12 Tiny Decluttering Hacks That Will Seriously Reduce Your Stress

‘Less is more’ is a common phrase. It’s no secret that the more stuff you have, the more complicated and stressful life can be. Many of us are guilty of buying and having things to bring joy into our lives, but the exact opposite happens. More stuff equals more stress and chaos, less joy.

Decluttering is a simple and effective way to help you prioritize need over want, and we’re not just talking about stuff here. Minimalism is the key to a simpler and happier life. We’re going to share 12 easy life hacks to minimize your life and the stuff in your life and reduce stress. You’re welcome!

Know Your Why

The first question we should ask ourselves is ‘Why.’ Reflect on why you want and need to declutter your life. Understanding your motivations and recognizing the amount of stress you are currently dealing with will help you stay committed and focused on your goals.

Making any kind of change to our lives can be overwhelming and scary, but it’s important to keep in mind that nothing changes if nothing changes.

Declutter Your Space

Start decluttering your living space by removing items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Begin with one area at a time, such as a closet, a drawer, or a room, and sort items into categories like keep, donate, or discard.

Taking these small steps will not overwhelm us and will help us achieve this goal. As you progress through each space, be mindful of the items you choose to keep, ensuring that they align with your goals and will contribute positively to your life.

shop mindfully

Before making any purchase, ask yourself if the item is truly necessary. One key element is to avoid impulse buying and focus on acquiring high-quality items that have longevity, bring value, and have a purpose in your life. Implement a waiting period before significant purchases, allowing time to reflect on whether the item will genuinely enhance your life or if it’s merely a fleeting desire.

Be intentional with your spending to cultivate a meaningful relationship with your possessions and ensure each item serves a purpose and brings lasting value.

Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule

This is an extremely effective way to ensure that we do not accumulate excessive items in our homes. Implement a “one in, one out” rule to prevent clutter from building up again. For every new item you bring into your home, try to identify and let go of an existing item you no longer need. This helps maintain a balanced and clutter-free environment.

Be diligent in applying this rule consistently, as it requires conscious effort to evaluate the necessity of each new acquisition and willingness to part with something in exchange.

Donate old clothes

Create a minimalist wardrobe by keeping versatile, essential pieces you truly love and wear regularly. Take stock of your existing wardrobe, focus on basics, seek high-quality and versatile items over quantity, and build a cohesive wardrobe with interchangeable pieces.

Donate or sell clothing that no longer fits or aligns with your style. Adopt a capsule wardrobe approach, selecting a limited number of items that combine easily to create multiple outfits for various occasions.

Go Paperless

Reduce paper clutter by scanning important documents and storing them digitally. Opt for digital subscriptions and online billing to minimize paper waste. Go paperless. Just about every company now has paperless options. Choose them first.

Get the most from technology to organize and access your documents easily, making sure that you can find what you need without sifting through stacks of paper

take a digital detox

When was the last time you scrolled mindlessly through social media, only to be infuriated or overwhelmed by the digital noise? Sadly, this happens to many of us. We grab our mobile devices to check in on feeds and news, and hours later, we’ve gone down rabbit holes that just added more stress to our lives.

Give yourself a digital detox. Set aside a certain number of hours each day to avoid all social media. In that time, why not go for a walk or pick up a hobby you put on the back burner? Sitting peacefully alone in nature is also a great stress reducer.

Learn to say no

It is extremely important to engage in mental decluttering as well. Evaluate your commitments and prioritize activities that align with your values and bring you joy. Learn to say no to unnecessary obligations out of FOMO and make space for activities that truly matter to you.

Regularly assess your schedule and eliminate tasks or events that drain your energy, do not contribute to your personal growth, or bring you joy. By being selective with your time and focusing on what truly fulfills you, you’ll create a more balanced and purposeful life.

create more meaningful experiences

Shift your mindset toward valuing experiences over material possessions. Invest in creating meaningful memories, exploring new places, and spending quality time with loved ones. Travel more, get outside more, and go on road trips. It could be as simple as heading down to the park to feed chipmunks.

It’s the little things that matter. Prioritize experiences that enrich your life and bring you closer to the people you care about.

Practice Gratitude

Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by appreciating what you already have. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and be mindful of the blessings and abundance around you. When we appreciate what we have, we tend not to want more, as what we already have is enough.

Practice daily gratitude by keeping a journal or sharing your appreciation with others. Regularly reflect on the people, experiences, and things that bring joy and meaning to your life.

Embrace Mindful Consumption

You’ve heard it many times before: “You are what you eat,” and it’s 100% true. Be mindful of your consumption habits, including food. Maintaining an unhealthy diet leads to weight gain, mental health issues, and stress. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods and reduce food waste by meal planning and using leftovers creatively.

If you need help with your eating habits, consult a healthcare professional or find a support group in your area.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships

Decluttering extends to your social life as well. Focus on nurturing relationships that bring positivity, growth, and mutual support. Surround yourself with people who share your values and encourage you to be your best self.

Be willing to let go of toxic or draining relationships that no longer serve you. Invest time and energy in building deep, authentic connections with the people who matter most to you.