11 Tips To Start Decluttering With Purpose

Some of us or do I dare say most of us have too much physical clutter in our living spaces, storage space, and most likely digital life! Decluttering with Purpose may sound too new age-y to some of you. To you I say, open your mind and read on because it makes sense to declutter with purpose.

If you need to change the word purpose to something else, have at it.

People start to declutter and have no idea where to start, what to toss, or what to keep. Some folks have a really tough time making decisions. Think about this, if you don’t know where you are going how will you ever know how to get there or even if you get there?

Physical clutter and mental clutter go hand in hand. A friend once asked me to help her decorate her home. I knew how I was going to approach this and boy was this a hard sell.

My friend wanted to go furniture shopping. I told her ‘no’, we are going to get rid of stuff first. It took a while to accomplish this and when we were done my friend said she didn’t have to buy anything new because she loved her things that she could not see and enjoy- now that the clutter is gone. 

Come to find my friend just wanted a decluttered home. A lot of time we are surrounded by too much clutter we can’t even see what we have and what attracted us to our homes in the first place.

What do you want? What does your stuff mean to you?

There are easy effective ways to deal with all this clutter.

What do you want?

Before diving into the decluttering process, consider what truly matters to you. Be clear and concise about your decluttering goals.

Your purpose could be as simple as creating a peaceful home environment. It could be to stop paying rent on outside storage unit rentals or being able to find things when you need them.

Creating Space With Purpose

Your home should be the most comfortable place in the world for you. It is here you come for rest and renewal. I think of my little home as my nest. Though not grand and elaborate by most standards it is beyond perfect for me.

I have everything I need at my fingertips and not a lot of extraneous stuff I do not need, use, or want.

This is my wish for everyone, whether you live in a room or a massive home. My heart breaks for homeless people because they don’t have even the slightest type of nest. We need this. The world can be a jungle some days and we need a place to come home to.

Clutter in our nests can disrupt this sense of peace. So start your decluttering journey by envisioning the space you want to create. By letting go of unnecessary items, you can clear physical and mental space for what truly matters.

Many people I have helped declutter can’t answer the question ‘What do you want your space to look like when we are done’. They can tell me what they do not want and are tongue-tied about what they do want.

Vision Board

Make a vision board. What will your decluttered life look like? This will give you clear decluttering goals. A vision board is something I make when I feel a change is needed or something new needs to come into my life. You can a poster or make a vision board online.

To make a vision board get a poster board or something similar and add cutouts from magazines and other sources of what you want, draw pictures, and add text. Add anything that visually aligns with your vision of what you want.

The key to this exercise is to display your finished vision board where you will regularly see it.
I made a vision board when I went house hunting. I manifested exactly what I had wished for!

Journaling

Writing or journaling is a great way to learn your likes and dislikes! Writing is the magic that changed my life. Not ‘official’ writing of articles for publication, stream of consciousness writing, which is for my eyes only.

Donate 

One of the most rewarding aspects of decluttering is the opportunity to share the things you no longer need or want with others. I love donating new, unused, or gently used things!

Instead of adding more to the overcrowded landfill, the best way to get rid of things is to donate to people in need. There is no shortage of this today. Whether it’s clothing, household goods, or toys, your contributions can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.

Empower Others | Donate With Purpose

Donating is not just about getting rid of things; it can be about empowering others and supporting causes you believe in.

I have researched local charities and organizations that accept donations of all kinds of material items and found out how you can contribute often for free. One of my favorite organizations to donate women’s clothing to is Dress for Success.

Check out the free 17 page resource guide about how to donate just about anything.

Your generosity can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward.

Be Creative With Purpose 

Rather than seeing unwanted items as clutter, view them as opportunities for creativity. I have a blast repurposing stuff and then gifting it to a friend or donating it to a stranger. Be creative! It is a nice break from scrolling and streaming.

Repurposing things minimizes waste and taps into your creativity! 

Embrace Renewal Through Decluttering

Did you know when many people set out to declutter what they are looking for is something new in their lives, a fresh start? Yep, this is true. You know that feeling you may get when you wear a new coveted outfit or hairstyle, this is often what we are looking for when decluttering.

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, it can be about an infusion of some new and getting rid of some of the same old, day in and day out grind.

Mindful Consumption | Buying With Purpose

As you declutter, consider how your buying habits. Mindful consumption is about making intentional choices that reflect your priorities and beliefs. By being more conscious of what you bring into your life, you can reduce clutter and live more authentically.

Before you click the buy button ask yourself:

• Is the item a need or a want?
•  Can you afford to buy it?
•  Do you have space for it?

I said ‘no’ to the purchase of an air fryer because I don’t have a place to store it. Come to find I already have this feature in my oven. Yes, I am not much of a cook.

Life shouldn’t be about having more stuff, at least my life doesn’t. 

What are your shopping habits, record what you buy for several days and you will learn where your hard-earned money is going.

Be Grateful

Find joy in simplicity. Practicing gratitude for what you have and not pining for the things you wish for is a fun habit to start today. Why? It’s simple, it feels better to be grateful than longing for stuff. Gratitude fills you and longing contributes to a feeling of void.

Appreciate the items you own and the abundance in your life. Express gratitude for the opportunity to declutter and share your belongings with others.

Legacy Building With Purpose

When you are you are downsizing or going through the decluttering process think about the legacy you want to leave behind.

Talk to your intended beneficiaries and see if they want your stuff, most kids don’t want their parent’s stuff. If they don’t want your stuff I am sure you do not wish to burden them with it. This is a great opportunity to donate with purpose.

Community Engagement

Decluttering does not have to be a solitary endeavor. Many communities have local donation drives or swap events to help folks within their towns. By coming together as a group we can help others and create a sense of belonging.

Decluttering with purpose is more than just tidying up—it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal.

By aligning your actions with your values and embracing generosity, creativity, and gratitude, you can create a home and a life that truly reflects who you are. So, let go of the old, make space for the new, and embark on the path to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

When you have gotten to the finish line and reached your decluttering goals give yourself a pat on the back! Decluttering can be a challenging task and you deserve to be rewarded.

The best reward is to learn how to stay decluttered by finding a routine to maintain your beautiful decluttered home. A few minutes a day practicing a couple of new habits is all it usually takes to stay decluttered.

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

For more Declutter Buzz & Freebies check out our safe and private Decluttering community on our Facebook page. We are a safe and private space of like minded folks tackling this all encompassing clutter thing once and for all. No shame allowed and always a few laughs!

To see more articles like this, please like and follow me. Thank you!