We spend much of our lives accumulating things. It usually starts with the first house we buy, filling each room with everything we consider precious or useful. Over time, we gather furniture, keepsakes, heirlooms, books, clothes, and various knick – knacks, and much more. Even when we buy something new to replace the old, we tend to hold on to the original item, just in case. And then there’s the broken stuff – those items we plan to repair one day or keep them for parts we never quite get around to using. Add to that the sentimental gifts and memories we can’t bear to part with, and before we know it, we are surrounded by clutter.

One of the best times to start the decluttering process is during the spring. Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to our  homes – it can also apply to our minds, helping us start fresh. As the flowers bloom and the weather gets warmer, the act of cleaning out unnecessary items can feel like a cleansing process. I was recently reading a study about clutter versus people with hoarding disorder and the difference is individuals with hoarding disorder don’t acknowledge their clutter as a problem. People with hoarding disorder usually attach great emotional value to their belongings which makes it more difficult for them to part with them.

I experienced something similar not too long ago when I decided to downsize my home. As I sifted through boxes filled with my children’s school projects – from Pre-K to high school – I had every intention of keeping theses “treasures” for them. When I asked my children, both of them told me they didn’t want any of it. It was a hard pill to swallow, it also reminded me: treasures to one person may not have the same value to someone else. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to throw away everything. I gave the boxes to my children, asking them to dispose of it however they saw fit. There were a few items they did keep, most were donated or discarded. As I let go, I realized the memories tied to these things were not in the objects themselves, but in the experiences they represented.

The act of decluttering is so much easier for our loved ones if we start early. Sorting through unused belongings before we are forced to, or before a crisis makes it necessary, ensures that our family isn’t left to deal with the overwhelming emotional and physical burden. Set reasonable goals by focusing on a room, one closet, or even one drawer at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if we try to tackle everything at once, but breaking the process down into small tasks makes it feel less daunting.

In the end, decluttering isn’t just about cleaning out your home; it’s about creating space – space to breathe, space to live, and space to reflect on the things that truly matter. Whether you are preparing for retirement, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or simply want to feel lighter, decluttering offers both a physical and emotional release. It’s not about getting rid of everything, it’s about keeping only the things that truly serve a purpose or bring joy, and letting go of the rest. In this process, we can live surrounded only by the things that truly matter.