Whether you’re a busy parent or a homeowner with too much “stuff,” you’re not alone. The frustration and stress from a cluttered space are real. The good news? The solution is simple. It starts with understanding one key idea: the difference between decluttering and organizing.
Many of us jump straight to buying bins and shelves. We think that organizing will solve our problems. But without decluttering first, you’re just organizing clutter.
Decluttering vs. Organizing: The Essential First Step
Here’s the basic difference between the two:
- Decluttering is deciding what to keep and what to let go of. It’s about making tough choices and freeing yourself from things you don’t need and don’t use.
- Organizing is arranging the items you decided to keep. You arrange them in a way works for you and is maintainable.
As my friend Tina and I discuss on our podcast, Declutter Diaries, you can’t organize a space filled with things you don’t need or love.
Think of decluttering as clearing the weeds from your garden. You do this before you plant flowers. For the flowers to bloom, there must be space. Weeds, like clutter, must go first.
Why Decluttering Feels Hard (and How to Make it Easier)
Let’s be honest, decluttering is hard. It’s an emotional process.. Items often hold sentimental value and letting go can feel like losing a part of ourselves.
Acknowledge the Emotion
First, don’t hide your feelings. Accept them. Let yourself feel a sense of loss when you let go of certain items. Remember that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. When you let yourself feel, you help yourself grow. This leads to a calmer life with less clutter.
Honor the Memories
Next, the true value of sentimental items is in the feelings they bring up. The value is not in the items themselves. To keep these memories, take time to write or record the stories behind each item. Focus on the feeling and the story. This lets you honor your memories without being weighed down by the physical objects.
Start Small
Decluttering takes time and energy. Set small, real goals for yourself. and dedicate small blocks of time—even 5 to15 minutes—to a specific small area. For example, start with a nightstand drawer, a stack of papers, or the clothes pile. This approach makes the process less overwhelming. It’s also easier to fit into your busy schedule.
If you’re not sure where to start, I created a Declutter Dash email course just for this reason! It’s a free 5-day challenge that comes right to your inbox for 5 days. Learn more here!
Beyond the Stuff: The Emotional Connection
Sometimes, we hold onto things for the feeling of control they give us. This is especially true for people who have felt a lack of control in their lives.
Self-Reflection
Your belongings tell a story. Take time to listen. Why are you keeping these things? Are they tied to a specific memory? A past version of yourself? An idealized future? Asking these “why” questions can teach you a lot.
A Therapeutic Approach
Think of decluttering as more than just tidying up. It can be a powerful way to take charge of your space and your life. When you decide what to keep and what to let go of, you take back control. You create a home that feels like you. This process can make you feel more powerful.
Ready to Create a Calm, Peaceful Space?
When you understand that decluttering is about letting go and organizing is about putting things in their place, you can create a home that feels more peaceful. Your home will work better for you and bring you less stress.
DIY Organization You Can Take and Run With!
Eager to DIY your way to an organized home? My guide is your go-to resource! It’s packed with clear steps to declutter first, followed by room-by-room organizing strategies. Plus, I’ve taken the guesswork out of storage with over 60 container recommendations!
Listen to The Declutter Diaries Podcast
You are not alone in this! I dive deep into the connection between our mental well-being, clutter, and organizing on my podcast. I do this with my friend Tina Wolff, a licensed therapist. Listen to all the episodes on this very topic on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
My Heart: My mission is to help you break free from that stuck feeling. I want to help you get through the overwhelm. I want to help you boost your mental health and productivity. It truly starts with organizing your home. You create a space that supports you, not stresses you out.
It’s time to bin your space!
Bonnie Hintenach | Bin Your Space
Professional Organizer for Homes & Classrooms
Maryland Professional Organizer
