Decluttering: A Way to Honor Your Growth
Did you know that decluttering is more than just tidying up?
It’s an intentional act that makes space for you to reflect on your personal growth–by letting go of items you no longer need, use, or enjoy, you’re making space for the person you’re becoming.
It shows your growth, and that the things that once served you in life don’t anymore because of who you are now.
Not only that, but the less you own, the easier it is to stay organized. As someone who has guided countless clients through the process of decluttering and organizing, I’ve discovered that it’s one of the biggest secrets you can tap into.
Fewer items mean less mental and physical clutter, allowing you to easily find what you need when you need it. Of course, the goal isn’t just to get rid of things indiscriminately, but rather to thoughtfully curate the belongings that support your current lifestyle.
The Value of a Clear Space
We all face clutter from time to time. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to accumulate things we don’t really need. A clear and mindful space allows for more peace and productivity. When your space is clutter-free, you’re better able to focus, think creatively, and feel more at ease in your home.
Decluttering is about making intentional choices about what you keep in your home. You are the gatekeeper of your space. If something doesn’t serve you — whether it’s an old gift, an impulse purchase, or something that no longer aligns with your current interests — you have the power to let it go. This not only makes room for things that truly matter but also reinforces control over your environment.
Letting Go of Obligation
One of the most common struggles my clients face is feeling the obligation to hold onto certain things. Gifts, hand-me-downs, and sentimental items can all come with a sense of responsibility.
But keeping things out of obligation doesn’t honor your growth or your space. As I often remind my clients, if someone gifted you something but you don’t use it, it’s no longer a gift — it’s clutter.
Give yourself grace and permission to release things that don’t serve you. Remember, it’s not your job to hold onto something just because it was given to you. The value of a gift lies in the thought behind it, not the physical object itself.
Start Small
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a lot of stuff to go through. The key is to start small—focus on one area or one item.
A great place to begin is the junk drawer. Before decluttering, dump everything out onto a clean surface, such as a counter or bed. Then, sort the items into three categories: trash, keep, and things that go somewhere else.
The goal isn’t to organize perfectly right away but to make decisions about what stays and what goes. You can always fine-tune the organization later. Taking before and after pictures can also be incredibly motivating. Seeing the progress you’ve made, no matter how small, can inspire you to tackle the next area.
Overcoming Regret
It’s normal to worry about getting rid of something you might need later. In my experience, most of the things we get rid of were let go for a reason. If you do end up missing an item, the chances are slim that it was irreplaceable. To ease this anxiety, you can use the 20/20 rule: if an item can be replaced for under $20 in less than twenty minutes, you can safely declutter it.
In reality, keeping things “just in case” often leads to more clutter. People with excess clutter tend to have trouble finding the items they thought they might need someday. By focusing on knowing what you own, why you own it, and where you can find it, you’ll feel more in control of your space.
Revisit Sentimental Items Regularly
Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter. I have a box of keepsakes that I’ve kept for over twenty years, and I go through it once a year to revisit memories and see if there’s anything I can let go of. About three years ago, I realized something I’d been holding onto since 3rd grade no longer mattered to me. It had served its purpose for decades, but suddenly, I felt no hesitation in letting it go.
The more frequently you revisit your belongings, the easier it becomes to make decisions on decluttering them. The longer you hold onto something, the more likely you are to feel attached. Decluttering regularly helps you stay connected to what’s truly important.
Your Stuff Is Meant to Serve You
Your belongings should serve you, not the other way around. When assessing your possessions, ask yourself why you bought the item and why you’re keeping it. Sometimes we buy things thinking we’ll use them, but as time passes, we realize we don’t need or even like them. It’s okay to let go of those items.
As you grow, your priorities shift, and that’s reflected in the things you own. It’s important to periodically evaluate whether the items in your home align with your current goals and values.
Practical Questions to Ask Yourself
Decluttering is easier when you have a clear decision-making process. Here are some helpful questions to help you evaluate whether to keep or let go of an item:
1. When was the last time I used this item?
2. Did I pay any money for it? If so, how much?
3. How long have I owned it, and how many times have I used it?
4. Is it easily replaceable? If so, how much would it cost to replace?
5. Does it hold sentimental value, and if so, why?
6. Is it practical, helpful, or just taking up space?
7. Do I love it, like it, or feel no attachment to it?
8. If I got rid of it, would I remember it in a week?
9. Am I keeping it out of obligation?
10. Is there someone else who would get more use out of it?
These questions help you make thoughtful decisions and prevent future clutter.
Create a Donation Habit
One effective strategy is to keep a donation box in a convenient location in your home. Anytime you come across something you don’t need, immediately place it in the box. Once a month, make it a habit to take donations to a local charity.
Many of my clients admit they hold onto donations for months before actually getting rid of them. Keeping a designated donation box and scheduling regular drop-offs can help you stay on top of this task.
Avoid Impulse Purchases
One of the best ways to prevent clutter from building up again is to be mindful of what you bring into your home. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
1. Do I love this item enough that it would bother me not to have it?
2. Could I find this used or borrow it from someone?
3. Is this something I’m likely to forget about soon after buying it?
By making intentional purchases, you reduce the risk of future clutter and ensure that the things you bring into your home truly serve a purpose.
Honor Your Growth with Decluttering
At the end of the day, decluttering is about honoring your growth and making space for the life you want to live. It’s not about having a perfectly organized home; it’s about creating a space that supports your goals, values, and well-being. When you let go of what no longer serves you, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences.
By decluttering mindfully and giving yourself grace throughout the process, you can create a home that reflects the person you are today and supports the person you are becoming.
Need some extra decluttering help? I’m here to make the process a lot easier!
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