Navigating the Stages of Decluttering

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Decluttering can feel like a breath of fresh air, but as much as we want to do it, it’s hard work. First, it’s an ongoing process, and second, it’s not easy to let go of things.

Decluttering requires stepping into the unknown. 

Where do you start? And how do you keep going when things get messy? How do you move through the cycle of decluttering?

Each step has its own challenges, rewards, and aha moments. In this article, I’m breaking down the stages of decluttering, from the first spark of motivation to enjoying your clutter-free oasis and starting the cycle again. I really want to help you make real progress, so keep reading.

What Are the Stages of Decluttering

The decluttering cycle consists of 6 stages that can be used as a guide to letting go of personal items and organizing your space. These stages aren’t universally standardized.

The stages I’m outlining now are based on practical approaches I’ve learned from experts like finding joy (Marie Kondo) or trying a challenge (the Minimalists).

1. Preparation and Planning

Before you start decluttering, it’s important to prepare and make a plan. You need to understand why you want to declutter, and make a strategy that will meet your goals.

Each decluttering session may have a different goal. Sometimes I want to reduce stress, and other times I’m looking to simplify my space. Having a clear why helps me stay motivated and set clear expectations.

2. Assessment and Sorting

Once you’ve prepared, the next stage is to look at your belongings and start sorting. You need to physically take everything out of the space and put it on the floor (or a bed, if you prefer).

After looking at the stuff, you can sort it into categories like keep, donate, sell, and trash. 

This is an eye-opening part of the process. It can be very revealing to see how much stuff you have and how much you aren’t actually using.

3. Decision-Making and Letting Go

This stage is often the most emotionally challenging because you have to make tough decisions about what stays and what goes. 

Letting go can be hard, especially with items that have sentimental value, are expensive, or might be useful “someday.”

You need to stay focused on your goals and remember why you’re decluttering. This stage is about breaking emotional attachments and overcoming the guilt or fear that often keeps us holding on to things.

4. Organizing and Reassigning Space

After deciding what to keep, the next stage is organizing the items you’ve chosen to keep and finding them a proper home. Everything needs a home.

You need to create systems that make it easy to find and access your belongings, ensuring that clutter doesn’t build up again. Use storage solutions that fit your space and lifestyle, like bins, baskets, and drawer dividers, to keep items neat and categorized. 

You want your space to look tidy and functional. This stage will help you maintain the decluttering progress you’ve made and enjoy it.

5. Maintaining and Reviewing

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event. It’s a commitment. It’s ongoing and requires regular maintenance. This stage is about developing habits that prevent clutter from creeping back into your life. 

Set aside time periodically to review your space and clear out items that no longer serve you. I like to do this monthly in some areas of my home and quarterly in others. Stay mindful of what you bring into your home and avoid impulsive purchases that are guaranteed to add clutter. 

6. Reflection and Emotional Processing

The final stage is reflection. You need to take time to acknowledge your progress and the emotional journey of decluttering. Reflecting helps you understand your relationship with your belongings and why you accumulated them in the first place. 

Use this stage to celebrate what you’ve done and learn from it. Try journaling, talking to a friend, or simply sitting in your newly decluttered space and enjoying its calm. Allow this stage to motivate you to maintain a simpler, more organized lifestyle.