice, it’s about making room for what truly matters to you. If you’ve been struggling to get your mind right to tackle your clutter, take it slow. One box, one drawer, one section of your closet at a time. Remember why you started and focus on everything you’ll gain by living clutter-free.