Adopt These 3 Mindsets And Let Go of Clutter
Have you ever tried to declutter your space, only to find it difficult to let things go?
If I can take a guess, you probably have encountered one (or more) of the following challenges:
- You have so many memories and attachment for your items.
- You feel guilty about being wasteful.
- You are not willing to part with gifts from others.
- You feel like you need to keep everything “just in case“.
If you can relate to any of these struggles, a shift of mindset might be just what you need.
My personal decluttering journey
After living and working in Asia for 15+ years, I went through multiple rounds of decluttering when my husband and I were preparing for our overseas move back to the United States.
To make our move less costly and more efficient, we decided early on that we would only take items that were irreplaceable and high in sentimental value.
But as a sentimental person, I thought of my stuff more than just ‘stuff’, but associated all the memories and history with it. How can I let go of things that represented who I was?
As you can see, it was so hard to let go in the beginning. But with some shifts of mindset and a lot of practice, I gradually got better with decluttering. We eventually decluttered more than 95% of our stuff and only took 5 boxes of possessions when we moved in 2020.
Mindsets that help you let go easily when decluttering
Based on the experience of my own decluttering journey, I am sharing the 3 mindsets that can help you stay focus until your decluttering project is complete.
Mindset 1: Focus On creating more Space
What goes on in your mind when you try to decide what to keep and what to let go?
You might start by examining each item, thinking about its condition and whether it’s still useful. And what if you spent a good deal of money on it? Does the idea of letting it go make you think of all the “what if” scenarios where you might need it someday?
However, dwelling on these thoughts can make decluttering feel never-ending and inefficient.
Here’s an alternative way of thinking that might make decluttering easier for you:
Instead of getting caught up in the details of each item, try focusing on the creating more space in your home.
Let me illustrate this idea with a simple example:
The other day, I was trying to decide whether to keep an old backpack I used as a diaper bag when my son was little. I had a lot of sentimental feelings attached to it because it reminded me of those precious moments with my son during his baby and toddler years.
But here’s the thing: if I kept thinking about the memories and trying to find ways to use the backpack again, I’d likely get sidetracked and never part with it.
So, I decided to shift my mindset. I thought about how my storage closet had become jam-packed with things I rarely used. The whole purpose of decluttering is to create more room for the things that truly need space so that my living area can feel more open and inviting.
When I shifted my focus from the backpack to creating space in my house, my decision became crystal clear. I took a photo of the backpack to preserve the memory, said my goodbyes, and then placed it in the donation box.
So, next time you’re having trouble making decisions while decluttering, try shifting your mindset from the “stuff” to “space.” It will make the whole process feel a lot more manageable and positive.
Mindset #2: Live In your current season of life
Here’s another helpful way of thinking when it comes to decluttering—focus on what’s happening in your life right now.
That means it’s time to let go of things that don’t match your current lifestyle.
Maybe you still have lots of fancy work clothes that you haven’t worn since you became a stay-at-home mom. Or perhaps you’re holding on to sports gear from a hobby you don’t do anymore.
I understand it’s tough to say goodbye to these items because they remind you of important parts of your past that you cherish.
But here’s the thing: letting go of stuff doesn’t mean you’re erasing your memories. Memories live inside your heart, not in your belongings.
When you find it hard to decide what to keep and what to let go, it’s a sign to shift your focus to the ‘now.’
Take a look in your closet and storage areas. Pick up each item and ask yourself: does this thing fit my current life, or does it belong to the past?
If it’s something that worked before but doesn’t match your life right now, it’s okay to be firm and say goodbye.
Remember, life has many seasons, and it’s important to focus on what you need in the present. Doing this makes your decision-making process easier and more effective.
Mindset #3: Focus On Your own “Needs”
We often tend to focus too much on the price points, appearance, and functions of our things and forget to take a moment to think if they are actually useful to us.
For example, a fancy avocado slicer might seem cool with all the wonderful functions, but if you don’t eat avocados, there is no need to keep it in your kitchen drawer and collect dust.
This mindset shift is all about putting your own needs first, rather than fixating on your possessions.
To do this, start by thinking about your decluttering goals and what you hope to achieve by having a clutter-free home. Is it about living a more peaceful and calming lifestyle? Or maybe you’re aiming to reduce the time you spend cleaning and organizing?
By focusing on your own needs and desires, it becomes easier to part with items that no longer serve you well.
For instance, if your goal is to spend less time cleaning, it makes sense to consider letting go of things that are high-maintenance. This might include clothes that need frequent dry cleaning, shoes that require constant polishing, or furniture that’s a magnet for dust.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your home, start by changing your mindset.
Instead of thinking about the “stuff” you’ll have to get rid of, focus on the benefits of decluttering. This could include having more space, less cleaning, and a more peaceful and relaxing home environment.
Additionally, try to live in the present and only keep things that suit your current lifestyle. And finally, focus on yourself and your needs instead of your stuff.
By adopting these mindsets, you’ll be well on your way to decluttering your home!
Which mindsets do you think is the most helpful?
