BHG
Decluttering is hard. Even when you start motivated, the process eventually forces you to make decisions — what to keep, what to discard, and where to put things. For many people, including me, that decision-making is the toughest part.
I struggle with making choices. I hesitate over simple things like what to cook or what to wear, so sorting through belongings can feel overwhelming. Asking me to decide what to get rid of and where to store the rest can seem as daunting as performing brain surgery.
My indecision has sometimes stalled the decluttering process, and on worse days it even leads me to shop instead of sort. Bringing more things into the house when you haven’t cleared out what you already own only makes the problem bigger.
In reality, I don’t live among filth or chaos. Our home is generally clean and organized for daily life, but certain areas — the garage and some closets — still hold too many items that need attention. I’ve often put off dealing with them, finding one excuse after another.
Like many people, I’m not a hoarder. I’ve simply collected more than I need over time. Recognizing that has helped me change my habits: I’m learning to let go of things that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy and to donate items that could benefit others.
BHG
Common excuses I used to make — and how I’m overcoming them:
All the things. All the excuses.
Over the years I’ve improved. I’ve learned what triggers my procrastination and where my bad organizational habits hide. That awareness makes decisions easier. For instance, if I know I won’t restore an old piece of furniture, I no longer hold onto it in the garage “just in case.”
My home feels better for it. It’s not about perfection or a magazine-ready look — it’s about how the space feels. And when certain spots still stress me, I create a plan rather than letting them remain unresolved.
Clutter affects well-being, so I keep working toward a calmer, clutter-free home. The fewer belongings that demand constant decision-making, the easier it becomes to let go of things without overthinking. The alternative — keeping everything — is more stressful than making the choice to release it.
BHG
I don’t want to spend my life endlessly deciding what to do with things. I have other interests and I want my home to be a place of calm. Keeping only what I truly need, use, or love creates a sense of control and peace. When your possessions serve you rather than the other way around, your home becomes a restful place.
BHG
I’ve shared many organizing tips over the years. Start by decluttering, then add systems that work for your lifestyle. A few of my favorite posts and resources include:
The Secret to Getting Organized
A Bag A Day Keeps the Clutter Away
How to Get Organized in a Small House
How to Organize your House with Baskets and Containers
A Plan for Papers You Don’t Want to Lose
My Kitchen Pantry and Tips for Pantry Organization
Pretty and Functional Bathroom Storage Ideas
7 Ideas for Creative Master Closet Storage
Small Space Office Organization
5 Simple Ways to Get Organized
Organizing Entertaining Supplies
Organize Your House: A 12 Month Plan
5 Takeaway Tips from a Small Office
Organizing Your Most-Used House Project Tools
11 Ways to Spring Into Organizing
6 Tips to Kick Start Your Garage Organization
Organizing Craft Rooms and Wrapping Supplies: Small Space Ideas
More Inspiration for Craft Closet Organization
5 Minute Baking Drawer Organization: Using What You Have
Update: I compiled my failures, excuses, lessons, and successes into a book about decluttering and simplifying titled Make Room for What You Love.
Order Make Room for What You Love.
Pre-order my new book, releasing April 3 — Simple Organizing.
Downloadable printable quotes are available for readers who want a little inspiration in their home.