We often tie the word “decluttering” to minimalism, but the two aren’t one and the same.
Minimalism is intentionally living without excess.
Decluttering is the act of getting rid of the excess.
But you don’t need to go through a lifestyle change to benefit from the process. Nor do you need to pick up all the items in your house and ask if they bring you joy.
Decluttering isn’t really about your things at all. It’s about what you choose to focus on and narrowing that down to what’s important. That way you can give more of yourself to what really matters and spend less time stressing over things that don’t.
It’s up to you to decide what that is. Not some YouTuber, author, or blogger. Use what others share as guidelines. There is no right or wrong since everyone has different needs.
So, don’t get rid of all of your stuff.
Ironically, that’s where a lot of us miss the mark. Decluttering isn’t a quest to own the least, never to buy, never to consume, never to enjoy. It’s easy to get carried away, especially if you’re a perfectionist, but there are no boxes you need to tick. Through decluttering we can become all too focused on our stuff—when really what we need to do is look a little deeper.
What’s nagging at you? Look at your commitments, hobbies, habits, routines, and so on. Do you say yes to going out with friends too often? Did you sign up for an extracurricular class you really don’t enjoy? Do you have too many untouched projects and hobbies that call to you—and when you find time do you really enjoy them?
Decluttering isn’t all empty rooms with balanced decor and perfectly folded socks.
It’s making room for what you find most meaningful.
And letting go of what you don’t.