DESIGN DETOX

JUNE 2025 ISSUE

The Art of Getting Started – Keep or Throw Away?

Practical Guidance on Decluttering

The hardest part of decluttering isn’t the mess, it’s the moment before you begin. You stand at the edge of the clutter, paralyzed by memories, guilt, and the “what-ifs.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This week, we’re peeling back the overwhelm and getting down to the gentle art of starting. No big projects, no Pinterest pressure, just small steps, intentional reflection, and maybe one or two deep exhales.

Step 1: Ask the Right Questions

Before you touch a single sock or dusty mug, anchor yourself with these three questions:

  • Does this item bring me joy or serve a purpose?
     (And not just theoretical joy, like “this could be cute in a future cabin kitchen...”)

  • Do I use this regularly, or is it just taking up space?
     (That yogurt maker from 2018? You know the answer.)

  • Is this aligned with my current lifestyle and goals?
     (Even if you loved it once, it’s okay if it no longer fits who you are now.)

These questions are your compass. Keep them close.

Step 2: The “One-Year Rule”

It’s simple. If you haven’t used it, worn it, or thought about it in the last 12 months, you probably don’t need it. Of course, there are exceptions, but they’re rare. Trust yourself.

Step 3: Sort with Intention

Forget the chaotic “everything-out-on-the-floor” method. Start small. One drawer. One shelf. Maybe one category (just mugs, just shoes).

Create four piles (or bags or baskets, whatever works):

  • Keep – Essentials and joyful items

  • Donate – Gently used items someone else would appreciate

  • Recycle – Paper, plastics, broken electronics

  • Toss – Damaged, expired, or unusable items

Mindfulness Moment: Gratitude in the Keep

Before tossing anything, pause and say thank you. Thank the sweater for keeping you warm, the notebook for holding your ideas, the gift that once made you smile. Then let it go.

This process isn’t about purging, it’s about clarity. Every item you release makes space for something better: breathing room, calm corners, and a home that reflects your present self.

Decluttering isn’t punishment. It’s a quiet kind of liberation. The art is not in throwing everything away, it’s in choosing what gets to stay and be part of your story going forward.

Small step, big shift. You’ve already start

Sources & Inspirations

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up – Marie Kondo
Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism – Fumio Sasaki
Decluttering at the Speed of Life – Dana K. White
Becoming Minimalist – Simplify Your Life – Joshua Becker
Apartment Therapy: Decluttering Tips
The Minimalists – Letting Go with Intention
Images from Pinterest