8 Signs It Might Be Time to Declutter

Feeling stressed out by your home? Is it difficult to clean, organise and feel relaxed in? Maybe you have too much clutter? In this article I’m exploring 8 signs it might be time to declutter.

DO YOU HAVE TOO MUCH CLUTTER?

We’ve all been there, staring at a room that feels more like chaos than calm, knowing deep down that something needs to change but not quite sure where to start.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Recognising the signs that it’s time to declutter is the first step toward creating a more organised and peaceful living space.

I think it’s also important to recognise that just because you might’ve decluttered once, it’s not unlikely that your space will get cluttered again. Life comes with clutter and it often just creeps up on us whilst we’re busy looking the other way and getting on with living that life!

In fact, I recently did another declutter of my own home and got rid of a few items that had snuck in unnoticed. This is what prompted me to share today’s thoughts!

In this article I’m exploring some common signs that it might be time to roll up your sleeves and declutter. And, don’t worry, I’ve included some practical tips and gentle encouragement because I know decluttering isn’t always easy.

8 SIGNS IT MIGHT BE TIME TO DECLUTTER

Maybe it’s time to clear some clutter and help you enjoy your home again. Here are 8 signs it might be time to declutter. How many do you recognise?

1. You Can’t Find What You Need

Have you ever spent 10 minutes searching for your keys, only to find them buried under a pile of paperwork on the kitchen counter? Or maybe you’ve dug through a closet, looking for that one sweater you love, only to give up because it’s just too hard to find? If you’re frequently losing items or struggling to locate things when you need them, it might be a sign that your space is a bit too cluttered.

When your belongings have designated spots and there’s less “stuff” overall, it becomes much easier to keep track of everything. Imagine opening a drawer and immediately spotting what you need – no digging, no stress. That’s the beauty of a decluttered space!

What to do: Start with one small area, like your entryway or a single drawer. Clear it out completely, sort through the items, and only put back what you truly need and use regularly. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to find things when there’s less clutter in the way.

2. Your Space Feels Overwhelming

Does the thought of cleaning or organising your home make you feel tired before you even begin? When clutter takes over, it can create a sense of overwhelm that makes even simple tasks feel daunting. This can be especially true if you have multiple areas in your home that need attention.

If you’re feeling paralysed by the amount of stuff you have, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to declutter. But don’t let that feeling of overwhelm stop you, tackling your clutter bit by bit can make a huge difference. You don’t have to do it all at once!

What to do: Break down the decluttering process into manageable chunks. Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much decluttering you can get done in that time. Focusing on one small task at a time can help reduce the overwhelm and make the process feel more achievable.

3. You’re Holding Onto Items “Just in Case”

We all have those items we keep around because we might need them someday – a gadget that might come in handy, a pair of shoes you haven’t worn in years, or a stack of old magazines you plan to read “eventually.” While it’s okay to keep some items for future use, holding onto too many “just in case” things can lead to unnecessary clutter.

Try asking yourself some questions. When was the last time you used this item? Do you genuinely believe you’ll use it again, or is it just taking up space? If an item hasn’t served a purpose in the last year, could it be time to let it go?

What to do: Try the “box method” for items you’re unsure about. Put them in a box and store it away for six months (or choose your own timeframe). If you don’t reach for anything in that box during that time, it’s a sign that you can probably let those items go. Put a reminder in your calendar so you don’t forget about the box though, and make a pact with yourself to deal with whatever’s left unused. This box isn’t a permanent storage container!

4. Your Home Doesn’t Reflect Your Current Life

As we move through different stages of life, our needs and preferences change. The things that served us well five years ago might not be as useful today. Maybe you’ve downsized, started working from home, or your kids have grown up and moved out, or your interests and needs have changed. If your home is filled with items that no longer fit your lifestyle, it might be time for a declutter.

For example, if you’ve recently taken up a new hobby, but your space is still dominated by old craft supplies you no longer use, consider making room for what truly brings you joy and serves your current needs.

What to do: As you declutter, focus on keeping items that align with who you are today and the life you’re living now. This can help create a home that feels more in sync with your current self and not one that supports you to live in the past and all the negative emotions that can sometimes come with those thoughts.

5. Your Space Causes You Stress

Your home should be a sanctuary – a place where you can relax and recharge. But if your space feels chaotic or cluttered, it can have the opposite effect, causing you stress and anxiety. If you find yourself feeling uneasy or stressed when you’re at home, clutter could be part of the problem.

Clutter can weigh on you mentally and emotionally, making it hard to unwind and feel at peace in your own space. By decluttering, you’re not just tidying up your home; you’re also creating a more calming environment for yourself. For example, I find I can relax more in the evening if my living room is clear and tidy and my bed doesn’t have lots of laundry needing to be sorted or clothes lying around on the floor or chair.

What to do: Pay attention to how different areas of your home make you feel. If there’s a particular room or spot that causes you stress, start there. Clearing out the clutter in that space can really help you feel better, not just about what that space looks like, but how it makes you feel too.

6. You’re Constantly Cleaning But Never Feel Organised

Do you feel like you’re always tidying up, but your home never seems to stay clean or organised? This could be a sign that you have too much stuff for your space to handle. When there’s clutter, it’s harder to clean effectively because there’s always something in the way.

Decluttering can simplify your cleaning routine by reducing the number of items you have to dust, move, or organise. With fewer things, it becomes easier to maintain a clean and organised home.

This is one of the greatest practical benefits of decluttering. When you’re tight for time and squeezed of energy, the last thing you probably want to be doing is spending ages cleaning. Decluttering not only makes cleaning quicker but a clutter-free home always looks more like it’s clean and tidy, even if it’s not!

What to do: Focus on decluttering one surface at a time, like your kitchen counters or a coffee table. Once you’ve cleared away the excess, you’ll likely find that keeping the area clean is much easier and less time-consuming.

7. You Have Trouble Letting Go

It’s natural to feel a connection to our belongings, especially those that hold sentimental value. However, if you find yourself holding onto things out of guilt, fear, or an inability to let go, it could be contributing to clutter in your home.

Remember, it’s okay to let go of items that no longer serve you, even if they were once meaningful. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re discarding memories or devaluing your past – it simply means making space for the present.

“Your home is living space, not storage space.” – Francine Jay

What to do: Start with items that are easier to part with, like clothes you haven’t worn in years or kitchen gadgets you never use. As you gain confidence, you can gradually tackle more sentimental items. Consider taking photos of these items before letting them go, so you can preserve the memories without keeping the physical objects. A handy tip for the sentimental minimalists amongst us (that’s me by the way!).

8. You’re Craving a Fresh Start

Sometimes, the desire to declutter comes from an internal need for a fresh start. Whether it’s the beginning of a new season, a significant life change, or just a gut feeling that it’s time for something different, decluttering can be a powerful way to reset.

Maybe this is why decluttering is popular in the New Year, at the start of the new academic year around September and during the spring cleaning hype of March and April.

Clearing out the old can make room for new opportunities, experiences, and energies. If you’re feeling like you’re ready for a change, decluttering your space might be just what you need to kickstart that process.

What to do: Use this feeling as motivation to dive into decluttering. Focus on areas that will have the most impact on your daily life, like your bedroom, kitchen, or entryway. A fresh, organised space can inspire and energise you as you move forward in life.

CONCLUSION

Decluttering is a journey, not a race. It’s okay to take your time and approach it at your own pace. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s about creating a space that supports your well-being and brings you joy. Celebrate each small decluttering win along the way, and remember that every item you let go of is a step toward a more peaceful, organised home.

So, if you’ve recognised any of these signs in your own life, take a deep breath, and know that you’re not alone. You can do this, and the results will be worth it! Your future self will thank you for the time and effort you put into creating a space that truly reflects and supports you. I’m excited to hopefully be a part of this journey for you so happy decluttering!

I’d love to hear from you if you recognise any of these signs it might be time to declutter. Perhaps you’ve noticed some more as you look around your home and think about how it makes you feel? If so, please leave a comment at the end of the article to share your thoughts.

MORE DECLUTTERING RESOURCES YOU MIGHT FIND HELPFUL

• The Snowball Decluttering Method To Help Clear Your Clutter
• 9 Ways Minimalism Boosts Creativity and Fun
• Clutter Threshold: How Much Clutter Can You Manage?
• How Minimalism Can Help Messy People Find Peace
• Decluttering Paralysis: What It Is and How to Overcome It

GET YOUR FREE WORKSHEET

If you’re feeling it’s time to get on top of your clutter, I’ve created a free Declutter Jump-Start Worksheet to help you. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…