Let’s get one thing straight: decluttering is not just about tossing stuff in a trash bag and calling it a day. If it were that easy, we’d all be minimalist gurus living in pristine homes with a single plant and a perfectly curated coffee table book collection. But no—we live in the real world.
With junk drawers, mismatched socks, and emotional attachments to T-shirts from 2007.
So before you pull out the garbage bags and crank up your “cleaning vibes” playlist, there are three absolutely crucial things you need to do first.
Trust me, skipping these steps is like trying to bake cookies without preheating the oven. Technically possible, but why torture yourself?
1. Set a Clear Intention (AKA, Why Are You Doing This?)
Know Your “Why”
Let’s be honest: decluttering isn’t just about making space. It’s about making space with purpose. Maybe you’re downsizing. Maybe you’re tired of living with chaos.
Or maybe you watched one too many episodes of that Netflix show and thought, “Hey, I could totally fold my underwear like origami.”
Whatever it is, get clear on why you’re decluttering.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want to feel when I walk into my space?
- What’s been bugging me the most?
- What will this free space allow me to do?
When you know your why, you won’t end up sitting on your bedroom floor four hours later surrounded by half-sorted piles and wondering why you even started. (Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend.)
Set a Goal
Now that you’ve nailed your why, let’s give it a tangible twist.
Don’t just say, “I want to get rid of clutter.” Say, “I want to clear out 50% of my closet so I only keep clothes I actually wear.”
Specific = motivating. Vague = meh.
Write it down. Stick it on your wall. Tattoo it on your forehead (okay maybe not that far). But keep it in front of you to stay on track.
2. Create a Game Plan (Because Chaos Needs a Schedule)
Don’t Wing It
Unless your name is Mary Poppins and you can summon cleaning magic with a snap, winging it doesn’t work.
Here’s what does:
- Pick one area to focus on first (hello, junk drawer).
- Decide how much time you’ll spend per session (15 minutes, an hour, whatever works).
- Gather your tools: trash bags, boxes for donations, maybe a playlist that hypes you up.
Break it down. If you try to do your entire home in one weekend, you’ll end up rage-decluttering and tossing out something important like your passport. (FYI: not ideal.)
Make a Declutter Map
Yeah, yeah—it sounds nerdy. But hear me out.
Draw a simple map of your home (stick figures are fine), then mark the areas that need attention. Rank them by priority.
Example:
- Kitchen pantry (pretty sure there’s a can of beans from 2011)
- Bedroom closet (goodbye, prom dress I’ll never wear again)
- Bathroom cabinets (so many expired face masks)
When you can see the whole picture, it feels less overwhelming. Like a scavenger hunt, but the treasure is peace of mind. 🙂
Schedule It Like a Boss
Put it on your calendar. Treat decluttering like a dentist appointment—but slightly less painful.
Even if it’s just 20 minutes on a Saturday, block out that time and commit.
Because let’s face it, “I’ll get to it later” is just code for “never gonna happen.”
3. Get Emotionally Ready (Yes, Feelings Will Be Involved)
Brace for Impact
You will find things that make you go:
- “Aww, remember this?”
- “Yikes, I still have that?”
- “I forgot I even owned this!”
Decluttering is emotional. No one talks about it enough, but letting go of stuff can stir up all kinds of feels.
That shirt from your first concert? The baby blanket your now-teenager used? Yeah, those items carry stories.
Make Peace with Letting Go
Here’s the deal: you’re not throwing away memories. You’re making room for new ones.
Keep a small box for truly sentimental items—things that make your heart swell, not just your storage closet.
And ask yourself:
- Does this item serve me today?
- Would I buy this again right now?
- If I lost this, would I miss it?
If the answer’s no… you know what to do.
Know When to Pause
Sometimes, you hit an emotional wall. You start reminiscing, and suddenly you’re watching old home videos and eating chips instead of sorting socks.
It’s okay to pause.
Take a break. Walk away. Come back with fresh energy. This isn’t a race.
Final Thoughts: You Got This, Seriously
Decluttering isn’t just a chore—it’s a chance to reset your space and your mindset.
But here’s the trick: don’t rush it. Don’t guilt-trip yourself into tossing things you’re not ready to part with. And for the love of coffee, don’t start without prepping first.
So let’s recap:
- Set your intention so you don’t get lost in the mess.
- Make a plan that won’t make you want to fake your own disappearance.
- Prepare yourself emotionally because stuff has feelings (okay, not really—but you do).
Take it slow. Celebrate the small wins. And if you find $20 in an old jacket pocket? That’s the universe saying, “Nice work.” 😉
Happy decluttering, friend!