Letting Go of Clutter to Move Forward in Your Life
Have you ever felt stuck—like no matter how much you try to move forward, something is holding you back? It’s a frustrating place to be. But here’s the thing: sometimes, the only way to truly move forward is to let go of what no longer serves you. And that’s easier said than done.
Many of us hold on to things—physically, mentally, and emotionally—without even realizing it. These things become part of our daily habits and routines, taking up space in our homes, our schedules, and even our hearts. Letting go isn’t just about decluttering our homes; it’s about clearing space in our lives for what truly matters.
The 5 Types of Clutter Holding You Back
When we think of clutter, we often think of piles of clothes, unopened mail, or that junk drawer that seems to have a life of its own. But clutter goes beyond the physical. It seeps into our minds, emotions, finances, and digital spaces. Let’s break it down.
1. Physical Clutter
Our homes are often filled with items we no longer use, need, or even want, yet we hold onto them out of habit or guilt. Physical clutter includes: clothes we no longer wear, papers and mail stacking up on the counter, sentimental items we feel guilty letting go of, or books we’ve been meaning to read for years.
How to Let Go:
Start small—choose one drawer, shelf, or space to declutter.
Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love this? Does this add value to my life? If not, let it go.
Donate, recycle, or toss items that no longer serve you.
Set a recurring time each month to reassess and declutter regularly.
2. Mental Clutter
Our minds are constantly buzzing with to-do lists, responsibilities, and schedules. This type of clutter can be just as overwhelming as a cluttered home.
How to Let Go:
Write things down. A simple brain dump can help clear mental space.
Prioritize what truly needs to get done. Not everything is urgent.
Set boundaries. You don’t have to say yes to everything.
Schedule time to rest. Your brain needs breaks just like your body does.
3. Emotional Clutter
Emotional clutter often comes in the form of toxic relationships, unresolved grief, and old wounds we haven’t fully processed. Carrying this kind of clutter is exhausting.
How to Let Go:
Identify what (or who) is weighing you down.
Give yourself permission to step away from toxic relationships.
Seek support—whether it’s therapy, journaling, or talking with a trusted friend.
Let yourself feel. Suppressing emotions only makes them stronger. Processing them allows you to move forward.
4. Financial Clutter
Money stress can take up a huge amount of mental and emotional space. Debt, unpaid bills, and financial uncertainty can be overwhelming.
How to Let Go:
Get clear on your financial situation. Avoiding it won’t make it go away.
Create a simple budget that works for you.
Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
If you’re struggling with debt, take small steps toward paying it down. Progress, not perfection.
5. Digital Clutter
We live in a digital world, and with that comes a flood of emails, notifications, social media, and endless scrolling. Digital clutter can be just as draining as physical clutter.
How to Let Go:
Unsubscribe from emails you never read. Aim to unsubscribe from 5 email lists per day.
Organize your digital files so you can actually find what you need.
Set limits on social media and screen time.
Delete apps that don’t serve you.
Setting Goals to Move Forward
Once you’ve started letting go of what no longer serves you, it’s important to set goals for where you want to go next. A great way to do this is to:
Set one long-term goal—something big that excites you and moves you forward.
Identify three short-term goals that help you take steps toward that big goal.
These goals don’t have to be overwhelming. Maybe your long-term goal is to have a clutter-free home, and your short-term goals are:
Declutter one room per month.
Create a donation station in your home.
Set up a daily 10-minute tidy-up routine.
Whatever your goals are, make sure they align with the life you want to create.
Final Thoughts
Letting go isn’t about loss—it’s about making space for more of what truly matters. It’s about clearing out the things that weigh you down so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
So ask yourself: What’s holding me back? And more importantly, What can I let go of today to create a life that feels lighter, freer, and more aligned with what I truly want?
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If you need support decluttering your home, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: The Clutter-Free Home Academy! I’ll guide you step-by-step to tackle the clutter, reduce stress, and reclaim your space.
xo, Sarah Larsen
Home Organizer in Portland, Oregon