The Stuff That Weighs Us Down
There’s nothing more daunting than wanting to be organized while feeling utterly exhausted by the sheer amount of stuff accumulated over the years. Kid stuff. Art supplies. That pile of “your stuff” that always seems to multiply. For someone who holds onto things in the hope of creating something out of nothing, letting go can feel like betraying your creative potential. After all, you might need that box of fabric scraps one day.
Creative Clutter
But here’s the reality: holding onto everything “just in case” often means sacrificing space for the good stuff—the kind that doesn’t involve actual stuff. When every surface, drawer, and closet is packed, it’s hard to find anything. The more there is to manage, the more there is to clean, and the less time there is to enjoy life.
Easier said than done, of course—especially when overthinking creeps in. Deciding what stays and what goes can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing. What if you regret letting something go? What if you need it tomorrow? The trick isn’t to stop overthinking but to focus on manageable steps.
Small Steps to Big Changes
Start small. One room, one drawer, one bin at a time. Set a timer, and give yourself permission to get a little lost in the process. But keep the goal in sight: clear space for what matters most. For those who hate waste, the reminder is simple: the real waste is in letting clutter steal your time, energy, and peace.
Clutter has a way of being overstimulating, like too many tabs open on a screen. Looking around at a house with no clear sight lines or too much visual noise can give you anxiety. It’s hard to start when the overwhelm feels endless. But starting is the hardest part. Once you begin, it will get easier.
The Emotional Side of Decluttering
The battle to declutter isn’t just about the stuff itself; it’s also emotional. There’s always that voice whispering, “You might need this someday.” The truth is, keeping too much can be just as draining as letting it go.
And then there’s the laundry. Oh, the laundry. Especially with kids who seem to go through clothes faster than you can wash them. The less laundry, the less clutter. How many T-shirts does one child really need? Probably fewer than you think.
Systems That Work for You
Decluttering isn’t about perfection or getting it all done in a day. It’s about finding a system that works for you. Some people prefer tackling one room at a time. Others hop around the house, following their energy and interest. The key is to give everything a place. When every item has a home, it becomes easier for everyone to remember where things go.
When things don’t have a place—or when there’s simply too much—it’s impossible to keep up. The less stuff there is to manage, the less dust to clean, the less time spent organizing. Life becomes lighter.
Less Stuff, More Life
So why do we keep so much? Maybe it’s a habit. Maybe it’s sentimentality. Maybe it’s the idea that we’re being practical by holding onto everything. But at some point, the things we own can end up owning us.
Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Less stuff means more space for the good stuff life has to offer. One drawer, one bin, one step at a time.