Old boxes, things 'just in case', souvenirs that no one uses — over time, they subtly occupy not only closets but also our attention. The good news is that you can get rid of the excess without a major cleanup and weekends spent among bags and boxes.
Well-known proponent of minimalism Leo Babauta offers a simple approach that helps gradually restore order to your home and a sense of lightness to yourself.
The longer we live in one place, the more things accumulate around us. Many of them have long ceased to be useful but continue to take up space. Leo Babauta believes that to start making changes, you don’t need to perform feats. Just a few minutes a day is enough.
Comment from a Psychologist
Psychologist Elena Sergeeva explains:
“Extra things often become a kind of anchor to the past. We keep them not because they are needed, but because they are associated with memories, habits, or a sense of security. That’s why it can be hard to part with them. However, freeing up space often helps to feel more in control of one’s life and reduces everyday stress levels.”
What Decluttering Gives
According to space organization specialists, getting rid of unnecessary items helps:
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find needed items faster;
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spend less time cleaning;
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reduce visual noise;
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lower anxiety levels;
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make the home cozier and more functional.
1. Start with a Small Area
The most common mistake is trying to declutter the entire apartment in one day.
Choose a small area: a desk drawer, a shelf, a nightstand, or part of a kitchen countertop. Declutter only that area. Even ten minutes of work will give a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue.
2. Move Gradually
Don’t set a goal to declutter the entire house over the weekend.
It’s better to allocate 10–15 minutes daily for this. Small steps turn out to be much more effective than rare cleaning marathons.
3. Ask Yourself the Right Questions
When picking up an item, ask yourself:
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Am I using this?
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Do I need this item right now?
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Does it make my life more convenient or enjoyable?
If the answer is no, it may be time to say goodbye to it.
4. Don’t Put Unnecessary Items Back
One of the most common traps is to gather items for disposal or donation and then put them back in the closet.
Prepare a bag in advance and try to take it out of the house or give it to those who will truly benefit from these items as soon as possible.
5. Discuss Changes with Loved Ones
If you don’t live alone, it’s important to talk to your family in advance.
Everyone has their own attitude towards things, so it’s better to make decisions together and respect each other’s personal boundaries.
6. Don’t Confuse Memories with Items
It’s especially difficult to part with sentimental items.
However, memories are not stored in old tickets, boxes, or souvenirs. They remain with us regardless of whether the item is on the shelf or not.
7. Enjoy the Process
Decluttering should not turn into a punishment.
Play your favorite music, pour yourself a cup of tea, and view this process as self-care for yourself and your home.
Expert Opinion on Space Organization
Home organization consultant Marina Alexeeva notes:
“A clean and organized home does not require perfection. It is much more important that each item has its place and is actually used. When the space becomes comfortable, we feel calmer and can handle everyday tasks more easily.”
Decluttering is not a battle with things but the creation of a comfortable living space. There’s no need to throw everything away at once or strive for perfect minimalism. It’s enough to regularly ask yourself: does this item really make my life better? Small steps will gradually free not only closets and shelves but also time, energy, and attention for what truly matters.
