Decluttering Will Not Turn You Into a Minimalist!

Hey y’all! 

Popping in to talk to you about the idea of decluttering. I know, I know. But hear me out! This one won’t be too long and I hope it is one that brings you great ease. 

Before I dive in, when I say decluttering or it’s time to edit or purge your things, I want you to sit down and process what immediate feelings come up for you.

So, let’s try this quick activity. 

Read this — “Okay, it’s time to declutter!”

What is or are your initial thought(s)? 

Here are some things I’ve heard — 

1. “Man, this is going to take me forever.” 

2. “This is going to suck.” 

3. “I have to get rid of all the stuff that I love.” 

Or the one that has led to this blog post.

4. “I’m going to become a minimalist if I have to get rid of all of my stuff!” 

If those are some of the initial reactions you internalize when you hear “decluttering” or “editing” or “purging”, I want you to stop, pause and take a DEEP breath. 

I have good news — This is  NOT the meaning of decluttering. 

When I’m working with my clients hands on and coaching them through the editing phase of my four step process, it is so we can make space for the things that they absolutely love.

What does it mean to make space for the things you love? I’m really glad you asked. These are items that need to be homed properly, need their own space, and need to be easily accessible. We want to create functional and beautiful systems.

When you think about the end goal of organizing a space, decluttering or editing it is a notion of getting you to that point.

NOW — when I say decluttering, it is not coming from a place of getting rid of anything that you love, anything that you need or even anything that you use often or infrequently.

That is not what decluttering means.

Decluttering means letting go of things that are taking up valuable real estate — all that means is items taking up valuable space in your home. This includes things that you don’t love, things that you don’t use, and things that you don’t need.

You deserve to see what your space is capable of after decluttering. 

Decluttering can also be those small things that are taking up space. Yes, it is small BUT mighty. We can consider these things clutter.

BUT OF COURSE — It can also be those big things that are taking up space in your home. Yes, yes, it too is clutter.

LASTLY, it could also be expensive things that you’ve invested in in your home. I know we don’t talk about it much but it too can be considered clutter. 

Decluttering is a process that leads to more freedom in your self-care routine within your home. It is for you to take stock in your spaces so that you can see what is truly serving you. Decluttering is so you can make space for the things that you absolutely love in your home, the things that you absolutely use and absolutely need. Your things should have homes and space to be displayed if necessary.

Hopefully, this hits home and resonates for you.

Again, decluttering, editing, and purging, these words are interchangeable. Whatever word you want to use should not spark a high level of resistance. If it still does, breathe and go back and read this again.

Here’s a love note: 

When you are editing your items — You are creating space for the things that you absolutely love. 

Peace and love!

Kenika