The Truth About Decluttering!

Looking back on my decluttering journey, there are so many things I wish I had known before I started. Over time, I figured things out through trial and error, but it would have been a lot easier if someone had told me what I’m about to share with you today.

Downsizing and decluttering have become increasingly popular among people of all ages and lifestyles.

Whether you’re preparing for a move, craving simplicity, or just tired of managing too much stuff, it helps to know what to expect before taking this life-changing step.

Here is the truth about decluttering and downsizing! And what I learned from my own experience, so you can avoid some of the mistakes I made.

The Truth About Decluttering: What No One Tells You But You Need to Know

The Good:  Benefits of Living With Less Stuff

One of the biggest surprises after I decluttered and downsized wasn’t just how much lighter my home felt, but how much lighter I felt.

Once I broke free from the burden of too much stuff, my home became peaceful, organized, and easy to maintain. I knew where everything was. Spending less time cleaning and more time doing what truly mattered.

I suddenly had more time, more freedom, and even more money to focus on experiences rather than possessions.

Perhaps the most surprising part? I realized I already had enough stuff. For years, I believed that acquiring things led to a great life. I discovered the opposite was true. Letting go helped me relax. The only thing I asked myself afterward was, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

The Bad: The Emotional Roller Coaster of Letting Go

Of course, it wasn’t all easy. Decluttering came with challenges, emotional, physical, and mental.

Every day felt like a new wave of emotions: overwhelm, sadness, relief, peace, even laughter. I constantly asked myself questions like:
“What if I need this someday?”
“How can I let go of something that means so much to me?” Like my wedding bouquet, for example.

It’s normal to feel torn between wanting a simpler life and struggling to let go of sentimental things. Acknowledging those feelings is part of the process. When you allow yourself to feel them — without judgment — you can move through them and keep going.

I got rid of old journals, yearbooks, baby clothes, and so much more.

What helped me most was shifting my focus to one small area at a time. A single drawer. A shelf. One decision at a time. That small, steady progress became my secret to staying motivated.

Starting the Hard Way!

There were definitely moments I would categorize as “learning the hard way.” These were the lessons that cost me time, energy, and a few tears, but they taught me everything I know today.

1. Trying to do it all at once.
Decluttering your entire life in one go is impossible and exhausting. I learned that creating a plan, setting realistic goals, and tackling one space at a time was the only way to make real, lasting progress.

2. Thinking Everyone Would Understand.
When I first started to seriously declutter a lot of stuff, not everyone understood what I was doing. I had family members say I would regret this someday. That I was getting rid of too much. And who knows, maybe I was, but that was something I had to figure out on my own. 

3. Bringing too Kid Stuff Into Our Home.
Another lesson I learned the hard way was bringing too much kid stuff into our home. When we first had children, I said yes to just about everything: hand-me-downs, secondhand toys, baby gear, and clothes from friends and family who meant well. At the time, it felt smart and resourceful to accept it all, but before I knew it, our home was overflowing. We had far more than we could ever use, and it quickly became overwhelming. Eventually, I had to declutter piles of things that were barely touched or outgrown before they were ever used. Looking back, I wish I had known to be more selective from the start, only to bring in what we truly needed and loved. It would have saved so much time, energy, and stress. Sometimes saying “no, thank you” early on is the best form of decluttering there is.

4. Continuing to accumulate more.

Another big lesson I learned is that decluttering isn’t just about letting go; it’s also about stopping the cycle of accumulation. Even if something is free, that doesn’t automatically mean it should come home with you.

I used to accept anything that was offered: free samples, hand-me-downs, and giveaway items, because it felt wasteful to say no. But all of those “free” things still took up space and added to the clutter I was trying to escape.

It’s also so important to know what you already have. Take a mental inventory of your home so you don’t buy duplicates or replace things you already own. And when you declutter something, make a note of why you got rid of it.

Was it unused, hard to maintain, or just not needed? Remembering that reason can save you from repurchasing the same item later and repeating the same cycle. Decluttering becomes so much more effective when you’re intentional not only about what you let go of — but also about what you allow back in.

Common Misconceptions About Downsizing

There are a few myths about decluttering that I want to clear up:

Myth 1: Decluttering is always stressful and overwhelming.
It can be emotional, yes — but with the right mindset and a willingness to let go, the process can actually be smooth and even enjoyable.

Myth 2: Downsizing is only for minimalists.
I’m not an extreme minimalist. I still have what I need and love, just less of it. Downsizing isn’t about living with the bare minimum — it’s about living with what supports your current life, not your past one.

My 5 Secrets for Successful Decluttering and Downsizing

After years of helping others (and going through it myself), these are the strategies that work every time:

1. Start small.
Focus on one area at a time. Each small success builds momentum and motivation.

2. Sort and categorize.
Use the “keep, donate, discard” method. Over time, you’ll strengthen your decision-making muscles — what I like to call your decluttering muscle.

3. Acknowledge your emotions.
Letting go can be painful. Remember: the memories aren’t in the items — they’re in your mind.

4. Focus on clarity and freedom.
A clutter-free home allows you to focus on what matters — your relationships, passions, and peace of mind.

5. Declutter your mind, too.
Downsizing isn’t just about physical stuff. It’s about creating mental clarity and emotional space for what truly matters.

Final Thoughts: Living With Freedom and Simplicity

When you start decluttering your home, it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go. Every single thing you let go of, every drawer you tidy, and every box you clear is one step closer to a more organized, peaceful home. The pace doesn’t matter; what matters is that you’re moving forward. Each item you release that you didn’t truly need creates more space, not just in your home, but in your mind.

It’s incredible how much your mindset shifts when you begin living with less. There’s a kind of freedom that comes from no longer being surrounded by things that weigh you down. And the most surprising part is the ripple effect, how decluttering one area of your life can spill over into so many others.

I’ve seen it in myself and in so many people I’ve helped: once the clutter goes, new energy moves in. Suddenly, you’re motivated to take care of your health, start that business you’ve been dreaming about, or make your home feel more put-together and calm.

Decluttering is never just about the stuff. It’s about creating space for what really matters, and when you do, you’ll be amazed by how much your whole life starts to fall into place. Everyone’s journey looks a little different, but the ripple effect is real, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of simplifying your life.

The Truth About Decluttering: