It's something many of us struggle with, and it can significantly impact our well-being. For me, decluttering was something I had to learn over time; it wasn't a skill I was born with.

Growing up, my parents instilled in my brothers and me the importance of family, friends, and community service. They taught us the power of intentional shopping, which my siblings and I thought was their way of being thrifty at the time. Little did we know, they were teaching us a valuable lesson about not wasting our hard-earned money on unnecessary things. They made us realize that time spent with loved ones is far more precious.

However, there was one thing my parents weren't so great at teaching us—how to let go of things once they've served their purpose. They came from a different generation, one that was hesitant to part with their belongings. I know it stemmed from their upbringing in working-class families, where every item held significance. But as I got older, I knew I had to find a way to declutter, edit my belongings, and create a space that truly reflected who I am. I just wasn't sure how...

Until I moved a whopping seven times in just fifteen years. That's when I honed my decluttering skills.

Let me tell you, it's amazing how much easier it is to part with things when you ask yourself over and over (and over and over and over and over and over) if you truly need them.

Somewhere in between unpacking and repacking those moving boxes, I learned how to fit all my belongings into that studio apartment in the city. And when I finally mastered the art of letting go, I created a home that felt like me. A space where I could relax and truly be myself. It reflected my values, priorities, and the way I wanted to live my life.

But here's the thing, I'm not the only one who's found some extra room for joy after clearing out the clutter. There are SO many research studies around clutter, what causes it, and how it affects us. And let me tell you, I'm about to get a little geeky about organizing for just a moment!

Why Decluttering Matters

Let's dive into the statistics and data reports to discover the importance of embracing a clutter-free lifestyle.

Clutter Collects

The average American home contains approximately 300,000 items. Yes, you read that right! Having so many possessions can make it challenging to stay organized and find what we need when we need it.

Here's another eye-opener: National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) research reveals that 80% of our items are never used. Some of that 80% could be family photos, sentimental items to pass down one day, or items stored away with the hope of later use. But, truth time, there's no way all of those items we've kept fall into that category; some of it is simply clutter.

Clutter Clouds Your Focus

A staggering 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have, yet 78% have no idea what to do with it. That’s because, according to a study out of UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families, the amount of stress people experience at home is directly proportional to the amount of stuff they and their families have accumulated. As the clutter builds up, so does the pressure, tension, and overwhelm within our living spaces.

The effects of clutter on mental health are far-reaching. Along with it increasing stress levels, clutter can amplify feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, causing decreased productivity and an inability to make decisions. Instead of home being our happy place, when there’s too much clutter, it can be a hard, stressful, or triggering place to be.

Clutter Cuts Into Important Moments

Clutter can also take a toll on our social lives. Around 12% of Americans worry about how cluttered their homes look when they have guests over. It's like a constant cloud hanging over their heads, hindering the joy of socializing at home.

But it also interrupts time with the people in the same house as you! The average American family spends a whopping 5 hours and 54 minutes each week cleaning up. That's valuable time that could be spent doing things we love, connecting with loved ones, or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care.

So clearly, decluttering goes beyond just having a tidy space. It's about reclaiming your peace of mind and creating room for what matters most. Now that you know why decluttering matters, it's time to take action!

3 Easy Things To Declutter Today

In today's busy world, it's all too easy to accumulate stuff (or, more specifically, clutter) without even realizing it. But decluttering doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, there are three easy things you can declutter today to start reclaiming your space and creating a more organized environment.

1. Empty out expired items

Take a peek into your pantry, fridge, and even your makeup drawer, and take a close look at the labels. Trust your senses. If you spot an expiration date that has come and gone, or if you notice any signs of decay, it's time to toss it.

The best part about this decluttering task is that you can do it on auto-pilot! No big concerns about how much you used it or if it was sentimental. It's a simple decision to keep or toss.

2. Toss old technology

We all have that drawer tucked away or a forgotten corner in the attic filled with outdated gadgets, dusty cords, and ancient computers that have long lost their purpose. Maybe you’ve got your old phone, you know, the one from the pre-smartphone era? Whatever it is, take some time to gather up all these old and obsolete items. As you collect them, assess whether they're in good enough condition to donate them or if it's possible to recycle them.

3. Clear out mismatched containers

Open your kitchen cabinets or storage spaces and assess your collection of Tupperware®, food storage containers, or even water bottles. Then it's time to start pairing lids with their rightful containers. Missing pieces or mismatched items? Time to toss! And don't forget to assess the functionality of each item – if you come across cracked containers or latches that no longer work, it's time to let them go.

This is just the start

With these three things decluttered—expired items, old technology, and mismatched containers—you'll be excited and energized about your decluttering journey. Ready to keep it going?

My free 7-Day Decluttering Jumpstart Challenge makes decluttering a breeze by giving you seven easy things to declutter—just as simple as the ones I shared in this blog post. Plus, you'll receive all the tools you need to conquer your clutter and the confidence to maintain an organized home that has room for what matters most.

I know firsthand how freeing it feels when you’re not weighed down with stuff that you don’t actually love. Decluttering is about finding the things that matter most and letting go of everything else. Trust me, you'll feel lighter and freer after you’ve cleared some clutter. Sign up now for the 7-Day Decluttering Jumpstart Challenge!

And since this is just the start of your decluttering and organizing journey, let me encourage you that it's not about achieving perfection. It's about progress toward creating a home that genuinely supports your unique lifestyle and values and has more room for joy. Let’s get this process jumpstarted!

If decluttering AND making the world a better place is on your to-do list, then I’d love to help you do both! Snag the workbook, Avoid the Landfill: Disposing Your Clutter Responsibly and learn how to get rid of clutter, support your community by donating, and make a positive impact on the environment.

YOU GOT THIS!

3 Easy Things to Declutter Today