8 Decluttering Truths I Wish I’d Understood Sooner

If you’ve ever tried to declutter you might have realised that it’s not quite as easy as it sounds! If you’re struggling with clutter but clearing it feels equally overwhelming, I know how that feels! I hope this article might shed some light with 8 decluttering truths I wish I’d understood sooner.

DECLUTTERING ISN’T AS SIMPLE AS IT SOUNDS

Decluttering sounds simple, doesn’t it? Just get rid of the things you don’t need, and life becomes easier. But if you’ve ever tried to declutter, you’ll know it’s not always that straightforward. There are emotions involved, unexpected challenges, and moments where you wonder if you’re even making progress.

These were all obstacles that I came across as I decluttered our home. In fact, they nearly derailed my progress, especially as my family didn’t share my drive for a simpler home. I guess they weren’t as affected by managing the everyday clutter of busy family life like I was.

8 DECLUTTERING TRUTHS I’D LOVE YOU TO KNOW

Looking back, there are so many things I wish I’d understood when I first started decluttering. If I had known these truths sooner, I would have saved myself a lot of frustration and self-doubt. So, if you’re on your own decluttering journey, here are 8 important lessons to keep in mind.

1. Decluttering Is an Ongoing Process, Not a One-Time Event

I used to think decluttering was something I could do once and then be finished forever. I imagined myself reaching a magical point where everything was perfectly organised, and I’d never have to think about clutter again. But in reality, decluttering isn’t a one-off event—it’s an ongoing process.

Life changes, and so do our needs. New things come into our homes, and old things outlive their usefulness. Learning to declutter regularly, rather than seeing it as a one-and-done task, helps maintain a home that truly works for you.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment to do a massive clear-out, make decluttering a habit. A few minutes each day, a drawer at a time, or a quick monthly check-in can make all the difference.

2. Clutter Isn’t Just About Stuff—It’s Emotional

I used to think decluttering was purely practical. If I didn’t use something, I should just get rid of it. But what I didn’t realise was how emotional clutter can be.

We hold onto things because of guilt, nostalgia, or the fear of “what if I need this one day?” Letting go of items that remind us of certain times in our lives—or of money spent—can be tough. It’s completely normal to feel emotional when decluttering.

The key is to acknowledge those feelings but not let them control your decisions. If something brings up guilt, ask yourself if keeping it is really helping you. If you’re holding onto something out of obligation, remember that you are allowed to prioritise your peace and space.

3. You Don’t Have to Declutter Perfectly for It to Make a Difference

For the longest time, I thought I had to declutter the right way. I read about different methods and felt like I had to follow them exactly—whether it was the KonMari method, the “one in, one out” rule, or the 12-12-12 challenge.

Whilst there is value to many of these different methods, the truth is that there’s no perfect way to declutter. The best method is the one that works for you. Some people love doing big decluttering sessions, while others prefer slow and steady progress. Some people thrive with strict rules, and others need flexibility. Some people declutter in reverse, deciding what to keep instead of what to let go. My daughter does this.

There is no “wrong” way to clear clutter. Any step forward is progress, no matter how small.

4. Just Because Something Was Expensive Doesn’t Mean You Have to Keep It

This was one of the hardest lessons for me. I struggled to let go of things I had spent a lot of money on, even if they were no longer useful or bringing me joy. It felt like throwing money away.

But here’s the reality: the money is already spent. Keeping something you don’t love won’t bring that money back—it will just take up space in your home and mind.

Instead of focusing on the money lost, shift your mindset to the freedom gained. Selling, donating, or even recycling something allows you to move forward instead of holding onto financial guilt.

5. Decluttering Saves You Time and Energy in the Long Run

I used to feel like decluttering was just another task on my To Do list, something that took up more time rather than giving me any back. But once I started seeing results, I realised how much time and energy clutter had been stealing from me.

When you have less clutter, you spend less time cleaning, organising, and searching for lost items. Decision-making becomes easier because you’re not overwhelmed by too much choice. Your home becomes a place of rest, not stress.

The time you invest in decluttering now will pay off every single day in the future.

6. “Just in Case” Items Often End Up as Clutter

Like many people, I used to keep so many things “just in case.” Clothes that didn’t fit but might one day, kitchen gadgets I never used, extra cables and chargers for devices I no longer owned. I convinced myself they might come in handy.

But in most cases, they never did. And even if I did need something later, I could usually find an alternative or borrow it.

Ask yourself: “Would I even remember I had this if I needed it? Could I replace it easily if necessary?” If the answer is no, it’s probably safe to let it go.

7. The Less You Own, the More You Appreciate What You Have

Before decluttering, I had a wardrobe full of clothes but felt like I had nothing to wear. I had shelves full of books I never read, cupboards filled with random kitchen gadgets, and yet, I felt like I didn’t have what I needed.

Once I started decluttering, I began to appreciate what I truly loved and used. With fewer clothes, I actually wore what I owned. With fewer books, I actually read them. With less stuff in my kitchen, cooking became easier. This isn’t just anecdotal. There’s a psychology of simplicity.

Decluttering isn’t about deprivation—it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter.

8. It’s Never Too Late to Start

For a long time, I felt like I had let clutter build up for too long. I told myself it was too overwhelming, that I didn’t have time, or that I wasn’t naturally organised enough.

But decluttering doesn’t have a deadline. Whether you start today, next week, or in a year, it’s still worth doing. And you don’t have to do it all at once—small steps add up over time.

No matter how much clutter you have, no matter how many times you’ve tried before, it is never too late to start fresh.

CONCLUSION

Decluttering isn’t about achieving a picture-perfect home—it’s about creating a space that supports the life you want to live. It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of too much stuff and making room for what truly matters.

If you’re feeling stuck, I hope these decluttering truths help you move forward with more confidence and less guilt. You don’t have to do it perfectly, and you don’t have to do it all at once. Just start where you are, take one step at a time, and trust that every little bit counts.

Which of these decluttering truths resonates with you the most? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

Here are some more articles to help you declutter:

• Letting Go of Your Fantasy Self: How It’s Holding You Back from Decluttering
• 8 Signs It Might Be Time to Declutter
• How Clutter Shifting Keeps Your Home Cluttered and Messy
• Why Declutter Instead of Organise if You’re Struggling With Stuff
• 12 Ways to Declutter Without Regret or Fear