To reclaim your peace of mind when overwhelmed by “stuff,” you must understand decluttering vs. organizing. Whether you’re a busy mom, a single parent juggling it all, an older adult with a lifetime of memories, or a homeowner struggling with clutter, you’re not alone. Many of us feel frustrated and anxious in cluttered spaces, and this distinction is the solution you’re looking for.
Decluttering vs. Organizing: The Essential First Step
It’s tempting to jump straight into buying bins and shelves, thinking that organizing will solve your problems. But without decluttering first, you’re just organizing clutter. Here’s the basic difference between decluttering vs. organizing.
- Decluttering: This is the act of deciding what to keep and what to let go of. It’s about making tough choices and freeing yourself from unnecessary belongings
- Organizing: This is the process of arranging the items you’ve already decided to keep in a way that’s functional and visually appealing.
As Tina and I discuss in our podcast, Declutter Diaries, how you can’t effectively organize a space that’s filled with things you don’t need or love.
Think of decluttering as clearing the weeds from your garden before planting flowers. In order for flowers to bloom, there has to be space. Weeds, like clutter, must be removed first before other plants can grow and thrive.
Why Decluttering Feels Hard (and How to Make it Easier)
For many, decluttering is emotionally challenging. Items often hold sentimental value, and letting go can feel like losing a part of ourselves.
Honoring Memories
The true value of sentimental items lies in the emotions they evoke, not the objects themselves. To preserve these precious connections, take time to write down the stories associated with each item, capturing the feelings and experiences they represent.
Create a digital journal or a physical memory book, filled with these stories and accompanying photos. By focusing on the emotional core, you can honor the memories without being burdened by the physical weight of the objects.
Acknowledge the Emotion
Decluttering can be a healing process, allowing you to release emotional baggage and create space for new experiences.
Don’t suppress your feelings; acknowledge them. Allow yourself to grieve the loss of certain items or memories, but remember that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. By allowing yourself to feel, you’re paving the way for emotional growth and a more peaceful, clutter-free life.
Start Small When Decluttering
Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Decluttering takes time and energy. Allocate small blocks of time—even 15-30 minutes—to decluttering a specific area.
Start with something that can be completed within that time frame. This approach makes the process less overwhelming and easier to fit into your busy schedule.
Remember, consistency is key. Small, regular decluttering sessions are more effective than sporadic, marathon attempts or rage cleaning.
Beyond the Stuff: The Emotional Connection to Clutter
Sometimes, holding onto things is less about the items themselves and more about the feeling of control they provide. This is especially true for those who have experienced a lack of control in their lives.
Self-Reflection
Your belongings tell a story. Take time to listen.
Why are you holding onto these items? Are they tied to a specific memory, a past version of yourself, or an idealized future? Are you afraid of losing that connection by letting them go? Do they provide a sense of comfort or security?
Unraveling these personal narratives can help you understand your relationship with your belongings and make more conscious choices.
Therapeutic Approach to Decluttering and Organizing
Decluttering can be a powerful therapeutic tool, empowering you to take control of your environment and, by extension, your life. It’s about recognizing that you are not defined by your belongings, but rather by the choices you make.
By consciously deciding what to keep and what to let go, you’re reclaiming your agency and creating a space that reflects your authentic self. This process fosters a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.
Organizing Your Space (and Your Life)
By understanding the difference between decluttering and organizing, and by addressing the emotional aspects of our belongings, you can create more peaceful, functional, and stress-free spaces. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress.
If you want to get started and DIY your home, my guide is packed with steps to declutter first, then organize specific spaces. I provide over 60+ container recommendations so the research is done for you!
As a professional organizer, I’m here to support and help you in this journey. As I mentioned previously, I have a podcast called The Declutter Diaries where a dear friend of mine, Tina Wolff who is licensed therapist, discuss the connection between mental health, clutter, and organizing.
Listen to all the episodes on this very topic on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
What’s Your Take On Decluttering vs. Organizing?
We’re all in this together! Share your decluttering challenges or triumphs in the comments below. What strategies have worked for you? What emotional hurdles have you overcome?
Let’s create a supportive community where we can learn from each other’s experiences. And, because we know it’s a common struggle, tell us about those sentimental items you have trouble letting go of.
What stories or memories are attached to them? How do you manage to honor those memories while creating a more clutter-free space?
Bonnie Hintenach | Professional Organizer for Homes and Classrooms | Maryland Organizer
