Do you have a calling to do something more with your life? A deep sense of purpose that you were made for more than what you are doing now, but you don’t know what it is, and even if you did, you can’t squeeze one more thing into your already overstuffed life?

 

A few years ago, I had set some pretty big goals and was so excited to move towards making these dreams happen.

But come Monday morning, walking down the stairs, one glance at the living room, and I was overwhelmed and discouraged. I didn’t feel I had more stuff than others, but I was failing spectacularly at managing it all. 

I didn’t know where to start. Ever been there?

I came across a few posts about decluttering and minimalism. Don’t worry. Unless that’s your goal, I won’t push minimalism here, but I decided to do a mega declutter. Fast forward a few months and numerous Goodwill trips later, I had moved my family into a tiny home – 375 square feet to be exact. 

As I downsized and ruthlessly edited my stuff, I learned a few things that helped me gain control of the mess and have more peace in my life. 

So, where should you start?

There are many schools of thought, and the “it depends” answer applies. It’s different for everyone. I say pick the area that bothers you most or you use the most. For some, it’s the entryway or first thing guests will see when they walk into your home. For others, a peaceful and clutter-free bedroom is essential. For me, it’s my bathroom and closet. When I can’t quickly get ready, it throws off my day.  

What area is bothering you right now? Multiple areas giving you side-eye? Pick the most annoying and frustrating. 

Quick heads-up:

Whatever space you decide to declutter first, let’s reframe things.

All those physical items? They mirror your aspirations, fears, and limits. 

I heard this guy Peter Akkies talking about an overwhelming to-do list. His notion applies to our homes, too. He said that feeling overwhelmed comes from our reality, and “if you did it right, your to-do list is just a reflection of reality. The problem is not with the list. The problem is with reality.”

It’s easy to live at full speed, running from school drop-offs to work, juggling kids’ sports, squeezing in some self-care, and wondering why my car is full of broken Goldfish, crumbled homework pages, and empty coffee cups. 

Then this chaos spills to the kitchen counter, into the rest of the house. 

I’ve been there, done that, and worn the coffee-stained T-shirt. But guess what? Dealing with the clutter is way less effort than managing the mess.

Most things will bring us practical help, feed our hopes and aspirations, or feed our anxieties.

A helpful question to ask: What do I want my day to look like? 

I’m not talking about a fake perfect day, but in your actual life, with your real family members and current life stage – what do you want your day to look like?

What area in your house did you decide on?

Does this area support your current daily life?

What are the 3-5 most important activities that happen here?

Now, pick a micro spot within that space. A shelf. A drawer. A bin.

Here’s the game plan:

1. Trash goes out first.

2. Everything that doesn’t belong there follows.

3. Now, do you really need everything left behind?

4. Declutter. Declutter. Declutter.

Quickly relocate the non-keepers to their new homes, donation center, or the trash. 

The popular declutter questions are:

Do I use it?

Do I love it?

Would I buy it again?

And my personal favorites:

– Is this helping or hindering my calling?

– Is this item more important than the life I’m called to live right now?

– Am I the same person I was when I got this thing?

– Do I even want to be that person?

There are no wrong answers, but there is so much value in knowing what you want.

Friends, we will culture a growth mindset and determination! You’ve got this!

It’s so worth it!

Decluttering your home will benefit your family ten-fold. Getting rid of things that bring on stress, guilt, or shame will open space for new and beautiful ones that will shape the person you become.

What do you want for your life?

What do you want for your family?

Do you have space for it? If not, we can make room.

Declutter with me!

DM me and tell me about which area you are starting on! @angelasuegarvey