Decluttering Out of Gratitude, Not Frustration

Decluttering often springs from a place of frustration. We don’t want to deal with all the stuff in our home that is bogging us down. And that’s fair!

However, when we stay in that negative headspace for too long, we can burn out quickly. The emotional exhaustion takes a toll, so we throw our hands in the air and give up. Besides, those marathon rage-decluttering sessions tend to only make things a bigger mess than when we started.

So here are five ways we can approach decluttering from a place of gratitude, which will keep our hearts lighter as we sift through all the excess.

1. Thank your past self for trying to take care of you by acquiring these items

You really thought these possessions would benefit you in some way when you let them into your home. Perhaps you’d make a different choice now, but past you was trying to look out for current you, and that’s something to be grateful for.

2. Find gratitude for what all of these items represent

The 200 dried out markers represent kids who are healthy and happy enough to color. The old souvenir shirt means you got to go on a fun vacation. The black cords in a bin mean you live in a world with electricity, which is pretty rad.

3. Express what you’re grateful for that is outside of the physical items, which makes letting go of the stuff easier

I’m grateful for the way cozy season makes me feel relaxed. I don’t need all the sweaters in order to get that feeling. I’m grateful for the friendships I made in college. I don’t need my old sorority garb in order to enjoy my friends.

4. Focus on how grateful you are for the items you’re choosing to keep

This is one of the best parts! Decluttering isn’t about what you’re getting rid of - it’s about what you’re intentionally choosing to keep! Why have you chosen to keep the more thoughtful, minimized “yes” pile? Those must be your absolute favorites if they’ve avoided being decluttered. Focus on the joy of keeping them!

5. Reflect on how grateful you’ll be to yourself for doing this work to give you the satisfaction and freedom when it’s done

I’m so grateful to myself after every decluttering session. I just open the drawer and stare. Or I walk into the closet and linger. It’s SUCH a good feeling! And now that my house is decluttered as a whole, I bask in that lighter feeling every single day. I’m so grateful I took the time to let go of all the stuff that didn’t matter. The stuff that caused me more housework. The stuff that stressed me out. 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, and lean into this mindset of gratitude in all your endeavors. It really does make life a lot more enjoyable!