You know that thing I said I’d deal with later? Yeah, me neither. Because "later" usually turns into a mountain of stuff I don’t even remember committing to.
The other day, I came across a quote by Barbara Hemphill: “Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.” And wow, did that hit home. So much of the stuff surrounding me—both physically and mentally—ended up here simply because I kept putting off a decision.
I’ve always been pretty easygoing, going with the flow, grabbing that extra kitchen gadget, holding onto clothes that haven’t sparked joy since 2009 (Marie Kondo, you are onto something), or avoiding conversations about what I really need in life. And before I knew it, my space—and my mind—were overflowing. It wasn’t that I wanted chaos. I just wasn’t stopping to decide what to keep and what to let go.
And honestly? It’s not just about the stuff. It’s the old ideas, outdated habits, and even relationships we keep around by default—without ever really choosing them. It’s like our lives get jam-packed with things we never consciously signed up for.
So, what can we do about it?
4 Small Shifts That Help Me Clear Clutter (and Overwhelm) by Simply Deciding
1. Step One: Admit There's a Problem
Instead of letting the day rush by in a blur, I’ve started carving out a few minutes—usually with my morning tea or before bed—to focus on one area that feels cluttered. Then I ask myself: What’s one decision I can make right now to clear this space? Even something small can lighten the load.
2. Keep It Simple
I try not to overthink it. One thing at a time. Maybe it’s finally getting rid of that sweater I haven’t worn in years. Maybe it’s deciding to stop a habit that’s no longer working for me. Every time I make a choice, no matter how small, I feel a little lighter.
3. Trust Myself
For years, I second-guessed everything, worried I’d make the “wrong” decision. But I’m learning to trust my gut. If something feels off, I let it go—knowing I can always adjust later. It’s about progress, not perfection. (By the way, gut feelings and gut health? Totally connected. But that’s a conversation for another day!)
4. Celebrate the Small Wins
Every time I let something go—whether it’s physical clutter or an outdated belief—I celebrate. Maybe with a little victory dance in my living room, maybe just with a deep breath and a moment to appreciate the extra space. Small wins build momentum, and before I know it, I want to keep making decisions instead of avoiding them.
“You can’t reach for anything new if our hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.” -Louise Smith
The “Maybe Later” Trap
Here’s the thing I’ve realized: maybe later is just a sneaky way of saying never. Every “I’ll deal with this later” turns into another pile of clutter—both in my home and in my mind.
But when I finally clear out old junk from my closet? It’s not just my space that feels lighter. It’s like I’m also clearing out old, outdated versions of myself. It’s spring cleaning for the soul.
“Let your legacy be how you loved while you were here and not the stuff you left behind.” -Courtney Carver
Letting Go = Making Room for What Matters
Letting go isn’t about losing things. It’s about creating space for what truly matters. A few weekends ago, I decided to start sorting through my stuff—not with a perfectionist mindset, but just looking for things I no longer needed. And honestly? It felt amazing. Tossing out the excess made room for fresh possibilities, and with every quick decision I made, I started trusting myself more.
That trust? It makes life feel a whole lot less overwhelming.
I’m still figuring it out. Some days, I hesitate. Old habits creep back in. But I’m realizing that any decision—even an imperfect one—is a step toward a cleaner, calmer life. The more I clear out the unnecessary, the easier it feels to breathe.
So what’s one ‘I’ll deal with that later’ task you’ve been avoiding? Spill the tea... maybe it’s just tossing an old sweater or finally setting a boundary that’s been on your mind—I promise not to judge (unless it’s something truly horrifying, like 2010 receipts in a junk drawer).
I’d love to hear—what’s one thing (or idea) you’re ready to let go of? Let’s chat about how we’re making space for what truly matters.
“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all.” -Nathan W. Morris
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