Orka Living 
When most people think of decluttering, they picture bin bags, donation piles, and the satisfying feeling of a freshly cleared cupboard. And while those things do play a part, decluttering goes much deeper than simply tidying up or getting rid of “stuff.” It’s about how we live, how we feel, and the space we create, physically, mentally, and emotionally for the things that truly matter.
The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.
Marie Kondo
The truth is, clutter doesn’t just take up room in your home. It can weigh on your mind, steal your time, and even keep you stuck in old patterns. Decluttering is really about making space for freedom, clarity, and possibility. Here’s why it’s not just about things, but about creating a life that feels lighter, calmer, and more aligned with what you want.
The Emotional Weight of Clutter
Clutter is never just about the things themselves. Each item in our home often carries emotions, memories, and sometimes even guilt. That drawer full of paperwork you’ve been avoiding? It might be whispering reminders of tasks undone. The box of clothes that don’t fit anymore? It may tug at feelings of regret or “what if.” Even sentimental items, while treasured, can sometimes weigh heavy if they’re tied to difficult memories or relationships.
When our surroundings feel overloaded, our minds often do too. And science backs this up. A UCLA study found that mothers who lived in cluttered homes had higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels than those in tidier spaces (UCLA Study of Home Life). In short: clutter stresses us out more than we realise. The physical “stuff” becomes emotional noise, a constant reminder of decisions we haven’t made or change we haven’t embraced.
The good news? Releasing those items doesn’t mean erasing memories or losing part of yourself. It means letting go of the weight they carry and creating space for more joy, calm, and energy in your daily life. Decluttering isn’t about living with nothing – it’s about living with the things that support who you are today and who you want to become.
Decluttering Your Mind
A messy environment = a messy mind.
When life feels busy and overwhelming, it’s not just our homes that feel cluttered – our minds can too. When your brain is constantly bombarded with “visual noise”, it becomes harder to focus, relax, or make even simple decisions.
Ever notice how peaceful it feels to walk into a hotel room or a tidy café? That’s the power of fewer distractions. Our brains are constantly scanning our environment, and clutter adds to the list of things demanding attention.
By creating order in your surroundings, you naturally free up mental space. Suddenly, you’re not wasting energy looking for your keys or stressing over piles of paperwork. You know where things are, and that brings a sense of calm. With less visual distraction, your brain can focus on the things that really matter: being present with your family, working productively, or simply enjoying a moment of peace.
“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor—it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.”
Peter Walsh
Decluttering your mind isn’t just about your environment, though. It’s also about simplifying the way you manage information. Keeping an organised diary, a clear to-do list, or even a “second brain” system can ease the mental load. When you remove the pressure of having to remember everything, you gift yourself clarity, focus, and space to breathe.
Pro tip: Try a brain dump (Check out: David Allen’s Getting Things Done Method) write down everything on your mind and get it out of your head and onto paper. Pair that with a tidy desk, and you’ll feel ten times lighter.
Decluttering Your Time
Here’s the sneaky thing about clutter – it doesn’t just take up space, it steals your time. Every extra item in your home requires some level of care, whether that’s cleaning it, finding a place for it, or moving it out of the way to get to something else. Multiply that by dozens (or hundreds) of things, and suddenly you’re spending hours each week on tasks you didn’t even realise were taking your energy.
Think about how much smoother mornings become when your wardrobe only holds clothes you love and actually wear. Or how cooking feels easier when your kitchen isn’t stuffed with gadgets you never use. Decluttering buys back your time – the one thing you can never get more of. And that means more space for rest, connection, creativity… or even just a good book and a cuppa.
Time is one of the most precious resources we have, and unlike stuff, we can’t get it back once it’s gone. By letting go of the excess, you create space not just in your home, but in your schedule. That means more time for rest, connection, creativity, or simply slowing down in a way that feels nourishing rather than rushed.
Decluttering Your Commitments
Here’s the honest truth: clutter isn’t only physical. Your diary can be just as overstuffed as your cupboards. How many things are you doing out of obligation, habit, or guilt? Saying “yes” to everything might feel polite or even necessary, but in reality it often means saying “no” to yourself: your rest, your family, and your priorities. This is something that I work hard to balance. Based on Gretchen Rubin’s 4 Tendencies – I am definitely an obliger but it takes a lot of effort to make sure that I don’t over to commit to other people’s priorities.
As another of my favourites, Brené Brown says: “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”
So, decluttering your commitments means asking:
- Does this bring me joy or meaning?
- Is this helping me grow, or is it draining me?
- Am I doing this because I want to, or because I feel I “should”?
Remember: a quieter calendar isn’t boring – it’s intentional. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you create space for rest, joy, and the opportunities that really matter.
When you start to view your time as valuable, it becomes easier to assess which commitments truly serve you. Do all those weekly activities or obligations still align with your goals and values? Are there things you’ve outgrown but continue out of habit or guilt? Letting go of commitments that no longer fit doesn’t mean you’re letting people down – it means you’re creating space for the things that matter most.
By being selective about where your energy goes, you’ll notice a sense of balance returning, with room for joy, spontaneity, and the freedom to say “yes” to the opportunities that truly light you up.
Decluttering Your Future
Decluttering today is a gift to your future self.
It isn’t just about how your home feels today – it’s also about shaping the future you want to step into. Every item you choose to keep or let go of has an impact on the life you’re creating. By simplifying now, you’re not only making life easier in the present, but you’re also preparing yourself for what’s ahead.
Think about big transitions: moving house, downsizing, welcoming new family members, or preparing for later life. These moments are already challenging enough without hundreds of boxes of “stuff” weighing you down. Decluttering now can be one of the greatest gifts you give your future self, and even your loved ones, by lifting the burden of decisions they might otherwise face.
Swedish people even have a term for this: döstädning, or “Swedish death cleaning.” It’s the practice of simplifying belongings so you don’t leave a mountain of decisions for your family later (Check out: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning). Far from being morbid, it’s actually freeing and kind.
It’s also about opportunity. When your home, schedule, and mind aren’t weighed down, you’re free to say yes to new experiences, projects, and adventures. Space, both physical and emotional, creates room for growth. Decluttering your future is really about creating the freedom to live the life you want, rather than being held back by the things you no longer need.
And beyond that, when your life isn’t crammed full of old obligations and belongings, you’re free to step into new opportunities. Space creates possibility.
It’s About More Than a Tidy Home
At its heart, decluttering isn’t about neat shelves or Instagram perfect pantries. It’s about creating space for the life you want to live.
By letting go of the excess, you’re lifting emotional weight, clearing mental fog, freeing up precious time, and releasing commitments that no longer serve you. And in doing so, you gain time, clarity, balance, and a sense of calm that no storage box can buy.
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
william morris
The truth is, decluttering is an act of self-care. It’s saying, “I deserve a home and a life that supports me, not one that drains me.” It’s not about having less for the sake of it, it’s about making room for what matters most.
So, ask yourself: where could you begin to declutter today? Whether it’s a drawer, your diary, or even a mindset that’s been holding you back, small steps can create powerful change.
And if you’d like some help creating that clarity and calm, that’s exactly what I do at Orka Living. Together, we can make space for the life you really want.
P.S. For those who are coming to the end of your summer holidays and getting ready for the return to school, check out our FREE Back-to School Checklist below!
