WHY DECLUTTERING IS MORE DIFFICULT IF YOUR HOME IS REALLY SMALL

If you live in a small home, you’ll probably know that clutter can feel louder, more stressful and harder to ignore. There’s less room for things to hide, which means everyday items are often on show—and that can make even a small amount of clutter feel overwhelming.

It can also make decluttering feel more difficult especially if you already feel overwhelmed by where to start. You might not have the space to move things around, sort piles easily, or store items “just for now” while you decide what to keep. Everything has to work that little bit harder to earn its place.

At the same time, a small home doesn’t have to be completely clutter-free to feel good. You might still want it to feel cosy, lived-in and personal—just without the sense of heaviness or overcrowding. Often, it’s about finding that balance between comfort and space, keeping things light and airy while still making your home your own.

The good news is that the benefits of decluttering a small home can be even greater. When you learn how to declutter a small home in a way that suits your space, even small changes can have a big impact.

It might take a bit of patience to find what works for you, especially if space is limited—but it’s well worth it.

11 SIMPLE WAYS TO DECLUTTER A SMALL HOME

I was helping a friend declutter her small home recently and it really highlighted how different the process can feel when space is limited. We had to be more intentional with every item and more creative with how we used the space.

In this article, I’d like to share some tips we used and which may help you too.

Here are some simple, practical ways to help you make the most of your space and gently streamline your belongings.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with one small, visible area—like a surface, a drawer or a corner of a room—and build from there.

1. Maximise Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, your walls can become one of your most useful storage tools.

Using vertical space helps free up surfaces, reduces visual clutter and makes a room feel more open and breathable. Shelves, hooks and wall-mounted storage can make the whole room feel less crowded.

Try this:

• Add one shelf in a cluttered area
• Use hooks for items you reach for daily
• Look for ways to store upwards, not outwards

2. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture

In a small home, it helps if each item earns its place. Furniture that doubles up—like storage ottomans or beds with drawers—can reduce the need for extra pieces.

When everything has to work a bit harder, choosing multi-functional items can simplify your space without making it feel sparse. It’s about being intentional, rather than minimal for the sake of it.

Try this:

• Swap one item for a dual-purpose version
• Choose furniture with hidden storage
• Keep surfaces clearer by storing things inside

3. Streamline Your Wardrobe

A smaller wardrobe can be a quiet relief. Fewer clothes often means fewer decisions and less visual clutter.

In a small home, clothing can quickly take over if you’re not careful. Keeping only what you wear and enjoy helps your space feel lighter, while also making your daily routine easier.

Try this:

• Let go of what you didn’t wear this season
• Store out-of-season items elsewhere
• Keep what fits your life (and body!) right now

4. Digitise Your Belongings

Some things take up space without needing to. Papers, photos and even books can often be stored digitally instead.

This can be especially helpful when you don’t have much storage to begin with. It allows you to keep what matters, without everything needing a physical place in your home.

Try this:

• Scan important documents
• Store photos digitally
• Keep a small selection of meaningful originals

5. Create Zones

Even in a small space, it helps if each area has a purpose. A corner for working, a spot for relaxing—it doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional.

When everything is visible, having clear zones can stop your home from feeling muddled. It brings a sense of order, even if the space itself is limited.

Try this:

• Give each space a main purpose
• Use simple visual cues like lighting or rugs to designate the different zones
• Avoid overlapping too many functions as this can be confusing to the eye and brain

6. Use Under-Bed Storage

The space under your bed is easy to overlook, but it can be really useful. It’s ideal for things you don’t need every day but still want to keep.

Making use of hidden storage like this helps keep your main living areas clearer, which is especially important when everything else is on show.

Try this:

• Store seasonal or occasional items
• Use containers to keep it organised
• Avoid letting it become a dumping ground for hidden clutter

7. Rotate Decorations

You don’t need everything on display all the time. Rotating decorative items can help your space feel calmer and more intentional.

This is a simple way to keep your home feeling cosy without it becoming overcrowded. A little less on show often makes a space feel more open and restful.

Try this:

• Keep a small, curated selection out
• Store the rest neatly
• Change things with the seasons if you like

8. Keep What You Truly Use and Love

In a small home, every item has more presence, which is why decluttering a small home often comes down to being more selective about what you keep.

When everything has to earn its place, it becomes easier to let go of what no longer fits your life. That shift can make your home feel lighter, without losing its warmth.

Try this:

• Let go of items without guilt
• Keep what’s useful or meaningful
• Make space for what matters most

9. Make the Most of Your Storage Spaces

Cupboards and wardrobes can often hold more than we think, with a bit of structure. Simple organisers can help you use the space more effectively.

In a smaller home, good organisation makes a big difference. It helps you see what you have, use it more easily and avoid unnecessary duplicates.

Try this:

• Group similar items together
• Add simple dividers or baskets
• Make things easy to see and reach

10. Build a Small Daily Habit

In a small home, little resets go a long way. A few minutes each day can stop things from building up.

Because clutter is more visible, it’s often easier to stay on top of it with small, regular habits rather than occasional big clear-outs.

Try this:

• Do a quick 5-minute reset in the evening
• Put things back as you go
• Focus on one small area at a time

11. Look for Hidden Opportunities

Sometimes it’s not about having more space but using what you already have differently. Small shifts can make a surprising difference.

When space is limited, a bit of creativity can go a long way. Often, it’s about rethinking what you already have rather than adding more.

Try this:

• Notice unused spaces that you can put to good use
• Rethink where and how things are stored
• Keep solutions practical and simple – don’t worry about what looks good or is trendy right now

Bonus Tip!

One important thing to keep in mind when decluttering a small home. Don’t fall into the trap of organising instead of decluttering! Organising your stuff means you have the same amount of stuff but probably with more containers and storage solutions. So, always declutter before you organise.

CONCLUSION

Decluttering a small home can take a little more thought and patience, especially when space is limited. But the impact of even small changes can be surprisingly powerful.

When your home feels lighter and easier to manage, it doesn’t just change your space—it can change how you feel in it too.

Start small, keep it simple, and focus on what matters most to you—because decluttering a small home isn’t about having less, it’s about making your space work better for you.

And over to you… What’s one small change you could make today to create a bit more space?

MORE ON THIS TOPIC…

If you’d like a bit more support, you might find these helpful:

• How to Declutter Your Home Without Feeling Overwhelmed
• Why Decluttering Feels So Hard (And What Helps)
• How to Create a Calm and Clutter-Free Home
• Decluttering Tips for When You Have No Time

And if you’d like more structured support, my Clear Your Clutter Workbook walks you through the process in a calm, realistic way, helping you simplify your home at your own pace. Click here to learn more about Clear Your Clutter.

GRAB YOUR FREE CHECKLIST

If it helps, start with something simple. A checklist can make the process feel more manageable and give you a clear place to begin. You can download my Declutter Any Room in Your Home Checklist for step-by-step guidance and ideas to get started.

Just pop your details in the box below…

The post 11 Simple Ways to Declutter a Small Home appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

INTRODUCTION

Does your mind feel constantly busy, overwhelmed or unable to switch off?

Clutter isn’t just the physical stuff in our homes. It can also show up as mental and emotional clutter — racing thoughts, too many decisions, endless To Do lists and that feeling of always being “on.”

If you’re feeling overloaded, learning how to declutter your mind can help you feel calmer, clearer and more in control of your day.

In this article, I’m sharing 24 simple and realistic ways to declutter your mind so you can create more clarity and peace in your daily life.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated in April 2026 to include more practical tips and a clearer structure to help you declutter your mind more easily.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What mental clutter is and why it happens
• Common signs your mind feels overwhelmed
• Simple ways to declutter your mind quickly
• Long-term habits to support a calmer, clearer mind
• How to start decluttering your mind in a way that feels manageable

WHAT IS MENTAL CLUTTER?

Mental clutter is anything that takes up unnecessary space in your mind and makes it harder to think clearly, focus or feel calm.

Many of us carry this kind of mental load without even realising it.

It can show up as:

• Too many thoughts competing for your attention
• Unfinished tasks or decisions weighing on your mind
• Worry, overthinking or negative thought patterns
• Constant distractions and information overload

Just like physical clutter in your home, mental clutter builds up over time. And when your mind feels full, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, distracted and mentally drained.

SIGNS YOUR MIND FEELS CLUTTERED

If you’re not sure whether your mind is feeling cluttered, here are some common signs:

• You feel overwhelmed or mentally exhausted
• You struggle to focus or stay on task
• Your thoughts feel busy, scattered or hard to control
• You find it difficult to switch off or relax
• You overthink decisions, even small ones
• You feel irritable, anxious or emotionally drained
• You have trouble sleeping because your mind won’t settle

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone — and the good news is that there are simple ways to gently clear that mental clutter.

WHAT DOES CLUTTER MEAN TO YOU?

Whenever we think about clutter, most of us usually focus on our physical stuff. Personal belongings, items around the home, the boxes dumped in the attic and so on. However, there are so many other types of clutter that fills our lives in different ways.

The Collins Dictionary defines clutter as ‘a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not useful or necessary.’

So, when you think about it, clutter could actually be anything that’s not useful or necessary… and that doesn’t just apply to the physical clutter in your home.

Clutter could be:

• Too many appointments in your diary making you feel overstretched and overwhelmed
• Too many tasks on your To Do list so you’re not able to complete them all, let alone identify the urgent or important ones
• Too many decisions on what to cook for dinner especially when you’re tired and hungry at the end of the day
• Too many emails sitting in your inbox so you can’t find the one you’re looking for or miss an important email that requires actioning
• Too many subscriptions to pay for memberships, activities or items that you don’t use but which cost you money

And, of course, the topic of this post… Too much stuff going on in your mind!

CLUTTER ISN’T JUST THE STUFF YOU CAN SEE

As you can see, clutter isn’t just dealt with by going through your home and getting rid of things that you don’t love, don’t need and don’t add value.

There are some far less visible forms of clutter that can have an impact on us mentally and emotionally.

If you’re curious about other types of less visible clutter in your own life, you might enjoy this article for 10 things to declutter that aren’t actual things.

We might not instantly think about them like we do the stuff that we see (aka clean, tidy, trip over, move around) every day. They don’t get in our way and we don’t see them every day to remind us of their presence. However, they’re still there. They can weigh on our minds and contribute to our stress, frustration, anxiety, mental health and physical wellbeing and give us a general feeling of lack of peace and fulfilment.

So, if this is resonating with you, keep reading! I’d like to share some ideas on how to declutter your mind, lessen your stress and create more peace…

MY OWN STORY

When I was brainstorming for this post, I began thinking back to my own journey into simple living.

I’d had enough of being a frazzled, working mum. I’d had enough of juggling all the balls and running myself into the ground in an effort not to drop one.

I wanted to enjoy my kids, spend time with them and have time for myself too. I wanted to try new things instead of slumping on the sofa each evening, too exhausted to do anything but still with a mountain of laundry to wade through before I could go to bed that night.

My first experiment in simplifying my life was actually decluttering my clothes.

Importantly, this little project gave me my first insight into what a difference less clutter could make to my daily life and it wasn’t long before I started decluttering other aspects of my life.

Aside from working towards a decluttered home, I put in place some regular and healthy self-care routines, I guarded my calendar and my time like it was the most precious resource in the world and wow, what a difference I felt!

I felt lighter, happier, less stressed and overwhelmed and much, much more ready for and excited by life!

I began to realise that looking after my mind was such an important aspect of my health and self-care routine.

Not only did I feel better, more present and more calm but I was also a better mother, wife, friend, employee and person.

In a nutshell, I now prioritise looking after my mind and mental health daily as part of my own self-care routine because I feel so much better when I’m in a better place, physically and emotionally!

If you feel you’d like to prioritise looking after your own mind, here are 24 ideas on how to declutter your mind for less stress, more clarity and peace…

HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR MIND

Try these 24 intentional ways to clear a cluttered mind for less stress, more clarity and more peace. There’s no single “right” way to declutter your mind. What works will depend on your lifestyle, your responsibilities and what feels manageable for you right now.

The ideas below are simple, flexible and designed to help you create more space and calm in a way that works for you.

Quick Ways to Declutter Your Mind (fast relief)

These are simple ways to create immediate mental space when your mind feels full.

1. Brain dump

Get your thoughts out of your head and write them down onto paper where you can see them clearly, prioritise and action them. Swirling, jumbled thoughts which just clutter your mind aren’t any use to you at all. Check out my post on how to brain-dump to declutter your mind.

2. Write things down

Stop cluttering your mind with the minute details of your daily life. Keep a notebook handy and jot your reminders, tasks and random thoughts down there instead of storing them in your brain.

Alternatively, use the notes on your phone or Trello (a brilliant piece of software with an app that’s easy to use and quick to keep notes on). I’m not an affiliate, just a big fan of it!

3. Reduce decisions

It’s estimated that the average adult makes around 35,000 decisions each day! Reduce the number of decisions you make each day to free up some valuable mental energy and avoid decision fatigue. Try meal planning or decluttering your clothes so you’ll make it easier knowing what to eat and wear each day! That’s at least a couple of decisions sorted!

4. Limit your screen time

Don’t stay glued to the computer screen, TV or any other devices without keeping an eye out for how long you’re using them. Many of us use screens for work so explore other ways to relax in your leisure time. Read books, listen to podcasts, play boardgames, take up a sport, start baking…

Turn off the glare and the visual distraction that disturbs our peace and quiet and stimulates our brain so we can’t sleep at night.

Silence those noisy alerts, pings and notifications every now and then so you can give your mind a rest. Although reminders are helpful, it’s easy to feel on a constant state of alert or like you have to be doing something when your phone is bleeping away at you all the time.

Tune out of social media and tune into your world instead. Heavy social media use isn’t good for our mental health and has been linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Although it can be great for information and inspiration, be aware of how you could use social media more mindfully.

Daily Habits for a Calmer Mind

These small, consistent habits help support your mind day-to-day.

5. Take daily exercise

Not only is it good for our bodies to be active, but exercise has some great benefits for our mental health. It gives us time to think. I know some of my best ideas come to me whilst I’m out for my daily walk with the dog and if I need to clear my head for any reason, a walk in nature usually does the trick. It helps us sleep better, encourages a healthy appetite and releases feel-good chemicals to benefit body and brain.

Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy, fits in with your lifestyle and your physical ability and that you can do regularly and keep up. Block out a time of day for your exercise and build it in to your daily routine.

6. Build healthy habits

Develop healthy daily habits that support you physically and emotionally. For example, check your eating patterns, opt for healthy food and diet choices, make space for self-development and learning new things, develop mutually supportive relationships, don’t go to bed too late and wonder why you hit the snooze button in the morning!

Habits are the building blocks of an easier life and help us make changes that will stick. If you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, it’s often a sign that you and your life are out of sync with each other. In this article we’ll look at how you can use goal-setting to bring about big change, but maybe some smaller tweaks are more practical and effective for a quick fix? Check out these healthy habits for your daily routine for some more ideas.

7. Get plenty of sleep

Your body needs sleep to recharge and rejuvenate. You expect a lot from your body every day, so be kind to it and give it what it needs with a structured evening routine and plenty of sleep. And, it isn’t just your body that needs rest, it’s your brain too. There is a close relationship between mental health and sleep so if you’re feeling frazzled and fuzzy, then it might be a good idea to look at how your sleep might be affecting you.

8. Your self-care routine

Practice good, regular self-care in whatever way that means for you. We know that self-care is important, we know it’s more than just warm baths and cups of tea and we also know that self-care for our mind is just as important as self-care for the body.

The bit that most of us struggle with however, is finding time for self-care and remembering to make it a priority when so much of the rest of our day and life also feels like a priority too. This is where many of us get stuck. We know what we need to do but we can’t find the time or space (in the diary or our mind) to make it happen.

If this is something you struggle with too, then I have a couple of suggestions:

1. Try these self-care tips which take just 10 minutes or less
2. Take a look at my Self-Care Toolkit and see if it could be helpful to you

9. Create moments of quiet

Our minds are constantly processing information — conversations, notifications, background noise, responsibilities and thoughts about what’s next.

One simple way to declutter your mind is to intentionally create small moments of quiet throughout your day.

This doesn’t have to mean sitting in silence for long periods. It could be:

• Sitting with a cup of tea without your phone
• Driving without the radio on
• Stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air
• Pausing between tasks instead of rushing straight into the next one

These small pockets of quiet give your mind space to rest, process and reset — something that’s often missing in a busy, noisy world.

Mindset Shifts to Reduce Mental Clutter

These focus on how you think and process what’s going on internally.

10. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to be present, to rest in the here and now, fully engaged with whatever we’re doing in the moment. Keep focused on one task and fulfil it to the best of your ability. It doesn’t matter whether it’s eating chocolate, mindfully decluttering your home, or preparing for a work presentation! As Jim Elliot quotes “Wherever you are, be all there.”

Mindfulness helps us be aware of and work through our current thoughts and frame of mind so that we can notice, understand and deal with them instead of being overwhelmed by them.

11. Practice meditation

Meditation is good for the mind because it encourages us to centre our thoughts, focus on the present and feel calmer and more peaceful in the moment.

Meditation takes practice and I must admit, it’s something that I struggle with myself! Yet, perseverance pays off and I’ve found that the guided meditations available on the internet are wonderful in helping me get into the right frame of mind.

I used to think that meditation required a totally quiet home, a perfect place in which to sit, a mat and cushion on the floor and half an hour of free time. Maybe this is why it always felt unrealistic and difficult. I’ve now discovered that I can use spare minutes of time to meditate, choosing a safe space wherever I am and just close my eyes and focus. If I have a few minutes in the car whilst waiting for my kids, or at my desk in my lunch break, or just sitting on my sofa at home, I’ve found I can use the time to meditate if I want or need.

12. Stop or reduce multitasking

Multitasking is bad for the brain. Every time we switch from one task to another, we become more distracted, lose focus and concentration. Not only is this frustrating and not good for our productivity but it also makes us feel that we have to split our attention and do ‘all the things’ and all at the same time. Multitasking is also not good for our stress levels, anxiety or feelings of worth if we put pressure on ourselves to get everything done and done to a high standard.

I know that busy life often requires us to multitask every now and then. I’m trying to do it even now writing this article as I’ve just remembered something I forgot to do at work! However, as far as possible, do one thing and finish it before you move onto the next. This helps build a sense of achievement and encouragement. Keep a notebook handy, or the Notes on your phone and just jot down whatever else comes to mind and come back to it later when you’ve finished what you’re doing now.

Check out my post for other time management tips which you might find helpful.

13. Address negative thoughts

Negative thought patterns can be confusing and unconstructive. Take steps to shift your mindset and deal with patterns of behaviour and thinking which don’t serve you well such as perfectionism and procrastination.

Keep a diary or some kind of record whenever you notice your thinking becoming negative or intrusive. Over time you can build up a sense of how your thoughts might be affecting your days and your life. What thoughts come to mind most often, is there a trigger for them, how do you deal with them?

Some examples of negative thoughts could be feeling out of control, over-anxious, that you’re not worthy, jumping to conclusions, over-generalisation, self-blame, thinking that we ‘should’ or ‘must’ do something, making excuses and catastrophising and thinking the worst will happen.

One of the ways in which I overcome intrusive and negative thoughts is by using positive affirmations to reframe my thoughts. We are what we believe and the more you say something to yourself, the more you believe it to be true. Try these positive morning affirmations to help you address negative thoughts.

14. Let things go

To quote Richard Carlson, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Pick your battles, let the unimportant slide and focus on the bigger picture.

15. Don’t waste your time

Your time is perhaps the most limited resource you have. I’m not saying you have to be productive and achieving things every second of the day because, of course, we all need down-time to relax. Think about the things that waste your time during the day and see if you recognise any of these classic time-wasters?! Prioritise the important, learn to be efficient and effective and use the time you do have wisely.

Although this is a productivity tip, lack of time and rushing is a common way to stress ourselves out and feel overwhelmed. Thinking about the time you have and where you waste it, could be a great way to carve out more time in your day to give yourself less stress and more ease.

16. Journaling

Writing your thoughts down on paper can be a relaxing and cathartic way of exploring your emotions, both good and bad. Check out these journaling resources if you’d like to know more about journaling and how to get started if you’re new to the practice.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Clarity

These shape your overall life and environment to support lasting mental clarity.

17. Prioritise your To Do list

Don’t overload your list with so many tasks that you end up achieving nothing apart from stressing yourself out. Choose just a few things, say 3 for example, to do each day and make sure you get them done.

You can always keep a separate list to add to for tomorrow if today’s list is becoming too long and unrealistic. Keep another list handy of things you need to remember or think through if you need to get things out of your head and on to paper (always helpful for decluttering your mind).

Here are some more tips on writing a simple, strategic To Do list.

18. Find time for you

As well as carving out more time in general, don’t underestimate the importance of looking after yourself and giving YOURSELF some time. That’s time to do whatever you feel like doing, from reading a book to learning karate. I bet much of your day is spent doing things for other people, so find a few minutes each day to do something just for you.

Time for you isn’t selfish or a luxury, it’s a way to give yourself breathing space in a busy day. It doesn’t have to be hours at a time or be very complicated. Even just 10 minutes with a cup of tea can help you focus on yourself and your thoughts instead of what’s going on around you.

19. Set intentional goals

Create some goals to give you direction and focus in life. Flying by the seat of your pants or being buffered by the strong winds of life are ok now and then. Yet, if you want things to happen in life and create a good life that supports you and your family, then you might benefit from a few goals to keep you going in the right direction and a plan to achieve them.

Goals give us focus, something to work towards and they help us make changes that are right for us. So, if your mind is feeling fuzzy and you’ve got too much going on that you can’t think straight, maybe it’s time to work out what you can change and how you’re going to make that happen. Here are some tips on how to set goals that matter, or perhaps it’s time to reset your life?

20. Work-life balance

Watch the number of hours you put in at work as much as possible and find ways to balance home life with work. Family time, time for hobbies, time for you. They’re all important. Look out for signs that your work-life balance is out of sync and try to do something about it before it runs you down.

21. Practice slow living and being less busy

Keep an eye on your schedule and if you feel it’s getting too busy and you’ve no time to catch your breath, don’t be afraid to cancel or postpone things. Create free time to lessen the pressure, give yourself some wiggle room for emergencies, doing things on a whim and appointments that overrun and just enjoy doing whatever you want every now and then. Embrace the benefits of slow living and being less busy.

22. Declutter your home

No post of mine would be complete without reference to decluttering! There are plenty of reasons to declutter your home, create some space, make it easier to look after your home and give yourself more time, energy and freedom to look after yourself!

Every item in your home sends out messages. Do those messages make you feel good or bad? Is it guilt for buying something you don’t need, overwhelm because you have too much stuff to look after comfortably? Even your potted plants remind you to water them! What messages does your stuff send out to you?

Your home can be your calm place, a retreat and sanctuary from the busy world, an inviting and welcoming space for you and your family and to invite guests back to.

A cluttered outer environment leads to a cluttered inner environment so declutter your mind by decluttering your home.

23. Enjoy nature

Nature has such a calming influence. Get outdoors as much as possible, look at the trees and flowers, feel the wind and sun on your skin and breathe in the fresh air.

24. Learn to switch off at night

Learning how to declutter your mind at night is also a useful tool but it can take practice and preparation. Create a soothing evening routine and a peaceful bedroom to help you wind down, physically and psychologically.

Try this: Check out this TED article (with video) from Ryder Carroll (creator of the Bullet Journal) on how to declutter your mind. 

HOW TO START DECLUTTERING YOUR MIND (WITHOUT OVERWHELM)

If your mind already feels full, the last thing you need is a long list of things to do.

Instead, start small and keep it simple:

• Do a brain dump today to clear your thoughts onto paper
• Choose just 3 priorities for tomorrow
• Reduce one source of noise (notifications, emails or commitments)
• Add one small calming habit, like a short walk or 10 minutes of quiet time

You don’t need to do everything at once. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference over time.

FAQs ABOUT DECLUTTERING YOUR MIND

Here are some frequently asked questions about decluttering your mind. I hope they help in case you were wondering too!

1. How do I declutter my mind quickly?

Start with a brain dump. Writing everything down helps clear mental space quickly and gives you clarity on what needs your attention.

2. What causes mental clutter?

Mental clutter can be caused by stress, too many commitments, lack of rest, information overload and unprocessed thoughts or emotions.

3. Can decluttering your home help your mind?

Yes. A cluttered environment can contribute to a cluttered mind. Creating a calmer physical space often supports mental clarity too.

4. Why does my mind feel so full all the time?

This often happens when you’re juggling too many responsibilities without enough time to rest, reflect or reset.

IN SUMMARY

In this guide, we’ve explored different ways to support a less cluttered mind, including:

Quick ways to create immediate mental space
Simple actions like brain dumping, writing things down, reducing decisions and limiting screen time can help clear your head when things feel overwhelming.

Daily habits for a calmer mind
Small, consistent habits such as exercise, sleep, self-care and creating moments of quiet can support your mental wellbeing over time.

Mindset shifts and mental practices
Practices like mindfulness, journaling, letting things go and addressing negative thoughts can help you process what’s going on internally and feel more grounded.

Lifestyle changes for long-term clarity
Looking at your time, commitments, home environment and overall pace of life can help you build a life that feels less rushed, less noisy and more aligned with what matters to you.

You don’t need to try everything at once. Start with one or two small changes that feel manageable and build from there.

Decluttering your mind is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix — and even the smallest shifts can make a meaningful difference to how you feel each day.

Decluttering your mind isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about creating a little more space, a little more calm and a little more clarity, one small step at a time.

HOW MINDSET SHIFTS SUPPORT A CLEARER MIND

Decluttering your mind isn’t just about getting your thoughts out of your head or organising what’s already there.

It’s also about how you think in the first place.

Patterns like overthinking, perfectionism, self-doubt or constantly comparing yourself to others can all contribute to mental clutter and make your mind feel busier than it needs to be.

As you begin to clear space in your mind, it can be helpful to also look at the underlying mindset that shapes your thoughts, decisions and daily habits.

If you’d like to explore this further, you might find this helpful:

14 Essential Mindset Shifts to Simplify Your Life and Reduce Overwhelm

By combining practical ways to declutter your mind with supportive mindset shifts, you can create more clarity, calm and focus in your everyday life.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!

I hope these ideas on how to declutter your mind give you some food for thought. I chose these tips because I think they’re realistic and manageable for most of us to incorporate into our daily life.

Pick the ones that appeal to you and find what works best for you as part of a regular self-care routine for your body and mind.

What do you do to clear the clutter from your mind? How do you know when your mind is cluttered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

FURTHER RESOURCES ON DECLUTTERING AND SIMPLIFYING

Here are some more articles and resources which you might find helpful:

• How Minimalism Can Help Highly Sensitive People – Are you a Highly Sensitive Person feeling overwhelmed by busy life and the outside world? In this article I’m sharing some gentle tips on how minimalism can help Highly Sensitive People find more peace, calm and space at home and in life.
• Slow Decluttering: The Benefits of Decluttering Slowly – Today’s world seems to be about getting things done quick. We want the easiest hack to getting what we want in the fastest way possible but I’m not sure that this is always the best approach. In this article we look at slow decluttering and the benefits of decluttering slowly for a clutter-free home and life that’s more likely to stay like that!
• How to Declutter Your Home and Life – Clearing clutter is often the first step to creating a simpler life, with more time, more ease and less stress. Decluttering isn’t always easy but this guide provides some helpful tips on how to declutter your home and life and make space for what matters most to you.

The post How to Declutter Your Mind for Clarity and Peace appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR UNFINISHED PROJECTS?

Do you ever feel like you have lots of things “on the go” but nothing quite finished?

A half-decluttered cupboard. A project you meant to come back to. A growing list of small tasks that never quite get crossed off.

It’s a quiet kind of overwhelm—the kind that doesn’t always shout but lingers in the background of your day.

You might sit down to relax, only to remember something you haven’t finished. Or try to focus on one task, while three others quietly compete for your attention.

If you often feel pulled in different directions, this guide on time management can help you focus your attention more intentionally

And, if this sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong. Life is full and it’s easy to move on to the next thing before the last one is complete.

But those unfinished tasks don’t just disappear.

They take up space in your mind, drain your energy and make it harder to feel calm and focused. Just like physical clutter in our homes, unfinished tasks create mental clutter.

The good news? You don’t need to do more. You simply need to gently shift your focus towards finishing what you’ve already started.

Because when you begin closing the loops in your life, everything starts to feel lighter, clearer and more manageable.

WHY FINISHING WHAT YOU START MATTERS

Unfinished tasks have a way of quietly following you around.

Even when you’re not actively thinking about them, they create a subtle sense of pressure—like something is still “open” in the background.

This can affect your productivity, your focus and even your ability to rest.

Closing those loops isn’t about perfection or doing everything at once. It’s about reducing that mental clutter so you can move forward with more clarity and ease.

1. Start by Noticing What’s Unfinished

Before you can close the loops, you need to see them.

Many unfinished tasks sit quietly in the background, unacknowledged but still taking up mental space.

Bringing them into awareness helps you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Try this:

• Take a few minutes to notice what feels “unfinished” in your life
• Write it down without judgement or pressure
• Let this be a simple brain dump, not a to-do list

2. Understand the Hidden Cost of Open Tasks

Every unfinished task holds a little bit of your attention.

Individually, they might not feel like much. But together, they can feel heavy and distracting.

This is often why you can feel overwhelmed, even on quieter days.

Try this:

• Choose one small, lingering task you’ve been putting off
• Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and focus only on that
• Notice how it feels to complete something, however small

3. Start Small to Build Momentum

When everything feels unfinished, it’s tempting to try and fix it all at once.

But small steps are far more effective—and sustainable.

Each completed task builds momentum and makes the next one easier.

Try this:

• Pick one task that feels easy or quick to complete
• Focus on finishing it fully before moving on
• Let that small win carry you forward

4. Create a Simple “Close the Loop” List

Not everything needs your attention right now—but it still helps to see what’s open.

A simple, focused list can give you clarity without overwhelm.

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about knowing what’s there.

Try this:

• Write a short list of 5–10 unfinished tasks or projects
• Keep it realistic and manageable
• Work through it slowly, one task at a time

5. Finish Before You Start Something New

One of the simplest ways to reduce overwhelm is to pause before beginning something else.

Ask yourself whether you can complete what you’re already doing first.

Even doing this occasionally can help you feel more focused and in control.

Try this:

• Before starting something new, check if something else is nearly done
• Take a few minutes to finish it if you can
• Notice how this supports your focus and calm

6. Let Go of What No Longer Matters

Not every unfinished task deserves your time or energy.

Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is decide—gently—to let something go.

This is still a form of closure.

Try this:

• Look at your list and ask, “Does this still matter?”
• Give yourself permission to let go of anything that doesn’t
• Cross it off with intention, not guilt

7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Completion

If you only focus on what’s left to do, it’s easy to feel like you’re always behind.

But recognising what you have finished builds motivation and confidence.

Progress matters just as much as completion.

Try this:

• At the end of the day, write down 3 things you’ve completed
• Keep it simple and realistic
• Let yourself feel a sense of quiet accomplishment

HOW CLOSING THE LOOPS APPLIES TO DECLUTTERING

Closing the loops is especially powerful when it comes to decluttering your home.

So often, decluttering is left half-finished—a drawer sorted but not put back properly, a pile set aside to deal with later, a room that’s “in progress” for weeks.

These unfinished spaces can feel just as mentally heavy as unfinished tasks.

They act as visual reminders of what still needs doing, making it harder to fully relax in your home.

When you focus on completing small decluttering projects—from start to finish—you create a sense of calm and order much more quickly.

Even something as simple as fully finishing one drawer (clearing, sorting and putting everything back) can feel far more satisfying than starting several areas and finishing none.

If you’re decluttering your home, this 2-minute rule can help you actually finish what you start.

If you’re struggling with unfinished decluttering projects I’d love for you to try out my Clear Your Clutter Workbook. It’s a practical and realistic guide to decluttering your home, step-by-step. The individual room decluttering checklists will help you start decluttering a room – and finish it! Click here to learn more about Clear Your Clutter.

CONCLUSION

Closing the loops in your life isn’t about becoming perfectly productive or getting everything done.

It’s about creating a little more space in your mind.

A little more calm in your day.

A little more clarity about what truly matters.

You don’t need to rush. You don’t need to do everything at once.

Just start with one small loop—and close it.

And over to you… Do you have any unfinished tasks quietly sitting in the background of your life? Which one small thing could you finish today? I’d love to know—sometimes sharing it makes it feel that little bit more doable.

This article is inspired by an email from one of my regular readers. If you have any topics that you’d like me to write about, please get in touch with me at hello@balancethroughsimplicity.com. It helps me to help you!

WHAT TO READ NEXT…

Here are some articles you might find helpful:

• How to be More Consistent to Get Things Done
• 12 Ways to Get Motivated to Declutter Your Home
• How Reverse Decluttering Can Help You Get Rid of Stuff More Easily
• How Atomic Habits Help Us Make Lasting Changes in Life

The post Closing the Loops: 7 Simple Ways to Feel Focused, Calm and Productive appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

WHY START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL?

Life moves so fast, doesn’t it? It’s easy to get caught up in to-do lists, deadlines, and worries, and forget to pause and notice the good stuff around us. That’s exactly why a gratitude journal is so wonderful. Spending just a few minutes each day writing down what you’re thankful for can really brighten your outlook, calm your mind, and bring more joy into your everyday life. It’s a small habit with a surprisingly big impact.

I started keeping a gratitude journal a few years ago, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. On hectic or stressful days, just flipping through my little list of things I’m grateful for—big or tiny—instantly lifts my mood. It’s helped me feel more positive and upbeat because I’m noticing all the good things in my life, instead of dwelling on the stuff that goes wrong. And it’s brilliant for perspective: when I see how much I already have to be thankful for, the little annoyances shrink and life just feels… lighter.

7 Reasons to Start a Gratitude Journal Today

Here are 7 reasons to start your own gratitude journal today.

I’ve given you some ‘try this’ suggestions so you can start to build your own habits for a gratitude journal. I hope you find them helpful!

1. Boosts Your Mood

Writing down what you’re grateful for nudges your brain to focus on the positive side of life. Over time, it really can make you feel more upbeat and cheerful. When you actively notice the little wins and simple pleasures, your mindset shifts naturally from what’s missing to what’s already there. This positive focus can leave you feeling a bit lighter and more energised each day.

Try this: Each evening, jot down three things that made you smile—big or small.

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Taking a few quiet minutes to reflect on what’s going well helps you pause and breathe. Gratitude journaling gently shifts your attention from worries to what’s working, helping calm your mind. Over time, it becomes a tool you can lean on when life feels overwhelming, making challenges feel more manageable.

Try this: When you’re feeling stressed, write down one thing you’re thankful for—maybe about your health, a kind gesture, or a personal achievement.

3. Improves Sleep

Thinking about what you’re grateful for before bed is a lovely way to settle your mind. Instead of tossing and turning, your thoughts focus on the good stuff, helping you drift off more peacefully. It’s a simple bedtime habit that can make your evenings feel calmer and your sleep more restful.

Try this: Keep your gratitude journal on your bedside table and write down a few things that made you happy today before turning off the light.

4. Strengthens Relationships

Noticing and appreciating the people in your life can bring you closer together. When you see and record how others make your life better, it often inspires kind words and gestures in return. Over time, this simple habit can nurture stronger, warmer, more meaningful connections with friends, family, and colleagues.

Try this: Once a week, write down one person you’re grateful for and why—then, if you like, tell them too!

5. Encourages Mindfulness

Gratitude journaling helps you slow down and notice the little details in your life that often go unnoticed. It encourages you to be present, to really savour the moment. Over time, this practice can bring more awareness, patience, and a sense of calm to your everyday life.

Try this: Each morning, notice one small thing around you—a smell, a sound, or a view—and jot it down in your journal.

6. Cultivates a Positive Perspective

Regularly focusing on what’s good trains your brain to see the silver linings, even in tricky situations. It helps you feel more resilient and bounce back from setbacks faster. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, you start naturally noticing lessons, opportunities, and joyful moments.

Try this: When something frustrating happens, write down one small positive you can take from it, or a lesson it taught you.

7. Helps Track Personal Growth

Over time, your gratitude journal becomes a beautiful record of all the good in your life. Looking back at past entries reminds you of what matters most and how far you’ve come. It’s a gentle, encouraging way to celebrate progress, appreciate your journey, and keep perspective on the little joys that shape your life.

Try this: At the end of each month, read through your entries and notice patterns, themes, or moments that make you feel happy and fulfilled.

CONCLUSION

Starting a gratitude journal is such a simple habit, but its benefits are surprisingly big. From lifting your mood and easing stress to helping you see life’s bright side, it’s a tiny daily act that can make a lasting difference. The best part? It takes only a few minutes, but the ripple effect of positivity can last all day—and beyond.

And over to you… Have you tried keeping a gratitude journal before? Or is it something you’re curious to start? I’d love to hear how it has—or could—make a difference in your life. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post 7 Powerful Reasons to Start a Gratitude Journal appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

I don’t know about you but I sometimes feel that life gets busy and complicated without me noticing. I can find myself out-of-sorts, tired and a little bit frustrated and then wonder how I ended up feeling that way.

It usually comes down to the fact the clutter in our everyday life tends to want to build up, just like the clutter in our homes. We sometimes need to do a maintenance declutter to get things back to how we like and need them.

That’s why I love the idea of spring-cleaning my life and that’s the topic of today’s article.

10 SIMPLE WAYS TO SPRING-CLEAN YOUR LIFE

There’s something about spring that invites a slower, more intentional pace. A quiet nudge to open the windows, let in fresh air, and take stock of how life is really feeling — not just how it looks on the surface.

And the good news? You don’t need a complete life overhaul to feel better. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference over time. So instead of doing everything at once, just pick one or two ideas below and start there.

1. Create a vision for your life

Before you start changing anything, it helps to know what you’re moving towards.

When life feels cluttered or overwhelming, it’s often because we’re reacting to everything around us instead of intentionally choosing what we want our days to look like. A clear vision doesn’t have to be perfect or detailed — it just needs to give you a gentle sense of direction and purpose.

If you’re not sure where to begin, you might find it helpful to download my free Life Visioning PDF. Pop your details in the box at the end of the article and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

It gently guides you through what matters most to you and how you want your life to feel — not just what you think you should be doing.

Try this:

• Set aside 20 quiet minutes with a cup of tea and no distractions
• Ask yourself: What do I want more of in my life right now?
• Focus on how you want to feel, not just what you want to achieve

2. Declutter one small space

You don’t need to tackle your whole home to feel the benefits of decluttering.

Clutter can feel overwhelming because it builds up gradually and quietly. By focusing on one small space at a time, you make the process feel lighter, more manageable and far less daunting — and you still get that satisfying sense of progress.

Small wins build momentum.

Try this:

• Set a 10-minute timer and see what you can do
• Remove anything you don’t use, need or love
• Create a simple “home” for what’s left

3. Simplify your schedule

A full calendar doesn’t always mean a fulfilling life.

It’s easy to say yes out of habit, obligation or guilt, but over time this can leave you feeling stretched and drained. Simplifying your schedule is about being more intentional with your time so you have the space and energy for what truly matters.

Try this:

• Identify one commitment you could pause or reduce
• Add more breathing space between tasks
• Schedule in something that feels restful or enjoyable

4. Practice simple gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

When life feels busy or stressful, it’s easy to focus on what’s not working. A simple gratitude practice gently shifts your attention back to what’s already good, helping you feel more grounded and content in everyday life.

Try this:

• Write down three things you’re grateful for each day
• Reflect on one “good moment” before bed
• Keep it simple and realistic

5. Get your body moving

Movement is one of the simplest ways to boost your mood and energy — and it doesn’t have to mean intense workouts.

Regular movement and getting more exercise helps clear your mind, reduce stress and improve how you feel physically and mentally. The key is to find something you enjoy so it becomes something you look forward to, rather than another task on your list.

Try this:

• Go for a short daily walk
• Stretch for 5–10 minutes in the morning
• Put on music and move in a way that feels good

6. Check in with your finances

Money can feel heavy when it’s left unchecked, but even a small review can bring a sense of calm and control.

Avoiding your finances often makes things feel more stressful than they actually are. Taking a little time to check in — without pressure or judgement — can help you feel more confident and aware of where you stand.

Try this:

• Look over your recent spending without judgement
• Identify one area where you could simplify
• Set one small, realistic financial goal

7. Reconnect with people who matter

When life gets busy, relationships can quietly slip down the priority list.

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean big plans or lots of time. Often, it’s the small, consistent moments of connection that strengthen relationships and help you feel supported and less alone.

Spring is a lovely time to gently reconnect.

Try this:

• Send a simple message to someone you’ve been thinking about
• Arrange a low-pressure catch-up (even a walk or coffee)
• Be present — put your phone away and really listen

8. Learn something new (lightly)

Personal growth doesn’t have to be intense or overwhelming.

There’s value in learning simply for the enjoyment of it. Exploring something new can refresh your perspective, spark creativity and give you a sense of progress without adding pressure.

Try this:

• Read a few pages of a book each day
• Try a new hobby just for fun
• Watch or listen to something that inspires you

9. Prioritise gentle self-care

Self-care isn’t about doing more — it’s about supporting yourself in simple, meaningful ways.

When you’re tired or overwhelmed, even small acts of care can make a big difference. It’s about noticing what you need and responding with kindness, rather than pushing through or ignoring it.

Try this:

• Go to bed a little earlier
• Take short breaks during the day
• Ask yourself: What do I need right now?

10. Get organised (just enough)

Organisation isn’t about perfection — it’s about making daily life easier.

You don’t need complicated systems to feel organised. Simple, realistic routines can help reduce decision fatigue and create a sense of calm and control in your day-to-day life.

Focus on systems that support you, not overwhelm you.

Try this:

• Write a simple daily to-do list (top 3 priorities only)
• Reset one area of your home each evening
• Keep things easy to maintain

A gentle next step

If you’re feeling ready to take things a little further, you might find it helpful to turn these small changes into a clearer plan.

Once you’ve explored what matters most to you (with the Life Visioning PDF), my Goal Setting Workbook can help you break that vision down into realistic monthly, quarterly and yearly goals — in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

Click here to learn about the Goal-Setting Workbook.

And over to you…

Spring-cleaning your life doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.

Which one of these feels easiest to start with today?

Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re focusing on this season.

MORE ARTICLES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

Here are some other articles to help you spring-clean your home and life in other ways. I hope you find them helpful.

• 30 Self-Care Ideas for Spring
• Spring Decluttering and 12 Things to Declutter This Spring
• 8 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning Easier and Less Overwhelming
• 16 Spring Wardrobe Tips to Get Your Closet Ready for Spring

The post 10 Simple Ways to Spring-Clean Your Life appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

DECLUTTERING IN APRIL

April is the month of growth and regeneration. It’s when the weather begins to change and, for some of us, when our homes take on the freshness and colour of Spring.

I like to keep my home clutter-free because it functions better for our family like that. We enjoy our home more and I can relax and unwind from a busy life and overwhelming world.

However, clutter keeps invading our space and I like to tackle that clutter regularly so it feels manageable. That’s why I try to give myself some little projects and things to declutter in April (and every other month) so I can stay on top of our stuff without stress and decluttering taking up much of my time.

Little and often is a great motto for many things in life and decluttering is no exception!

I thought it might be fun to share some April decluttering projects and things to declutter in April with you in case you’re inspired to declutter with me!

Are you ready? April decluttering here we come…

Don’t forget to grab your free April Decluttering Printable below too!

30 APRIL DECLUTTERING PROJECTS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR HOME

Here’s a list of 30 April decluttering projects to keep your home and life clutter-free and simplified. I hope they help!

1. Clothes and closet

One of the first things to declutter in April is to sort through your wardrobe and declutter clothes, shoes, and accessories you no longer wear or need.

Think about doing a seasonal wardrobe switch where you put away last season’s clothes and bring out pieces that are more suited to this season.

• Can you ditch the big, heavy coats and thick sweaters?
• Maybe you need to bring out some lightweight jackets, make use of more layering and find your sandals?
• Perhaps it’s time to bring in a little colour and add a new piece to your capsule wardrobe?
• Do you have somewhere else to store your out-of-season clothes so they’re not taking up space, front and centre, in your wardrobe? I pack mine away in storage bags under our bed. Every season I check what’s in there and swap things around. It’s exciting to pull out pieces that I’d almost forgotten I had!

Enjoy planning your clothes for the coming season. Here are some more tips on how to get your wardrobe ready for Spring which I hope you might enjoy!

2. Kitchen cabinets

Declutter kitchen cabinets by removing expired food, unused appliances, and duplicate utensils.

If you have time and energy, why not give your kitchen a spring clean at the same time. It’s easier to clean the inside of cupboards, drawers and your fridge when it’s empty of stuff.

Decluttering the kitchen doesn’t have to be a big task. It might feel daunting when you look at ALL your cupboards and ALL the stuff in them, but kitchen decluttering is a great example of how to make decluttering easier by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Declutter one drawer whilst you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, one cupboard whilst you’re overseeing your kids make cupcakes.

3. Pantry organisation

Organise your pantry and food storage cupboards by sorting through food items, getting rid of expired goods and arranging items neatly on shelves.

I like to take this time to really look at the items in my cupboard. Sometimes we acquire foodstuff because it’s a gift from others, it was on special offer and felt too good a deal to miss out on, or we liked the look of trying something new.

I know from my own experience that these items can just end up sitting in our cupboards and even get pushed to the back as we reach for the familiar, tried-and-tested. This happens particularly when you’re in a rush and don’t have time to experiment with new recipes and ingredients, or you have picky eaters to cater for who prefer eating what they know instead what they don’t!

Getting rid of food doesn’t mean throwing it away. Depending on expiry dates and condition, you could donate it to a food bank, or repurpose it as a consumable and clutter-free gift to someone who would enjoy it more.

Or, of course, you could take the opportunity to experiment with some new recipes and see if you can incorporate these ingredients into a tasty meal!

4. Fridge cleanout

One of the next things to declutter in April is to remove expired or unused food items from your refrigerator and wipe down shelves and drawers.

After I’ve been grocery shopping and my food is waiting to be put away, one of my routine homemaking tasks is to pull everything out of the fridge and give it a good clean. This way I ensure the inside of the fridge gets a regular wipe down but I can also check for food that’s past its best.

I can also see which food needs to be eaten as soon as possible so I put this to one side to use up first. It’s actually one of the ways that I enjoy making dinner more – to create what my family calls a ‘thing’ dish, out of random ingredients that need eating up!

5. Home office desk

Declutter your home office desk by clearing off clutter, organising paperwork, and tidying up cords and cables.

Decluttering boosts productivity in so many ways. With less stuff, it’s easier to prioritise, focus and find what we need. Our work space also becomes clearer, tidier, less visually distracting and easier to clean.

Give your home office, study area or desk a little April declutter to set you up for a productive, efficient and focused month ahead.

6. Books and bookshelves

Ah books, I love you but you do take up space! Declutter bookshelves by removing books you no longer read or want to keep. Donate or sell books to free up space.

Decluttering bookshelves can be tricky. Books are like old friends and reading takes us to places that the real world can’t!

If you struggle with decluttering books, use the space you have available to help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of. If you have too many books to fit the allocated space, then it could be time to say goodbye and pass them on.

If you find you have a pile of books on your bedside table, still waiting to be read from last month, can you find a way to create time to read more? If you read 10 pages a day, how many books would you be able to read in a year? Time may be tight for you, but if something’s important, we tend to find time for it.

7. Magazine and paper clutter

Sort through magazines, newspapers, and mail, recycling or shredding items you no longer need.

Decluttering paperwork should probably be on every monthly decluttering list because it builds up sooooo quickly. From junk mail through the letterbox to paper packaging around our food, I think we would all benefit from some simple, effective strategies to deal with the daily influx of paper.

• You could keep a box handy for paper recycling as a quick way of getting rid of unwanted paper waste.
• Create one place in your home where all paperwork is placed until you’re ready to action it.
• Action paperwork once a day or once a week at most.
• If you have magazine subscriptions, put aside time in your day or week to read the magazines, otherwise they’ll just pile up.

For more tips and to learn about my own system for managing paper, try this article on how to declutter paperwork for some ideas.

8. Bathroom cabinets

Another of my ideas for things to declutter in April is to declutter bathroom cabinets by removing expired medications, old toiletries, and unused beauty products. Take a look at your make-up too and check its condition.

If you have time and energy, you could spring clean your bathroom too. It’s one of the best places to start spring cleaning to give you a little boost of motivation to carry on elsewhere in the home!

9. Junk drawer

We all have one or two of these! Tackle the junk drawer in your kitchen or workspace by sorting through items and decluttering unnecessary items.

My husband’s nightstand drawer is full of random stuff that he throws in there for safe-keeping and because he doesn’t know where else to put it.

Although I’m often tempted to declutter this drawer for him, I hold myself back. It’s a great example of how to manage clutter when you live with a hoarder and how to avoid confrontation!

10. Under the bed

Declutter under the bed by removing dust and organising items stored beneath it.

As I mentioned earlier, I do store my out-of-season clothes under the bed. So, each time I lift up the bed to swap my clothes around, I also do a quick check to see if there’s anything I can declutter too.

11. Medicine cabinet

Organise your medicine cabinet by checking expiration dates and disposing of expired medications and supplies.

Decluttering your medicine cabinet doesn’t just ensure we have medicines for when we need them, that will work effectively and how they’re intended, but it’s a great project if you’re struggling to declutter and let go of stuff.

There’s very little emotion attached to a bottle of cough syrup or sticking plasters so the decluttering decisions you’re making will be more with your head, not your heart.

Consider how difficult it is to declutter old photos for example. Decluttering is both about getting rid of stuff and letting go and they pose different problems that require different approaches too.

12. Toys and toy boxes

Declutter kids’ toy and toy boxes by removing broken or unused toys and organising the remaining toys into bins or baskets. Ask your kids if they’d like to help.

There are some wonderful benefits to removing excess toys and letting your child’s imagination and creativity come alive instead.

13. Linen closet

Declutter the linen closet by sorting through towels, sheets, and linens, and discarding worn-out or mismatched items. Take a moment to double-check that you have the right bedlinen for the size of beds you have.

We recently bought a larger bed for my daughter and I discovered that we still had fitted sheets that no longer fit any of the beds in our home. Not only did this take up space but it wasted time when we kept trying to change the bedding with sheets that were too tight and small to fit her new mattress!

If you’re enjoying this April decluttering challenge, why not check out my Clear Your Clutter Workbook? It’s my most popular workbook, packed with handy tips and decluttering checklists for each room in your home. Click here to learn more!

14. Hallway and entrance

Declutter the hallway or coat closet by removing out-of-season coats, shoes, and accessories, and organising items neatly.

Your hallway is one of the first spaces that guests (and you) will see as you all walk in through the front door. It’s the gateway to your home and sends out messages about what the rest of your home might look and feel like.

I don’t know about you, but I want my home to feel inviting, calming and relaxing so I try to keep my entrance way and hall set up to make that happen.

Everything has a home to be stored in, I reduce unwanted stuff that takes up space, and I keep it as organised as possible by checking it regularly and encouraging my kids to put their things away the moment they walk in through the front door. This doesn’t always happen but it becomes more habitual with time and repetition.

What does your hallway say about your home?!

15. Shoe rack

Declutter the shoe rack by removing worn-out or unused shoes and organising the remaining pairs. Do you have out-of-season footwear that can be stored elsewhere?

16. Bedside table

Declutter bedside tables by clearing off clutter, organising books or magazines, and tidying up items stored in drawers (I wonder if my husband will ever read this!).

This is also a friendly reminder that, as tempting and easy as it might be, your bedroom is not a dumping ground for stuff that you don’t know where else to store.

Your bedroom is your quiet, peaceful haven for a relaxing evening and restorative sleep!

17. DVDs and CDs

Declutter DVDs and CDs by removing movies or albums you no longer watch or listen to. Perhaps with modern technology we don’t have so many of these taking up space as we used to, but it’s a good idea to check anyway.

Many of us have old collections of things that feel important from times, interests and hobbies gone by but just sit there now gathering dust.

18. Electronic cables

Tidy up electronic cables and cords by organising them with cable ties or cord organisers. This could be a useful thing to declutter in April which we often put off or ignore. Messy, tangled cables are one of the culprits for making your home still look cluttered even after you’ve decluttered!

19. Home décor

Declutter home accessories by removing knick-knacks or decorative items you no longer love or want to display.

This could include any seasonal décor too which needs to be put away or warm, snuggly blankets that aren’t in regular use if it’s sweltering outside.

20. Outdoor equipment

Declutter outdoor gear such as gardening tools, sports equipment, or camping supplies by sorting through items and discarding damaged or unused items.

Be honest with yourself about how often you use these items and could you borrow or get them on loan if you did need them? Ask yourself some decluttering questions to help you identify what to keep and what to get rid of.

21. Desk drawers

Organise desk drawers by removing clutter, organising office supplies, and clearing out old or broken items.

Keeping your desk drawers neat and tidy will help you find what you’re looking for and know when you’re running low on items like stationery and need to restock.

Drawers are also good hiding places for hidden clutter. You might not be able to see the stuff inside them but it’s still there.

Pro tip: If you struggle with too much clutter, you could think about choosing furniture without drawers!

22. Craft supplies

Declutter craft supplies by sorting through materials, donating unused items, and organising remaining supplies into bins or containers.

Better organised craft supplies make the best use of space and feel easier to use.

You might enjoy this article on how to declutter art and craft supplies for more creativity and joy.

23. Holiday decorations

Declutter holiday decorations by sorting through items and discarding broken or unused decorations. Depending on when Easter falls, it may be time to clear away those bunnies and eggs!

24. Travel accessories

Another idea for one of the things to declutter in April is to declutter travel accessories such as luggage, bags, and travel-sized toiletries by removing damaged or outdated items.

I also find it’s helpful to put all travel items together so they’re easy to find.

My daughter went on a school trip abroad recently. When she was packing her bags we found it frustrating that I couldn’t remember where I put the luggage labels, toiletry bags, containers and plug adaptors.

Now I’ve put them all together so if I get whisked away by my husband for a weekend away then I can easily find what I need and go. (I really hope my husband is reading this after all!).

25. Kitchen gadgets

Declutter kitchen gadgets by removing duplicates or items you no longer use and organising remaining gadgets in drawers or cabinets.

Have a long hard think about whether you really do need everything you own. Do you need 3 potato peelers and 10 wooden spoons?

This was actually one of the problems we found when my husband and I first moved in with each other. We combined two households into one so had many duplicate items to accommodate or deal with.

26. Cleaning supplies

Organise cleaning supplies by sorting through products, disposing of expired or unused items, and arranging supplies neatly in cabinets or closets.

This may seem an unexciting decluttering project but it will make cleaning more fun, easier and less onerous which must be a win!

27. Bathroom countertops

Declutter bathroom countertops by clearing off clutter, organising toiletries, and wiping down surfaces.

Flat surfaces are notorious clutter hotspots and removing items off tables, worktops and surfaces can instantly make a room both FEEL and LOOK more spacious.

This is always handy in bathrooms where the space tends to be smaller and the surfaces are easier to wipe down if you don’t have to move lots of stuff first.

28. Home office filing system

Organise your home office filing system by sorting through paperwork, shredding or recycling documents you no longer need, and filing important papers.

Dealing with the influx of paper clutter like we mentioned above is one thing. However, you’ll reach a blockade if you don’t have an organised filing and storage system to hold your paperwork once you’ve dealt with it.

29. Car cleanout

Declutter your car by removing waste, organising items in the glove compartment and boot/trunk, and vacuuming the interior.

Perhaps now the Spring days are brighter and longer (for some of us anyway), you might be able to enjoy some trips out in the car?

30. Digital declutter

Declutter your digital life by organising files on your computer, deleting old emails and digital photos, and organising digital documents into folders.

Digital clutter is an example of invisible clutter that you can’t really see, touch or trip over, but it invades our space and clutters our minds in the same way.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

I hope you enjoyed this list of 30 things to declutter in April. Tackling these April decluttering projects can help you start the season with a clean and organised home and set you and your home up for a fresh start and renewed energy.

If you enjoyed this list, why not take a look at my ideas for March decluttering projects or May decluttering projects.

Leave a comment below to let me know what you’re decluttering this April. I’d love to hear from you!

GET YOUR FREE MONTHLY CALENDAR PRINTABLE

If you’re ready for some April decluttering, pop your details in the box below to get a free printable calendar printable so you can plan what to declutter on what day – and tick it off as you go!

The post 30 Things to Declutter in April for an Easier, Lighter Home (+ Free Printable) appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

DO YOU HAVE TOO MUCH CLUTTER?

We’ve all been there, staring at a room that feels more like chaos than calm, knowing deep down that something needs to change but not quite sure where to start.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Recognising the signs that it’s time to declutter is the first step toward creating a more organised and peaceful living space.

I think it’s also important to recognise that just because you might’ve decluttered once, it’s not unlikely that your space will get cluttered again. Life comes with clutter and it often just creeps up on us whilst we’re busy looking the other way and getting on with living that life!

In fact, I recently did another declutter of my own home and got rid of a few items that had snuck in unnoticed. This is what prompted me to share today’s thoughts!

In this article I’m exploring some common signs that it might be time to roll up your sleeves and declutter. And, don’t worry, I’ve included some practical tips and gentle encouragement because I know decluttering isn’t always easy.

8 SIGNS IT MIGHT BE TIME TO DECLUTTER

Maybe it’s time to clear some clutter and help you enjoy your home again. Here are 8 signs it might be time to declutter. How many do you recognise?

1. You Can’t Find What You Need

Have you ever spent 10 minutes searching for your keys, only to find them buried under a pile of paperwork on the kitchen counter? Or maybe you’ve dug through a closet, looking for that one sweater you love, only to give up because it’s just too hard to find? If you’re frequently losing items or struggling to locate things when you need them, it might be a sign that your space is a bit too cluttered.

When your belongings have designated spots and there’s less “stuff” overall, it becomes much easier to keep track of everything. Imagine opening a drawer and immediately spotting what you need – no digging, no stress. That’s the beauty of a decluttered space!

What to do: Start with one small area, like your entryway or a single drawer. Clear it out completely, sort through the items, and only put back what you truly need and use regularly. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to find things when there’s less clutter in the way.

2. Your Space Feels Overwhelming

Does the thought of cleaning or organising your home make you feel tired before you even begin? When clutter takes over, it can create a sense of overwhelm that makes even simple tasks feel daunting. This can be especially true if you have multiple areas in your home that need attention.

If you’re feeling paralysed by the amount of stuff you have, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to declutter. But don’t let that feeling of overwhelm stop you, tackling your clutter bit by bit can make a huge difference. You don’t have to do it all at once!

What to do: Break down the decluttering process into manageable chunks. Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much decluttering you can get done in that time. Focusing on one small task at a time can help reduce the overwhelm and make the process feel more achievable.

3. You’re Holding Onto Items “Just in Case”

We all have those items we keep around because we might need them someday – a gadget that might come in handy, a pair of shoes you haven’t worn in years, or a stack of old magazines you plan to read “eventually.” While it’s okay to keep some items for future use, holding onto too many “just in case” things can lead to unnecessary clutter.

Try asking yourself some questions. When was the last time you used this item? Do you genuinely believe you’ll use it again, or is it just taking up space? If an item hasn’t served a purpose in the last year, could it be time to let it go?

What to do: Try the “box method” for items you’re unsure about. Put them in a box and store it away for six months (or choose your own timeframe). If you don’t reach for anything in that box during that time, it’s a sign that you can probably let those items go. Put a reminder in your calendar so you don’t forget about the box though, and make a pact with yourself to deal with whatever’s left unused. This box isn’t a permanent storage container!

4. Your Home Doesn’t Reflect Your Current Life

As we move through different stages of life, our needs and preferences change. The things that served us well five years ago might not be as useful today. Maybe you’ve downsized, started working from home, or your kids have grown up and moved out, or your interests and needs have changed. If your home is filled with items that no longer fit your lifestyle, it might be time for a declutter.

For example, if you’ve recently taken up a new hobby, but your space is still dominated by old craft supplies you no longer use, consider making room for what truly brings you joy and serves your current needs.

What to do: As you declutter, focus on keeping items that align with who you are today and the life you’re living now. This can help create a home that feels more in sync with your current self and not one that supports you to live in the past and all the negative emotions that can sometimes come with those thoughts.

5. Your Space Causes You Stress

Your home should be a sanctuary – a place where you can relax and recharge. But if your space feels chaotic or cluttered, it can have the opposite effect, causing you stress and anxiety. If you find yourself feeling uneasy or stressed when you’re at home, clutter could be part of the problem.

Clutter can weigh on you mentally and emotionally, making it hard to unwind and feel at peace in your own space. By decluttering, you’re not just tidying up your home; you’re also creating a more calming environment for yourself. For example, I find I can relax more in the evening if my living room is clear and tidy and my bed doesn’t have lots of laundry needing to be sorted or clothes lying around on the floor or chair.

What to do: Pay attention to how different areas of your home make you feel. If there’s a particular room or spot that causes you stress, start there. Clearing out the clutter in that space can really help you feel better, not just about what that space looks like, but how it makes you feel too.

6. You’re Constantly Cleaning But Never Feel Organised

Do you feel like you’re always tidying up, but your home never seems to stay clean or organised? This could be a sign that you have too much stuff for your space to handle. When there’s clutter, it’s harder to clean effectively because there’s always something in the way.

Decluttering can simplify your cleaning routine by reducing the number of items you have to dust, move, or organise. With fewer things, it becomes easier to maintain a clean and organised home.

This is one of the greatest practical benefits of decluttering. When you’re tight for time and squeezed of energy, the last thing you probably want to be doing is spending ages cleaning. Decluttering not only makes cleaning quicker but a clutter-free home always looks more like it’s clean and tidy, even if it’s not!

What to do: Focus on decluttering one surface at a time, like your kitchen counters or a coffee table. Once you’ve cleared away the excess, you’ll likely find that keeping the area clean is much easier and less time-consuming.

How many of these signs are you recognising your own home? If you think it’s time for YOU to declutter, why not take a look at my Clear Your Clutter Workbook? It will walk you through the decluttering process and give you some handy checklists to tick off too so you can have some fun whilst you’re decluttering. Click here to learn more.

7. You Have Trouble Letting Go

It’s natural to feel a connection to our belongings, especially those that hold sentimental value. However, if you find yourself holding onto things out of guilt, fear, or an inability to let go, it could be contributing to clutter in your home.

Remember, it’s okay to let go of items that no longer serve you, even if they were once meaningful. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re discarding memories or devaluing your past – it simply means making space for the present.

“Your home is living space, not storage space.” – Francine Jay

What to do: Start with items that are easier to part with, like clothes you haven’t worn in years or kitchen gadgets you never use. As you gain confidence, you can gradually tackle more sentimental items. Consider taking photos of these items before letting them go, so you can preserve the memories without keeping the physical objects. A handy tip for the sentimental minimalists amongst us (that’s me by the way!).

8. You’re Craving a Fresh Start

Sometimes, the desire to declutter comes from an internal need for a fresh start. Whether it’s the beginning of a new season, a significant life change, or just a gut feeling that it’s time for something different, decluttering can be a powerful way to reset.

Maybe this is why decluttering is popular in the New Year, at the start of the new academic year around September and during the spring cleaning hype of March and April.

Clearing out the old can make room for new opportunities, experiences, and energies. If you’re feeling like you’re ready for a change, decluttering your space might be just what you need to kickstart that process.

What to do: Use this feeling as motivation to dive into decluttering. Focus on areas that will have the most impact on your daily life, like your bedroom, kitchen, or entryway. A fresh, organised space can inspire and energise you as you move forward in life.

CONCLUSION

Decluttering is a journey, not a race. It’s okay to take your time and approach it at your own pace. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s about creating a space that supports your well-being and brings you joy. Celebrate each small decluttering win along the way, and remember that every item you let go of is a step toward a more peaceful, organised home.

So, if you’ve recognised any of these signs in your own life, take a deep breath, and know that you’re not alone. You can do this, and the results will be worth it! Your future self will thank you for the time and effort you put into creating a space that truly reflects and supports you. I’m excited to hopefully be a part of this journey for you so happy decluttering!

I’d love to hear from you if you recognise any of these signs it might be time to declutter. Perhaps you’ve noticed some more as you look around your home and think about how it makes you feel? If so, please leave a comment at the end of the article to share your thoughts.

MORE DECLUTTERING RESOURCES YOU MIGHT FIND HELPFUL

• The Snowball Decluttering Method To Help Clear Your Clutter
• 9 Ways Minimalism Boosts Creativity and Fun
• Clutter Threshold: How Much Clutter Can You Manage?
• How Minimalism Can Help Messy People Find Peace
• Decluttering Paralysis: What It Is and How to Overcome It
• How to Use the 12-12-12 Rule to Declutter Your Home

GET YOUR FREE WORKSHEET

If you’re feeling it’s time to get on top of your clutter, I’ve created a free Declutter Jump-Start Worksheet to help you. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…

The post 8 Signs It Might Be Time to Declutter appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

CLEARING UNSEEN CLUTTER

So much of what we do in life is shaped by our mindset. How we think about things largely determines how we feel about them. In my own life, I know that how I feel about things impacts on whether I do them (and how well I do them) or whether I fail before I’ve even really got started.

For example, I’ve never been to a gym. I wouldn’t know how to use any of the equipment and I’m worried that people will laugh at me. I know this is an unhelpful attitude, I’m sure people wouldn’t really laugh (and if they did, that says more about them than me) but it’s stopped me from venturing into a gym so far. I’m working on it though!

My thoughts are based on fear and insecurity. They clutter my mind in an unhelpful way, holding me back from doing something that really would be good for me. Can you think of an example from your own life?

This article is about 5 things to let go of today to simplify your life and they’re mostly to do with your mindset, thoughts and emotions.

I’m drawing on my own experiences here. However, I hope they help you to look at things differently – to appreciate yourself a little more, allow you more freedom to try things, give you the courage to embrace new experiences and see challenges as opportunities.

Simplifying life isn’t easy and it’s very much to do with exploring what you want and, just as importantly, what you don’t. It requires a positive and open mind.

5 THINGS TO LET GO OF TODAY TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Here are 5 things to let go of today to simplify your life. Be aware of how you’re thinking and why. Here are some tips and exercises to help clear your mind of negative clutter and make space for enjoying a simpler, freer life.

1. Let go of comparison

Comparing yourself to others or being envious of others can be such a destructive mindset. Maybe you wish you looked more like somebody else, you were thinner, taller, more popular, you had more money, more holidays, a better car, a better wardrobe.

Comparison is the thief of joy but also the precursor to discontent and unhealthy striving for the wrong things.

To give you an example from my own life, I sometimes used to worry about how successful my blog would be. I focused on numbers of followers and monthly website traffic and stopped focusing on why I loved writing and how I wanted to help people. I wrote for Google and SEO (search engine optimisation so that my posts ranked when people searched for them) and stopped writing for my readers, the human beings who I truly wanted to write for.

Comparison and envy stifle your spirit and the things that make you, you. Try to leave comparison behind and focus on your own wonderful uniqueness.

Exercise: Choose 5 things that you’re proud of yourself for or you like, even love, about yourself. Write them on a post-it note on the fridge, a note on your bedside table or save it to your phone. Somewhere you’ll see it often.

Try these journal prompts for self-care and self-love if you need to reconnect with and learn to love yourself again.

2. Let go of too much on your plate

This could be too many tasks on your To Do list, too many ‘should do’ thoughts in your brain, too many activities in your diary, too much pressure on your body and too much stress in your mind.

What constitutes too much on your plate will look different for all of us, but listen to your body when it says too much is too much.

• Do you rely on caffeine or sugar to get you through the day?
• Do you have trouble sleeping?
• Do you find it difficult to switch off or find time for yourself?
• Do you lack concentration, find it difficult to focus or make decisions?
• Are your irritable, angry, frustrated, tearful?

All of these things can be little signs that you’ve got too much on your plate.

As Courtney Carver says, “I don’t say no because I am so busy. I say no because I don’t want to be so busy.”

Get comfortable with saying no, invest your time on the things that really matter and if you want to do things, find a way to strike a happy balance between embracing opportunity and knowing when you need to rest.

Further reading: How to be less busy

3. Let go of fear

Fear takes many shapes. Fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of getting it wrong, fear of failing, fear of what people will think, fear of saying no, fear of missing out.  

Fear is an emotion that arises through perceived danger or threat. 

Fear comes in useful when it encourages you to think twice about doing something really dangerous, but fear that holds you back from being you and living your happiest, fullest life, isn’t so helpful.

Think if there’s anything you’re fearful of. What is the worst that could happen and take simple steps to reduce that fear and do what you feel is right for you (as long as it’s safe of course!).

Journal prompt: What is one thing you’re fearful of? Is this fear keeping you safe or is it holding you back in life? If it’s holding you back, what is it holding you back from and what steps can you take to overcome it?

4. Let go of things you don’t appreciate

When we declutter our homes, we often talk about getting rid of things that we don’t use, don’t need or don’t add value in some way. Perhaps another way of looking at it is to ask ourselves whether we appreciate something. It could be beautiful, practical, sentimental or maybe something else.

Simplifying your life isn’t about getting rid of things for the sake of getting rid of them. It’s about getting rid of the right things for the right reason so that you have more time, space and freedom for what matters.

When you next come to declutter your kitchen drawer or your book-shelf, take each item and give a quick thought as to whether you appreciate that item – for what it looks like or its purpose or even some other reason. If you don’t appreciate the item, perhaps it’s time to let it go. Clutter costs you time, health, money and many other things that we can’t get back.

“If you’re not using the stuff in your home, get rid of it. You’re not going to start using it more by shoving it in a closet somewhere.” (Joshua Becker)

Don’t forget, this doesn’t just apply to the physical stuff in your home, it could be one-sided relationships, bad habits and negative thoughts.

5. Let go of unrealistic expectations

Setting standards that are too high, striving to achieve things that are just not possible (at least without blood, sweat and tears) or pushing ourselves to constantly achieve, in every sense of the word, is so detrimental to our mental and physical health.

Perfectionism, trying to change or control others, setting too high standards for yourself and for others and failure to meet those standards, plays havoc on our brains and bodies.

It can lead to resentment, frustration, anger, tiredness, overwhelm and stress. We can rely on unhealthy props such as sugar, carbs, caffeine, smoking and alcohol to get us through.

Instead maybe we should be addressing the basis for our unrealistic expectations. Perhaps it’s time to slow down a little, stop chasing and instead tend to our self-care in more gentle and healthy ways.

We all want to be successful in life but are we calculating that success using the right unit of measurement?

When I struggle with trying to keep up with my own expectations and, although striving hard still fail to reach the mark, I always try to think of it this way… There’s nothing wrong with being kind and supportive to yourself in the same way you would be kind and supportive to others.

Exercise: Do you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, or others? Every time you do, catch yourself. Try to think differently by accepting and embracing ‘good’. Don’t overreach by going for great, perfect or 100%. Good is great in itself. Have a ‘good’ day, a ‘good’ meal, a ‘good’ evening out with friends.

Much of what I’ve been describing in this article is about cultivating a positive, confident mindset. This really is about looking after ourselves and taking time and space just for us. If this is something you struggle with, why not take a look at my Self-Care Toolkit for a healthy, happy body and mind. Click here to learn more.

RESOURCES TO HELP SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

I have plenty of posts and resources on decluttering your physical stuff. I hope what I’ve shared here has given you some insight into other ways you can simplify your life. Did you recognise yourself in any of them?

The 5 things I’ve mentioned in this article are what I’ve found to complicate my own life to a lesser or greater degree over the years.

I’m sharing them here in the hope that they might help you understand, be aware of or even recognise them in yourself.

Here are some other articles which you might like:

• What Does It Mean To Simplify Your Life? – In this article we explore what it means to simplify life, how to get started and how it can help you create a full and meaningful life.
• 5 Easy Ways to Start Simplifying Your Life if You Don’t Know Where to Begin – Want to simplify your life but not sure where to begin? Here are 5 easy ways to start simplifying your life this week. Let’s create a little more time, space and freedom with less stress and less decisions to weigh you down.
• Why Minimalism Is Not Just About Your Stuff – Minimalism involves decluttering and getting rid of things you no longer need, want or add value to your life but the minimalist lifestyle is also so much more. Here are some reasons why minimalism is not just about your stuff.
• Thoughts on Minimalism for Real Life – Minimalism sometimes feels unattainable or unrealistic but I don’t think it has to be this way. Take a warm-hearted, gentle approach to living an intentional life, full of purpose and less full of stuff. Here are some personal thoughts on minimalism for real life.

The post 5 Things to Let Go of Today to Simplify Your Life appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

SELF-CARE IN SPRING

Your self-care is important. A regular routine of looking after your body and mind helps you keep strong and healthy emotionally, physically and psychologically for the demands of daily life.

Spring is a time of new beginnings, for transformation and growth. There is fresh colour in the garden as the new shoots of Spring flowers start to emerge. The warming weather means it’s also easier for us to get outdoors instead of hibernating inside over Winter.

Here are 30 self-care ideas for Spring to help you take care of yourself. There are plenty of tips for your daily routine, healthy habits and well-being ideas for a healthy and happy body and mind.

Remember that you’re important and you deserve and need to prioritise yourself every now and then so you can carry on looking after everyone else!

Hop over to my other self-care posts for some more inspiration.

30 SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR SPRING

Here are 30 self-care ideas for Spring to nourish your body and grow your mind.

1. Take 10 minutes to yourself – It may not be a long time but just having some quiet time to do what YOU want, instead of what others want you to do, can help you recharge your batteries.
2. Go for a walk – Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Get some exercise to move your body and listen to the birds. Walk as fast and for as long as you like!
3. Spring-clean your home – Give a little time to cleaning those areas which don’t normally get a look in. A detailed, deep clean of your home will freshen things up and make your home feel and look nicer. There are some great mental health benefits to spring-cleaning too! Think about washing those sofa covers, cushions, curtains and carpets? Try these ideas to spring-clean your home of these 10 best places to start spring cleaning if your motivation is low!
4. Sort your spring clothes – Declutter your wardrobe and go through your clothes. Wash and store your cold weather clothes if you’re unlikely to use them now (although it depends which part of the world you’re living in!). Choose your Spring wardrobe, thinking about colours, your go-to signature style, your lifestyle and what type of clothes you need most of. Sort through the items you can donate to charity or those that can be recycled.
5. Plan your meals – Include plenty of spring vegetables, salads and fruit. You might like to try these simple tips for healthy eating if you want to spring-clean your body as well as your home!
6. Meet a friend for coffee – Enjoy chatting, having a laugh and catching up on news with a good friend.
7. Journal – Get your thoughts out of your head and down onto paper so you can see them clearly and take action where necessary. Try these journal prompts for self-discovery or these journaling tips for beginners if you’re new to the practice but would like to try it for yourself. You might enjoy these spring journal prompts to inspire reflection and growth.
8. Try meditation – Listen to a guided meditation from YouTube or just sit quietly and comfortably and focus on your breathing. Try to be totally present in the here and now and when your mind starts to wander, re-centre it on your breathing. Enjoy a few moments of peace, quiet and stillness to yourself.
9. Redecorate a room or move the furniture around to ring the changes. Try these tips on how to simplify your space.
10. Start reading a new book – Find some quiet time to yourself each day. As Stephen King states, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” In a busy world where everything is noisy and buzzing, a good book is a calm and restorative place to retreat – either for fun or learning or both!
11. Re-visit your daily routine – Think about your daily routine and habits and what you could do to help yourself be happier, healthier and more productive.
12. Go for a picnic or eat a meal outside – This will depend on the weather but if it’s warm enough, enjoy eating al fresco!
13. Throw open the curtains and windows as much as possible – Let in the light and fresh air.
14. Limit your screen time and enjoy the real world around you instead of the one on your phone! Here are some tips on mindful use of your phone and productive things to do on your phone instead of social media!
15. Book your summer holiday (or at least a few days away or a day out!)
16. Wash your car and clean the inside
17. Plan a day out – Now the weather is getting nicer, it’s easier to plan a trip out. Visit somewhere new, get a change of scene and give yourself something to look forward to!
18. Decorate your home with seasonal colours and accessories – Go for colours and textures that reflect the season we’re in and bring some Spring from outside into the indoors. Make your home a sanctuary and place to recharge before you head back out again into the world.
19. Take care of your skin – Winter dries out our skin so make a point of rehydrating and moisturising dry, cracked skin.
20. Buy some fresh flowers for your home – Liven up your home, introduce some scent, beauty and pops of colour with some freshly cut flowers.
21. Take up yoga and stretch that body – There are many resources on YouTube but my favourite is Yoga with Adriene.
22. Gratitude – Practice daily gratitude and appreciate all that you have in life, instead of constantly searching and wishing for what you don’t.
23. Re-visit your beauty routine – Is it time to change colours, find a new product you like or simplify your make-up routine? Take a moment to declutter any make-up or beauty products that are past their best.
24. Take up a new hobby – Try an evening class, an online course or just something you can learn from your own home. Grow your mind!
25. Declutter your home – Remember that decluttering is a wonderful form of self-care. Try this list of 50 easy things to declutter right now to kick-start your decluttering. Spring is a great time to declutter!
26. Take up gardening – Anything from mowing that grass and full-scale landscaping to planting a few herb seeds in flower pots to keep on your kitchen window sill.
27. Sort through your winter outdoor coats – Store once the weather is warmer and you don’t need to access them.
28. Go for a hair-cut – Either freshen up your existing style or try a completely new style!
29. Reset your life – The changing seasons are a wonderful time to reset your life. Explore what’s working for you, anything that you’d like to change or develop and come up with a plan to make that happen. You might enjoy this article on how to reset your life for some tips.
30. Remember you are special – Because you are!

SELF-CARE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

If you enjoyed these ideas, here is a round-up of my seasonal self-care collection:

• 30 self-care ideas for Spring
• 30 self-care ideas for Summer
• 30 self-care ideas for Autumn
• 30 self-care ideas for Winter

BUILDING YOUR OWN SELF-CARE PLAN

In this article I shared some self-care ideas for Spring but, of course, self-care should extend throughout the year, not just with the changing seasons.

Self-care is about finding time and space to listen to your body and mind and tend to their needs. What you do as part of your own self-care can look different as you go through life and with the different demands that it places upon you.

For self-care to be effective, sustainable and practical, it needs to be woven into your regular daily, weekly, monthly and yearly routines, in a way that feels comfortable and realistic for you. It’s no good setting yourself the target of running a 5k race in a couple of months if you don’t have time to train, or a habit to make sure that training happens.

I’m familiar with these struggles because self-care was something I always used to put off for another day, and another, and another. It didn’t seem important or urgent when I compared it against all the other things I was having to do.

There were consequences if I didn’t meet my work deadlines, didn’t make dinner for my kids, or take them for regular dentist appointments. I didn’t have the same consequences for myself when I didn’t take time to look after me – or so I thought until it all caught up with me and I reached burn-out.

What changed things for me was decluttering my home, guarding my time more wisely and prioritising self-care using a self-care plan that fitted around me and my life.

GET YOUR COPY OF THE SELF-CARE TOOLKIT

Finding time for yourself is easier said than done. I know how it is to feel pushed and pulled by the demands of daily life. That’s why I created the Self-Care Toolkit – to help you build a realistic self-care plan for your own life.

I use it myself to plan my daily, weekly and monthly self-care and I’d love for it to help you too!

Click here to learn more.

MORE ON SELF-CARE AND LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

If you enjoyed these self-care ideas for Spring, then perhaps you might like to read some of these articles and resources on self-care, slowing down and finding time to take care of yourself:

• 6 self-care habits for your daily routine
• How to make time for yourself without feeling guilty or selfish
• Simple ways to feel better about life
• How to slow down: simple tips to slow down and enjoy life more
• 20 simple things to do when you’re having a bad day

The post 30 Self-Care Ideas for Spring appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.

WHAT ARE CLUTTER HOTSPOTS?

If you take a look around your home, I bet there are some places that you notice clutter builds up (or tries to build up) more often than others? I can name a few in my own home for sure!

Even though you might be able to keep the rest of your home pretty clutter-free, it’s frustrating that some places always tend to attract clutter. And, as clutter attracts clutter, it becomes quite a job to keep these places clutter-free. These areas in your home where clutter has a tendency to build up are called clutter hotspots.

In this article I’d like to share some tips on how to deal with clutter hotspots. We’ll identify several common areas or types of item in your home which are notorious for attracting clutter, and some strategies to deal with it.

WHY ARE CLUTTER HOTSPOTS SO COMMON?

Even quite decluttered homes can have clutter hotspots. When I first began to declutter my own home several years ago, I was making good progress in some areas but found myself continually frustrated by some of the clutter that seemed resistant to my efforts!

Over the years, I’ve learnt to recognise these common clutter hotspots and have found some strategies that work to combat the clutter in them.

Clutter hotspots tend to build up in particular places for several reasons:

• In places of high use and traffic – often where several members of your household are coming and going and tend to dump things as they move through.
• On flat surfaces – such as counter-tops and tables where it’s a nice open space to empty out a bag, lay down a pile of paperwork or put something down whilst you get on with something else.
• In out of sight places – such as containers, bins or bags that are in regular use because it’s an easy way to put clutter out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Read more about this hidden clutter.

WHY DO CLUTTER HOTSPOTS MATTER?

If you’ve spent a while decluttering your home, you’ll know that it requires effort! How frustrating it is to feel that your decluttering efforts have been wasted when you look around your home and see piles of stuff on your kitchen counters or the hallway table? No matter how much you’ve decluttered the rest of these rooms, if you’ve got a pile of stuff on your counter or table, these rooms are going to still look cluttered and perhaps, ugly and unsightly.

Clutter lurking around is also difficult to clean and tidy. You’ll probably have to move that paperwork to clean your kitchen counter, or sort through the junk mail on your hall table to find the letter you were looking for.

Not only can clutter look unsightly but it makes it more difficult to clean and stay organised. Furthermore, clutter attracts clutter. If you’ve got that pile of papers on your kitchen counter, I bet you’ll find that by the end of the day or week, a little bit more stuff has joined that pile! It feels like just one more piece of clutter won’t matter so we add to the pile. Clutter hotspots are also known as clutter magnets for that very reason!

If you’re going to put in the effort to declutter your home and keep that clutter away, then you don’t want those unsightly clutter hotspots undoing your hard work!

CLUTTER HOTSPOTS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

I’d like to share some examples of common clutter hotspots and some tips and strategies on how to deal with them!

1. Kitchen counter

The kitchen is a busy place and many families tend to congregate in there, not just at mealtimes. As a result, those nice spacious kitchen counters seem like a perfect dumping ground for bags, paperwork and random clutter.

How to avoid this:

• Keep your kitchen counters clear by identifying the clutter that builds up there and creating alternative ‘homes’ and storage for that clutter to be put away in when not in use (or waiting to be used or dealt with).
• Clearing the counters regularly throughout the day.
• Don’t leave appliances out when not in use.
• Make sure all cupboards are easy to open and take things in and out of.
• Find a specific place for paper clutter waiting to be actioned, filed, shredded or recycled.

Further reading: How to declutter kitchen counters and keep them clutter-free

2. The entrance way and hall

The entrance way and hall are another busy area of your home with people, pets and stuff moving to and fro throughout the day. It’s easy for us all to just fling things down as we step in through the front door. Bags, coats, shoes, wellies, footballs, school bags, dog leads, umbrellas and even junk mail, all contribute to clutter in the entrance way and hall – and on a daily basis!

How to avoid this:

• Give everything a home for items to be stored in when not in use.
• Most importantly, it needs to be as easy for you and your family to put things away as it is to leave them out! For example, hooks are quick to hang things on.
• Make sure storage is easily accessible for everyone who needs it. It might need to be low down for your kids to reach it.
• Teach your family to put things away right after they’ve finished using them. So, for example, take your coat off as you come in and put it straight onto the hook or into the cupboard etc.
• Utilise organisers for smaller items such as keys, sunglasses.
• Choose a hall table with drawers to store smaller items.

3. Your bag

I have my bag with me everywhere I go. It’s a habit that’s stayed with me from when my kids were little and all the stuff that babies and small children need when they go out and about. As handy as it is to have a bag which fits a lot in it, the downside is that our bags can be little mobile clutter hotspots. Coins, hair clips, receipts, pens and sweets gather at the bottom and get forgotten about!

How to avoid this:

• Keep your bag neat and tidy. Tip everything out at the end of each day or once a week. Only put back what you absolutely need.
• Invest in a bag with compartments or buy some smaller individual bags to divide items out so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for without having to pull everything out!
• Choose a smaller bag so you can’t fit clutter into it.

4. Bedside table

As you empty out your pockets or bag in the evening, do you pop everything on your bedside table? What about that stack of books you’ve yet to read? Or the items you use for your bedtime routine such as creams, medicines, drinks, chargers etc?

How to avoid this:

• Keep the surface clutter-free as it’s easier to keep clean and tidy. Only have what you really need for the night.
• Put everything you need for the night into a drawer instead of visible on the top. Make sure you don’t clutter up that drawer though!

5. Table-tops and flat surfaces

Any flat surface is likely to be a clutter magnet, just like those kitchen counters we mentioned above, as they’re easily accessible.

How to avoid this:

• Reduce surface clutter by removing furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose or is something you really love to look at. Don’t add in a table just because you have a bit of blank space to fill. The chances are you’ll fill that space with clutter as well as the table.
• Do a regular sweep of your surfaces every day (or more) to check for surface clutter.
• Keep a mental note of what sort of clutter builds up on those flat surfaces and find an alternative home for it instead.
• Find a functional but nice looking storage solution to organise persistent clutter. For example, a pretty set of filing trays to contain paperwork that needs sorting.

6. Spare bedroom

Perhaps you’ve made great progress in decluttering other areas of your home but you don’t have time to get rid of your unwanted items? Whilst you find the time, maybe you put all this unwanted clutter in your spare room where it’s not going to be seen by many people other than you and it’s at least out of the way in a room you don’t use very often. Sound familiar?! The problem with this is that clutter here can be out-of-sight and out-of-mind so we’re not reminded of it often enough to make us deal with it. And, when there’s one bag of clutter in here, it’s easy to add another, and another…

How to avoid this:

• Don’t put your unwanted clutter out of the way. Keep it where you’re likely to see it and be reminded of it daily. This way you’ll be more likely to want to get it out of your home!
• Have a plan for what you’re going to do with your unwanted stuff and deal with it as part of any decluttering session.

Further reading: What to do with unwanted stuff you’ve decluttered

7. Fridge, freezer and pantry

If you rummage at the back of your fridge, freezer or food cupboards can you find food that’s stale, out-of-date or that you don’t like to eat or cook? Your fridge, freezer and pantry can be clutter hotspots without us realising. How many of you just reach into the fridge, freezer or pantry for what you’re cooking and put off checking the full inventory until you’ve got more time, and then put it off some more…?

How to avoid this:

• Do a regular check of your fridge and freezer, stock-take once a week or month and put it in your diary.
• Plan your meals so you’re only buying food that you’re actually going to use.
• Avoid stock-piling if you don’t have the space or a plan to use the items any time soon.

Further reading: Meal-planning made simple

8. Stairs

Stairs are just like any other flat surface so clutter will build up here too. Perhaps you put stuff at the top of the stairs to bring down, or at the bottom of the stairs to take up? Either way, sometimes we forget or can’t carry the items, or put it off until tomorrow or the next day. Not only are they a trip hazard, but clutter on the stairs takes up space in what’s probably an already tight space and will instantly make the space look smaller and more cramped.

How to avoid this:

• Ask your family to help carry the items up or down whenever they’re passing.
• Don’t leave items on the stairs at all
• Get some extra exercise by making a special trip up or down (only if you’re physically able of course).
• Make a pact with yourself not to go to bed until you’ve cleared the stairs!

9. Drawers and cupboards

As Joshua Becker says “If you’re not using the stuff in your home, get rid of it. You’re not going to start using it more by shoving it in a closet somewhere.”

Just like the spare bedroom above, putting your clutter away so you can’t see it won’t help you have a clutter-free home and life. The clutter will still be there and you may well add to it from time to time.

How to avoid this:

• Treat your drawers and cupboards as though they were visible shelves or counters in your home, or pretend they had glass fronts so you can see what’s inside them! Just because you can close the drawer or shut the cupboard or closet door, doesn’t mean that these spaces don’t need to be tidy, organised and clutter-free. You’ll find things so much more easily and maximise the space in your home if you stop ‘shoving it in a closet somewhere’!

10. Wardrobe

I don’t buy new clothes very often but I still find that my wardrobe gets cluttered after a while. It could be with clothes that have worn out but I haven’t got rid of yet, or my style or size has changed. Maybe even the seasons have changed and my summer clothes have got pushed to the back whilst I’ve been wearing my winter clothes. It might even be that I’ve bought a new pair of jeans to replace an old pair, but then I keep the old pair as gardening or painting jeans!

Our wardrobes, like the cupboards we mentioned above, can become clutter hotspots. But, of course, this makes it difficult to get dressed quickly and easily in the busy mornings in clothes that we actually feel and look great in!

How to avoid this:

• Check through your wardrobe regularly, at least at the start of every season.
• Declutter clothes that don’t fit, you don’t like to wear, or are damaged.
• Clean the inside and hang as much up as possible so it’s clearly visible.
• Don’t store anything in your wardrobe that’s not clothing or clothing-related!

Further reading: How to declutter clothes

11. Garage and attic

The garage and attic are clutter hotspots for usually for two reasons. Firstly, they’re relatively big spaces and secondly, they’re out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Whilst they’re often legitimate storage places for DIY stuff, seasonal décor etc, and they can be great temporary holding places for unwanted clutter that you’re getting rid of, the garage and attic are not dumping grounds for random stuff you don’t know what to do with.

How to avoid this:

• Give everything in your home its own ‘home’ – a place to live and be stored when not in use.
• Use containers and other storage solutions to maximise space and keep everything separated by category and with clear labels to make it easy to find things. If something isn’t clearly identifiable with a home and/or label, do you really need to keep it?
• Declutter your garage and attic as regularly as you need and treat it a little like any other room in your home that you try to keep  clutter-free and tidy.
• Limit the number of storage solutions and use this limit to define how much you’re keeping.
• If you don’t use something, know how to use it or want to use it, let it go.

Further reading: Decluttering questions to help you declutter more effectively

12. Your email inbox and phone

How many emails do you have in your inbox or photos on your phone? Although they won’t produce visible clutter in the same way as stuff in your home, too much digital clutter on your phone and devices can still be overwhelming. It’s much more difficult to find the email or photo you’re looking for if it’s buried in amongst thousands of other emails or photos.

How to avoid this:

• Check through your emails regularly.
• Create a system for organising emails into folders by topic.
• Unsubscribe or delete emails that you don’t find value in and action the ones that need you to do something.
• Delete photos on your phone that are fuzzy or duplicates.
• Save your others to a cloud-based system so they don’t take up space on your phone.

Further reading: How to declutter your digital clutter

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Let me know in the comments below if you have any clutter hotspots in your home. Have you found ways to tackle them or do you ignore them?! Is it just you adding to that clutter or does your family dump stuff there too? What tips could you share to help others who also struggle with clutter hotspots? I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment below!

DECLUTTERING RESOURCES

Here are some other articles and resources with decluttering tips, advice and information. If you’re looking for ways to declutter your home with minimum effort and maximum impact, I hope you find these decluttering resources helpful:

• ‘Just In Case’ Clutter: what it is and how to deal with it
• Decluttering mistakes and how to overcome them
• How to declutter fast: tips on decluttering quickly
• How to find the motivation to declutter your home
• 20 habits for a clutter-free home

The post Clutter Hotspots and How To Deal With Them appeared first on BALANCE THROUGH SIMPLICITY.