How to Get Into the Declutter Mindset

Inside: Learn how to get into the declutter mindset so that you can be more efficient and effective in the decluttering process.

Are you stressed out by the sheer amount of stuff in your home – but can’t bring yourself to get rid of any of it?

Have you tried decluttering your stuff but ended up feeling guilty or upset over the process?

Don’t worry. You aren’t alone.

Most of us strive for a clean, organized space – but it’s easier said than done. It’s so easy to accumulate stuff. Clothes, shoes, books, kitchen gadgets, knick-knacks, family heirlooms, and everything else can quickly add up.

And if you don’t have a ton of storage space? Chances are, you’re feeling the impact of all of that stuff each and every day. 

But first, you’ve got to get into the declutter mindset.

By changing the way you think about decluttering and shifting your mindset, you can make it exponentially easier – and more fulfilling – to declutter your current space and keep it organized for good. 

If you’re ready to get into the declutter mindset, clear your clutter and change your life, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to understand why the declutter mindset actually matters – and see what steps you can take to make it happen.

Why Does the Declutter Mindset Matter? 

You might be wondering – does my mindset really matter when it comes to decluttering?

Can’t you just throw it all away and call it a day?

Sure, you can – but believe me, that’s easier said than done. 

If you aren’t convinced that the declutter mindset is key to actually doing the work and decluttering your stuff, you might want to reconsider. 

After all…

You’ll be more productive when you’re trying to declutter.

Anyone who has tried to declutter knows just how easy it is to get distracted during the process.

It’s easy. You stumble upon something you forgot about, something that reminds you of the past, and before you know it, you’re wandering down memory lane, reminiscing on old times and not focusing on the task at hand. 

Many of us hope that we’ll find the declutter mindset somewhere along the way, but that’s not guaranteed to happen. Instead, it’s best to get into the declutter mindset before you roll up your sleeves and start clearing out your stuff. 

You’ll feel less guilty throughout the decluttering process.

Yes – I said less guilty. Even if you’re dead-set on decluttering and feel ready to take on the challenge, you might be surprised to experience some feelings of regret based on your past choices or guilt from letting go of items given to you.

But if you really focus on your intentions, understand why you’ve made the decision to declutter, and think through the consequences of that before you actually roll up your sleeves and get to work, you’ll do a much better job of keeping those feelings at bay. 

How Can I Embrace a Declutter Mindset?

Ready to get into the decluttering mindset and finally say goodbye to all of that stuff you don’t need?

Here are a few steps you can take to make it happen:

Get very clear on your end goals

To get into the declutter mindset, spend some time focusing on what you want your end result to be. Consider WHY you want those things.

There are a variety of benefits of decluttering your home, but you need reasons that are personal and motivating for you. What would having a decluttered home mean to you?

Decluttering takes time effort, energy, and commitment. You’ll be much more motivated to do the work when you are really clear on your end goal.

Write down how you want your home to look, feel, and function when you are done decluttering. When you have clarity on your goals, you’ll get yourself into the declutter mindset as you prepare to let go of the things that don’t fit with your goals.

Acknowledge your emotions – and move past them. 

Many of us end up with a house full of clutter because we care.

We’ve attached meaning to the stuff we own, and we can’t bear the thought of saying goodbye to stuff that is so important.

That meaning might be sentimental. Gifts we receive from friends or family members, souvenirs, and stuff from our past can hold a lot of meaning – and be really difficult to say goodbye to. 

Another common emotion tied to decluttering? Feeling guilty about getting rid of stuff because you spent money to buy it. Maybe you feel like you haven’t gotten your money’s worth – there’s still some value that you need to extract. 

But you can’t let your feelings keep you from decluttering your home. Instead, acknowledge those feelings. Sit with them. Work through them. Talk it out with a friend. Write it down in your journal.

However you choose to navigate the situation, you can’t let your emotions hold you back from embracing a decluttering mindset and doing the work.

By working to understand exactly what those emotions are, and why you’re experiencing them, it will be much easier to embrace that declutter mindset, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. 

Understand that decluttering can be a marathon – not a sprint.

For many, the idea of decluttering is a one-time thing. You roll up your sleeves, get rid of everything that needs to go, and just like that, you’re good to go! 

All you need is an afternoon…right?

If only it was so simple.

For many of us, decluttering is something that just isn’t going to happen in a day. Or a week. Or maybe even a month.

After all, it took a long time to get all of that stuff into your home. Don’t you think it’s going to take a little while to get it out?

If you tell yourself you’re going to tackle it all in a single sprint and fail, you’re going to be disappointed or frustrated – and you might lose your motivation altogether when you see just how much more work you need to do.

Instead, set realistic expectations for yourself when it comes to decluttering. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

The only thing that matters is the end of your journey – whenever you get there – not how fast you can clear all of the stuff out of your house.

If you give yourself a little grace and flexibility, you’ll be amazed to see just how much easier it can be to stay focused on the task at hand and chip away until you’ve achieved your decluttering goals.

Learn how to say NO.

Another thing you can do to really get into a declutter mindset? Learn how to say no to new stuff.

Believe me, I get it. It can be hard to fight the urge to splurge on new things, especially once you’ve made some good progress around decluttering. After all, you’ve got the space! 

But learning how to say no to impulse shopping and figuring out how to be more intentional with future buying is critical to maintaining your declutter mindset and keeping your space organized in the long run. 

When you do want to make a purchase, don’t do it on a whim. Instead, sit on that decision for at least 24 hours or more, if you can manage it. 

By pausing before you purchase, you’ll have time to think through whether or not you truly want it – and more importantly, if you actually need it. 

What steps have you taken to get into the declutter mindset? Let me know in the comments!

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