From Clutter to Clarity: A Guide to Decluttering Your Space and Mind

A room full of sentimental items, half-forgotten jewelry, and things that passed through different generations. They say every object holds a memory—good and bad, but how many of them do you truly need to carry into the new year? 

Each trinket feels like a leash, tying you to moments that no longer serve who you are. Perhaps it’s time to open those drawers, face the cluttered shelves, and ask the hard question: Does this bring me joy, or does it weigh me down? Does this still reflect who I am today and who I want to be in the future?

Many people find it difficult to let go of possessions because objects often represent people, places, and memories lacing the past into the present. Parting with them can feel like erasing a piece of who you are or forgetting moments that once mattered. But holding on too tightly can also weigh you down, leaving little room for growth and new experiences. 

Letting go isn’t a loss, it’s liberation. A chance to honor what was while making space for what could be, for the person you are becoming and the memories still waiting to be made.

January has passed, but it’s never too late. Any time is the perfect time to let go, reset, and reclaim space in both your home and your mind. Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Here are some simple, practical tips to make the process more manageable and even satisfying.

Step 1: Ask yourself, “Why?”

Begin by asking yourself: Why do I want to declutter? What kind of space or life am I aiming for? Having a clear purpose sets the foundation for the process, guiding your decisions and giving meaning to what you choose to keep or let go. Your “why” is the motivation that will keep you focused and intentional throughout the journey.

Step 2: Start Small

Be patient with yourself. You can’t expect to know exactly what to let go of right away. Begin with manageable areas, like a single drawer or a shelf, to build momentum and ease into the process. Starting small allows you to focus and gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 3: The Three-Way Box Method

Letting go doesn’t always mean tossing things in the trash. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but as Peter Walsh explains in his book It’s All Too Much, breaking it down into smaller and actionable steps.

Simplify your decision-making by using three boxes: one for items to keep, one for items to either be donated or for selling, and one for trash. This method helps you organize as you go and ensures that items you no longer need can still find a new purpose or home.

Step 4: Confront Emotional Hurdles

The “just in case” thought often lingers when decluttering, and that’s perfectly normal. For many Filipinos, the tendency to hoard items is rooted in a scarcity mindset, as we grew up with limited access to certain items. We fear that letting go of an object means losing the memory tied to it. To ease this, consider taking photos of the items you love but no longer use—it preserves the memory without taking up physical space.

And remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be a one-time event; make it a continuous practice to create a space that truly reflects your evolving life.

There’s freedom in letting go. The sense of clarity and the physical space it creates can transform your perspective. Letting go opens the door to new opportunities, hobbies, and even relationships, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in your life.

Encourage yourself to take the first step: What’s one thing you can let go of today to step into a lighter tomorrow? Letting go isn’t just about clearing physical space—it’s about unburdening your heart and creating room for what truly matters in life.

Myca Guevarra is a lifestyle and culture writer and a member of both the copyread department and social media committee. A fourth-year Journalism student at PUP Manila, she honed her skills as an intern at Village Pipol Magazine, where she covered makeup, lifestyle, movie reviews, and skincare branded content. Passionate about all things girly, Myca enjoys crafting engaging stories that celebrate beauty, trends, and pop culture.