Mindfully decluttering is about more than just clearing space. It’s a thoughtful process that invites you to slow down, reflect and decide whether to let go, store or keep and use each item.
A beginner's guide to: Decluttering (mindful)
organising, simplifying, minimalism, clearing space, downsizing
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Determine how much time you want to give to this activity.
Consider what areas you want to declutter.
Get dressed for the job and get to it!
When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
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What is mindful decluttering?
Decluttering mindfully goes beyond simply clearing out a closet or tidying a room – it’s an intentional practice that invites you to give full attention to the process. Rather than rushing to get it done, conscious decluttering asks you to slow down, notice your emotions and reflect on the meaning of each item. As you engage with each object, you’ll decide whether to let it go, store it or keep and use it.
This process is not just about creating physical space, but also about bringing emotional clarity. You may feel nostalgia, relief or even anxiety as you declutter. By fully engaging in the process, you create a living space that aligns with your needs and values, making room for what truly matters.
So, are you ready to start decluttering your life and make your space (and your mind) a haven of order and calm?
Let us show you how!
What mindful decluttering looks like
Why decluttering mindfully is good for you
Preliminary findings suggest mindful decluttering lifts mood and sharpens focus. Clearing your space can increase your sense of control, reduce visual distractions and lighten emotional burden.
Sharper concentration
Focus area: Focus (Impact rating: High)
More control
Focus area: Agency (Impact rating: High)
Feel lighter and happier
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: High)
Boosted self-esteem
Focus area: Identity & worth (Impact rating: Medium)
Helps to practice emotional noticing
Focus area: Emotional awareness (Impact rating: Medium)
People who love decluttering
Chip and Joanna Gaines
Person
Janelle Cohen
Person
Robert Pattinson
Actor
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (Netflix)
TV Show
Real people's experiences
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2 experiences
Starting to declutter? Read this first
You are probably ready to start making your home a clutter free zone. But before you do, there are some important things to keep in mind. Decluttering mindfully is safe for everyone, but these helpful tips will make sure that your first experience is the first of many.
Common styles
Decluttering can be approached in various ways to suit your different needs or preferences. We have explored the most popular methods below so you can choose which approach will suit you best
KonMari method
Minimalist approach
The four-box method
Safety
⚠️
Use proper lifting techniques and maintain a safe environment.
⚠️
Wear gloves, ensure ventilation and take breaks to avoid injuries.
What you might experience
🤔
"Where do I even begin?"
😬
"This is harder than I thought!"
😊
"I’m starting to feel a sense of clarity."
🤷♀️
"But what about over there?"
🙂
"I feel lighter and more accomplished!"
What you need to know about decluttering
Wondering whether you should start on your own, or 1:1 with a teacher? Explore the table below and discover everything you need to know to get your practice started, right now.
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Availability
Average cost per session
Special equipment required
Potential for socialisation & community
Safety & skill building
Space or privacy required
Ease of scheduling
Setup time
Active practice time
Unexpected advantages
Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia
"Out of clutter, find simplicity.” - Albert Einstein
The Tetris effect, where people visualize organizing objects, can be a mental decluttering technique.
Decluttering as a therapeutic practice can be traced back to traditional Japanese philosophies like Zen and Wabi-sabi.
Decluttering can reduce allergies by eliminating dust and allergens from the home.
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2 facts
Popular memes
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8 memes
Academic research we rate
The “Joy of Letting Go”: Decluttering and Apparel
Eike, R. J., Burton, M., Hustvedt, G., & Cho, S. (2021). The “Joy of Letting Go”: Decluttering and Apparel. Fashion Practice, 14(2), 225–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/17569370.2021.1987654
Decluttering for enhanced workplace performance: The 5S solution
Rizky, Y. A., Khuzaini, K., & Shadiq, S. (2023). Decluttering for enhanced workplace performance: The 5S solution. Jurnal Inovasi Ekonomi, 8(02), 69–82. https://doi.org/10.22219/jiko.v8i02.26916
Spark Joy and Slow Consumption: An Empirical Study of the Impact of the KonMari Method on Acquisition and Wellbeing
Spark Joy and Slow Consumption: An Empirical Study of the Impact of the KonMari Method on Acquisition and Wellbeing. (2021). Journal of Sustainability Research, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.20900/jsr20210007
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3 research pieces
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