Meredith Sisnett, Contributing Writer

Have you found yourself living with a pile of laundry on your bed or in the laundry room, dishes stacked on the counter, products covering the bathroom sink, or stacks of mail collecting on the kitchen table? If you answered yes, you are not alone. Many of us live with clutter, but chances are it leaves you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Often, clutter reflects unfinished conversations or responsibilities that weigh on our minds.

Recently, I have been drawn to content that explores the reasons behind clutter and the tools we can use to release excess clothing, furniture, and household items that no longer serve us. What I discovered is that clutter often holds emotional roots.

Why We Hold Onto Clutter

Memories and Loss

Many people keep items connected to loved ones they have lost. Inheriting belongings from a parent, spouse, or family member can feel comforting and make us feel closer to them. Sometimes it is not even about loss but about holding onto reminders of relationships we are not ready to let go of.

Fear of Lack

When we fear we will not have enough, we tend to hold onto too much. This can include broken items that we plan to fix “someday” but never do. These things take up space while reinforcing a cycle of scarcity.

Anxiety and Overwhelm

Some people clean when they feel anxious, while others avoid their responsibilities and allow clutter to build. Avoidance may feel easier in the short term, but it creates long-term stress.

Letting Go and Acceptance

Closets often reveal our struggles with letting go. Smaller clothes represent the body we hope to return to, while larger clothes reflect fears of change. Keeping every version of ourselves takes up mental and emotional space that prevents us from accepting who we are today.

Childhood Memories

The sentimental pull of childhood, our own or our children’s makes it hard to part with items. Baby clothes, toys, shoes, or artwork may feel too precious to discard, yet they collect dust and create frustration whenever we see them.

A home full of piles can leave us feeling stuck and sad. The good news is that small, intentional steps can make a big impact. Think of it like eating a large pizza, one slice at a time.

Ten Steps to Begin Your Clarity Journey

1. Prepare for success

Purchase any supplies you need before you start. Visualize what you want your space to look like. If you need help, ask a trusted friend or family member.

2. Set the vibe

Play music or a podcast that motivates you. Choose a timeframe that allows progress without burning out.

3. Write it down

Journal what you are feeling about the clutter. Explore whether deeper issues might be contributing to it.

4. Assess and set goals

Once you identify the cause, address it. That may mean making a phone call, scheduling an appointment, or adding a task to your calendar.

5. Take action

Begin with one area. If you like multitasking, rotate between two spaces to keep momentum.

6. Purge or donate

Sort items into three piles: keep, donate, trash. Reach out to local nonprofits, churches, or shelters that pock up and accept gently used items. Decluttering can become a way to give back.

7. Give yourself grace

Clutter builds over time. Do not expect to clear it in one day. Celebrate each step forward.

8. Pause and refresh

Hydrate, grab a snack, and take breaks as needed. Acknowledge your effort.

9. Reassess

At the end of each session, remove donations or trash from your home. Reorganize what remains and plan your next steps.

10. Clear the big stuff

Contact your local waste management service for bulk pickup of larger items. Removing big pieces creates instant results and saves money.

Moving Forward

Congratulations! By starting this process, you have already taken the first step toward clarity. Each time you let go of an item, you create more space for peace and possibility.

Be honest with yourself as you move forward. Release what no longer serves you, and reward yourself with small updates or items that align with your new, clutter-free space.

May your journey give you clear space, and more peace!