Decluttering 1.01: Tips for Decision-Making
We’ve all been there — staring at a pile of stuff and wondering why we have it all, and whether we should say goodbye to any of the items. That high-quality scarf you brought home from a trip but never wore — is it really worth the precious space in your closet?
What about the dozens of spices in your kitchen cupboard? They’re not exactly going bad, just losing potency after a year or two of standing there — or so we tell ourselves.
For many people, decision-making is the hardest part of decluttering. It’s difficult to know if you truly need something — or if you’ve just forgotten it exists.
As a KonMari-certified organizing expert, I often return to the core concept of Sparking Joy: does owning this item make you happy? This rule works beautifully for most things — clothing, appliances, food items, children’s toys, etc.
But what about useful items to which we don't feel emotionally attached? Can those spark joy too?
Yes. A utilitarian item can spark joy if it makes your life easier or brings you satisfaction. What about that old stapler you use once a month? The storage bins from college that still keep your seasonal clothes neat and protected? Or the salad spinner that helps you eat more greens? These items spark joy because they serve you and help you achieve your goals. They spark joy even when they are a little worn down or not perfectly color-coordinated with the rest of your belongings.
The goal of decluttering is to let go of items that take up space without providing value — things that just sit there, requiring cleaning or rearranging without improving your life.
If the "Sparks Joy" question feels too abstract, here are some additional questions that can help you make more confident decluttering decisions.
The 1-Year Rule
Have you used the item within the last year? If not, it's probably time to part with it.
This guideline works especially well with clothing, décor, and hobby-related products. Clients often easily part with everyday items but struggle to say goodbye to hobby supplies or DIY projects they’ve lost interest in.
Pro Tip: you can’t get back the money you spent on those items, but you can break the cycle of guilt and self-judgment. Letting go of unfinished projects makes room for who you are today. We all change, and giving up interests from the past doesn't mean losing that part of yourself.
Admitting that painting, sculpting, or knitting is not for you will free you from negativity in the future. It's okay to change and outgrow your past hobbies, and it's okay to rethink your priorities. You don't need to keep all the things you used to be interested in to stay connected to your past self.
Would You Rebuy It Today?
Ask yourself: Would I consciously spend money on this right now without hesitation if I didn’t already own it? If the answer is no, then maybe it’s time to let it go.
Follow-up questions that can help:
Would I recommend this to someone I love?
Would I give it as a gift to a dear friend?
These are great for evaluating seemingly useful items that don’t actually work well, like hard-to-clean appliances or flimsy organizing systems that only add to the chaos and don't offer any value. I sometimes see DIY storage solutions that went viral on TikTok at my clients' houses, and some of them are useless and impractical.
Pro tip: Clutter doesn't start in storage; it starts at the moment of purchase.
The next time you’re shopping, online or in-store, ask yourself:
Where will I store this?
Do I have space for it?
Will I need to get rid of something to make room for it?
Do I already own something similar?
Can I borrow it first from someone and see if I really use it?
Asking these questions in advance will save you time and stress when it comes time to declutter, not to mention free up some storage space.
Read Also: 11 Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid
Are You Keeping It Out of Guilt?
We all have sentimental items that we inherited from older relatives, received as gifts, or are saving for our own children. These items are usually the most overlooked when it comes to decluttering. We automatically assume that anything we've stored away for years is valuable. The mere fact that some things have been in the family for years makes us assign value to them.
That said, if you take the time to open the drawers and sort through the boxes, you may come across items that are too damaged to keep or were never truly valuable to begin with. Approach this process with care, but don’t consider these items untouchable when it comes to decluttering.
Do You Have the Space for It?
Most of my clients live in apartments or small houses, so the available space dictates how many items they can comfortably fit inside. Overstuffed kitchen drawers usually mean that people keep buying things they already own. It also takes longer to cook in a kitchen where every cupboard is overflowing. It takes forever to get ready when our closets are in disarray.
I usually say that you can have anything you want, as long as every item has its place. At some point, a lack of storage becomes a problem, and that's when you have to start prioritizing decluttering. For example, if you have only one bookcase and no space for extra bookshelves, it’s time to go through your books and donate some.
Pro tip: Most people are precious about books, and I understand this because I love and cherish my personal library, too. However, most of us own a few books that we didn't like or appreciate. Some were gifts from loved ones or people we respect, and some we bought ourselves. When I go through bookshelves with my clients, there are usually at least three books per shelf that they are happy to give away. People are often hesitant about getting rid of books. However, you aren't betraying science or becoming less intelligent just because you want to give away a book or two.
Was This a Gift You Didn’t Like?
Ah, the awkwardness of unwanted gifts! It's one of the most sensitive areas of decluttering, and I encounter it all the time. But here’s the truth: A gift's purpose is fulfilled the moment it is given. After that, the recipient has the right to decide what happens to it.
Keeping something you dislike just because it came from someone you love doesn't benefit either of you. The people who care about you wouldn't want to burden you with their gift. It's important to cherish the moment a loved one gave you a gift—because that's where the true sentiment lies, not necessarily in the object itself. Ask yourself: would you be upset to learn that something you once gave someone is now causing them stress or discomfort? Most likely, you’d want them to feel free to let it go.
If you're having a hard time letting go, remember that you're not throwing away memories, love, or meaning — you're making room for clarity, peace, and the life you want to live now.
By asking the right questions, you can confidently keep what serves you and let go of what doesn’t, so decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
If you're ready to create more space, clarity, and calm in your home, book a personalized consultation with me, and we'll tackle the chaos together!
