Mindful Decluttering: Why Your “Stuff” Isn’t Always What It Seems

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I was chatting about, you guessed it, clearing clutter recently, and wow, did I hit a nerve! Check out this zinger I got on a Facebook post about my book:

“I’m so damn tired of people telling me to get rid of my stuff. Maybe I want my books and piles all around me. I think people who live in empty houses have no soul.”

Ouch! But you know what? I totally get it. And I bet you do, too.

The Plot Twist You’ve Been Waiting For

Ready for a reminder that might just blow your mind? Here it comes:

No one—not even me—gets to decide what is clutter for you but YOU.

Yep, you read that right. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering your life.

Your cozy, knick-knack-filled nest might be someone else’s nightmare, and that’s okay! The key is figuring out what works for you.

Your Space, Your Rules

Here is my quick test to determine if what you’re holding on to is what you’d consider clutter. I call it The Kerri Clutter Clarity Check™ (You knew I’d have a catchy name for it, right?)

It’s quite simple:

1. If you love it, need it, or use it → It’s not clutter.
2. If you don’t love it, need it, or use it → It’s clutter.

But here’s where it gets interesting (and you longtime readers know what’s coming)…

The Emotional Hoarding We Don’t Talk About

Sometimes, the stuff we cling to isn’t just about the physical items. It’s about what they represent. Remember, we’re decluttering on all levels here.

• Are you keeping those jeans because you hope to fit into them again or because you’re not embracing your current awesome self?
• Is Grandma’s locket sitting in a drawer out of guilt, even though you never wear it?
• Are you staying in a relationship that doesn’t spark joy because you’re afraid of being alone?

These are the tough questions, I know. But tackling them can lead to some serious personal growth and a home and life that truly reflects you.

Digging Deeper: The Why Behind the What

When you find yourself desperately hanging onto something—be it a threadbare t-shirt, a toxic friendship, or a limiting belief—it’s time to put on your emotional detective hat. Ask yourself:

• What does this item/relationship/thought represent to me?
• Am I keeping it out of love or fear?
• If I let this go, what am I afraid might happen?

Your Life, Your Rules (But Make Them Good Ones)

Decluttering isn’t about creating an Instagram-perfect home or life. It’s about making space for what truly matters to you. Whether that’s a cozy reading nook overflowing with books or a minimalist meditation space, the choice is yours.

The goal? To surround yourself with thoughts, things, and people that energize and support you. You deserve nothing less!Everything else? It might be time to thank it for its service and let it go.

The Bottom Line: It’s All About You

If something makes you feel fantastic, keep it! If it doesn’t, maybe it’s time to say goodbye.And if you’re struggling? That’s okay, too. Take some time to explore why. You might uncover some pretty powerful insights about yourself.

So, decluttering warriors, are you ready to create a space that’s 100% you? Let me know in the comments what your biggest decluttering challenge is.Together, we can tackle this clutter conundrum and create homes (and lives) you absolutely love!

P.S. Keep your eye on your inbox over the next few days when I share a new service I’m providing for in-person clutter coaching and sorting help in a very limited capacity. More to come!