• John Wilson
• January 11,2023

Decluttering doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process—and often, one that requires equal parts motivation and inspiration.

We may not be able to help you magically muster the energy to organize your closet or bring a load of boxes to the thrift store, but these inspiring quotes from design and organization experts may help with sparking the mindset you need to get started.

Now, who’s ready for some decluttering?

Sorry, this list is no longer accepting subscriptions.

“Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.” —Christina Scalise, “ Organize Your Life and More “

When you look at clutter, it’s easy to see just the physical: the tangible items that have accumulated in your pantry, closet, or cupboards. Yes, the mess itself can get annoying. But the real issue with clutter is deeper than what you can see. Understanding that clutter in your home is the fruit of unmade decisions (and, ultimately, procrastination) might be the kick in the pants you need to level up.

“You’ll never get organized if you don’t have a vision for your life.” —Linda L. Eubanks, Professional Organizer and Life Coach at Black Label Living Spaces

Decluttering your home isn’t just about the four walls you live in, but the context of your life. So it makes sense that to design a home you love, you would need to first define your overall vision. What kind of life do you want to live? How can the environment of your home facilitate it? Before digging into the physical clutter, take time to remember why you want your home to be de-cluttered in the first place.

“A simplified life means that what has to get done will get done. And when we pare down life to its simplest, most beautifully basic parts, we’re left with room to enjoy each other, to rest, and to truly savor life with all our hearts, minds, and spirits.” —Emily Ley, “ A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living “

Have you ever noticed how it’s difficult to be truly present in a messy, disorganized room? Think of decluttering as a process to facilitate rest and connection in your life. After all, tackling stacks of boxes and over-stuffed shelves will be a lot easier when you have an end goal in mind.

“Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.” —Marie Kondo, “ The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up “

One reason we avoid cleaning up and organizing? We have to take a closer look at our messes, and all they entail. According to Marie Kondo, while that process may feel overwhelming, it will only lead you to a better version of your home—not to mention a better version of yourself.

“Under the influence of clutter, we may underestimate how much time we’re giving to the less important stuff.” —Zoë Kim, “ Minimalism for Families: Practical Minimalist Living Strategies to Simplify Your Home and Life “

Have you ever thought about the role clutter actually plays in your home, besides simply taking up space? Understanding that having unnecessary items around will likely also mean spending time on time-wasting things might be the inspiration you need to spend some time decluttering.

“When home feels out of control, no matter what the reason, unsettledness and anxiety can seep in, and then the chaos becomes internal as well as external.” —Myquillyn Smith, “ Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff “

If you’ve ever felt unsettled in a room, you know how environment can affect your physical or mental state. Before the external clutter begins to take a toll on your internal state—not to mention your guests’—be vigilant about designing rooms that feel warm, welcoming, and settled.

“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” —Gretchen Rubin on her blog

Maybe you don’t consider yourself an “orderly” person. But just because your desk tends to be more cluttered than your co-worker’s doesn’t mean you’re exempt from the inner calm that comes from a little organization. If you’re lacking the drive you need to de-clutter at home or work, take some time to reflect on what you want your inner life to look like.

“Remember: you are not what you own. Storing all those books doesn’t make you any smarter; it just makes your life more cluttered.” —Francine Jay, “ The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life “

So many of us hold onto things because we too closely identify with them. If you have an emotional connection to the items you know you need to get rid of, remember: You are a composite of all the things you’ve ever experienced. Letting go of clutter doesn’t change who you are, or what you’ve been through.

“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” —Joshua Becker, “ The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life “

Building a home you love doesn’t start with mindlessly adding new decor or furniture. Before you can create that space (and life), you need a blank slate! If you’re in need of a fresh start in any arena of your life, figure out what you can eliminate before adding something new. You might be surprised how refreshed you feel!

“The question of what you want to own is also the question of how you want to live your life.” —Marie Kondo, “ The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up “

Remember: Everything in your home, whether you use it or not, serves a purpose. As you pare down your belongings (or just organize a drawer brimming with receipts and other papers), bear in mind that what you keep in your home will contribute to your overall quality of life. Don’t compromise on how you want to live based on what you think you should keep!