Decluttering 101: Easy Steps to Simplify Your Life and Boost Creativity

Life can be messy. Not the “untidy” coworker Ross from Friends dated messy, but… messy. From overflowing closets to chaotic schedules, clutter sneaks up on us like an uninvited guest, wreaking havoc on our peace of mind. For creative souls especially, the physical clutter often translates to mental clutter, and suddenly your masterpiece—whether it’s a novel, a screenplay, or just a perfectly Instagram-worthy bookshelf—feels out of reach.

Enter decluttering: the secret weapon to refreshing your space, clearing your head, and making room (literally and figuratively) for your passions.

But let’s get one thing straight—sometimes it’s okay to be messy.

It’s okay to have days, weeks, or even months where life feels a bit “bleh.” We’re human, after all. Maybe the piles of books and papers around you are a reflection of all the amazing ideas you’re juggling. Maybe you’re not feeling motivated to tidy up because you’re pouring your energy into something else. Maybe it’s just one of those weeks when you’re in so much pain that you cannot even begin to concentrate on anything else. All of it is valid.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s about finding balance and creating a space and system that works for you.

In this post, we’re diving into the art of decluttering with practical hacks, a checklist to get you started, and the lowdown on why living in an organized space is an absolute game-changer. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make space for the life you’ve been dreaming of…. in other words, lets channel our inner Schimdt and get to cleaning! (If you understood that New Girl reference you and I just became friends!)

Why Decluttering Matters

Clutter isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a mind-sore. Studies show that a cluttered environment can increase stress levels, reduce productivity, and even impact your ability to focus. For creative individuals, clutter can feel like a roadblock to inspiration. Imagine trying to write the next great novel or map out your dream travel itinerary while drowning in stacks of junk mail or a sea of unwashed laundry.

– On the other hand though, I totally get that some people have their own systems or reasons for keeping things a certain way even if it comes off as a bit disorganized to others. No judgement! Do what you need to do (or not do) to get things done, while hopefully compromising a little bit to maintain your health.

Decluttering clears your physical and mental space. When you remove the distractions, you create room for creativity, focus, and balance. Plus, an organized space can:

• Boost your mood and reduce stress.
• Make your home feel like a sanctuary.
• Save time (no more frantic hunts for your favorite sweatpants!).
• Inspire you to pursue your goals with clarity and confidence.

For people on the go—whether chasing career goals, planning the next getaway, or simply trying to carve out time for self-care—decluttering is the ultimate power move.

Simple Hacks to Declutter Like a Pro

• Adopt the One-Year Rule: If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to say goodbye. This applies to clothes, gadgets, and even kitchen utensils. No, you probably don’t need that avocado slicer.
  • I get the struggle because sometimes I look at something and see it as the lost cause it is but I am too stubborn to throw it away because I hate the idea of wasting money! However, usually, when I come back to it after that first interaction I toss/donate it without blinking an eye.

• The 5-Minute Rule: Overwhelmed? Dedicate just five minutes a day to tidying up one area. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in bite-sized chunks.
  • Listening to an audiobook or watching an episode of your favorite show while cleaning could help provide a time limit or motivation.

• Tackle One Category at a Time: Decluttering your entire home in one go may not be the best idea. Focus on categories like books, clothing, or storage for a more manageable approach.

• Use the Three-Box Method: Label three boxes: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Go through your items systematically, make quick decisions, and don’t look back!

• Declutter Digitally: Inbox overflowing? Apps cluttering your phone? Schedule an hour to delete, unsubscribe, and organize your digital life.
  • This is coming from someone who currently has a TON of unread texts and emails sitting in their inbox right now… yikes! So this is high up on my to-do list this year. (Yes I am committing to a year instead of a few months, look at me being realistic!)

• The “Does This Spark Joy?” Test: If an item doesn’t bring you joy or serve a purpose, it’s time to let it go.
  • Books are non-negotiable for me though, plenty of books have caused me nothing but pain yet they are front and center on my bookcase and there to stay!

• Set Boundaries for Incoming Clutter: For every new item you bring into your home, commit to getting rid of one. This will keep clutter from creeping back in.
  • I’ll be honest and say I have not done this long-term, but I think it’s a fantastic idea for those who really need to have some type of organizational, preventative structure.

Decluttering Checklist

Here’s a handy checklist to guide you:

For Your Home:

• Sort through your wardrobe and donate items you haven’t worn in a year.
• Organize your bookshelf by genre or color (bonus points if you donate books you no longer love).
• Go through your pantry and toss expired food.
• Create a mail sorting station to avoid paper pile-ups.

For Your Workspace:

• Clear your desk of non-essentials.
• Organize your pens, notebooks, and tech accessories.
• Shred or file old documents.
• Set up a “creative zone” for your hobbies.

For Your Digital Life:

• Delete unnecessary apps from your phone.
• Clean up your desktop and organize files into folders.
• Unsubscribe from emails you never read. (Be careful on clicking any links from potential junk or spam emails)
• Back up important files and delete duplicates.

For Your Mind:

• Start journaling to clear mental clutter.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation to reset your focus.
• Set boundaries with your time and energy.

How Decluttering Helps Creative People

For writers, readers, and dreamers, a tidy space is more than just “pretty”—it’s productive. But let’s be real: creativity isn’t always neat.

Sometimes, me being in the zone means being surrounded by the chaos of my thoughts—notecards scattered on the floor, post-its blooming like a flower with me on the floor right in the middle, books opened to random pages, not to mention a slither of wall covered in pinterest photos with push pins or tape.

And that’s okay. There’s a time and place for creative clutter, especially in phases like brainstorming or outlining, when having everything within reach sparks new ideas and connections.

Decluttering doesn’t mean eliminating this process but finding balance.

It’s about clearing the space after the creative storm has passed—tidying up so you can start fresh or better organize the ideas you’ve already captured. By doing so, you’re not stifling your creativity; you’re giving it room to breathe and evolve.

Closing Thoughts: Declutter Your Way to a Fresh Start

Decluttering isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space that supports the life you want to live. Whether you’re chasing dreams of becoming a bestselling author, planning your next solo adventure, or simply trying to enjoy more balance and joy, a clutter-free life can help you get there.

That said, don’t be too hard on yourself if your creative process looks a little messy sometimes. It’s part of the magic. When the inspiration strikes, let yourself work freely. And when the ideas settle, take the time to tidy up and create an environment that makes you excited to dive back in. Every step you take towards decluttering is a step towards clarity, creativity, and calm.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve used any of these decluttering tips before or if you have any ideas or advice that’s not stated here!!