If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely holding it all together—between the school drop-offs, meal planning, work deadlines, and keeping up with endless to-do lists—you’re not alone. For many of us, the weight of "everything" builds up, and suddenly, even the smallest task feels impossible.
As women (and especially as moms), we’re often carrying so much more than people realize. The constant mental juggling act, also known as the "mental load," can leave us feeling burnt out and disconnected. What if we could change that?
Decluttering—both mentally and physically—can be one of the simplest and most powerful ways to take back control. When you make space in your environment and your mind, you create room for clarity, calm, and connection. Here’s how to get started, one small step at a time.
Why Decluttering Matters
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “A cluttered space is a cluttered mind.” But science backs this up. According to a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as "cluttered" or "unfinished" had higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, compared to women who saw their homes as restorative.
For moms especially, clutter isn’t just physical—there’s also the invisible weight of the decisions we’re constantly making: “What’s for dinner?” “When’s that field trip?” “Did I RSVP to that birthday party?” By intentionally clearing your space and streamlining routines, you can reduce the mental chaos and start to feel more grounded.
5 Simple Steps to Declutter Your Mind and Home
Decluttering isn’t about perfection or creating a Pinterest-worthy lifestyle. It’s about finding balance and creating space for the things that truly matter to you. Here are some easy, guilt-free ways to get started:
1. Start With a "Daily Dump"
Mental clutter is often where overwhelm begins. Try setting aside 5 minutes each morning or evening to do a “brain dump.” Write down everything swirling in your mind—errands, worries, reminders—no matter how small.
Once it’s on paper, you’ll feel lighter. From there, you can prioritize what’s truly important and let go of the rest.
Pro Tip: Keep a notebook or notes app handy to track ongoing thoughts throughout the day. Think of it as giving your brain permission to “offload” without worrying about forgetting.
2. The 10-Minute Tidy
You don’t need hours to declutter your home. Start with just 10 minutes a day. Focus on one small area—like your purse, a drawer, or the corner of your kitchen counter. You’ll be amazed at how these tiny wins add up.
Let go of the guilt about not doing it all at once. Progress is progress!
3. Let Go of “Someday” Items
We all have those items we hang onto because of some imaginary “someday.” Maybe it’s that pair of jeans from college, or a pile of craft supplies for a project you haven’t touched in years.
Ask yourself: “Does this bring me joy or serve my current life?” If the answer is no, it’s time to say goodbye. You deserve a space that reflects who you are today—not who you were or who you might be.
4. Create Simple Systems
A clutter-free life isn’t about constantly cleaning—it’s about creating systems that work for you. For example:
Keep a donation box somewhere visible so you can quickly toss in items you no longer need.
Use a “one in, one out” rule: When something new comes into your home, let go of one old item.
Organize daily essentials (keys, wallets, phone chargers) in one designated spot to avoid that morning scramble.
Simple routines reduce decision fatigue, giving you more energy to focus on what matters most.
5. Say No, Gracefully
Decluttering isn’t just about physical stuff—it’s also about setting boundaries for your time and energy. Practice saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
Remember, every time you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else. Protect your time and make space for what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
Let’s Talk About Grace
Here’s the thing: Life is messy, and so are homes, calendars, and minds. And that’s okay. Decluttering isn’t about erasing the evidence of your beautiful, complicated life—it’s about creating breathing room.
Give yourself grace as you go through this process. Some days will feel amazing; others might feel like a struggle. But every small step you take toward simplicity is a step toward clarity, connection, and peace.
Finding Inspiration in Simplicity
At the heart of it, decluttering is about more than just tidying up. It’s about reclaiming your space, your time, and your energy. It’s about making room for what matters most—whether that’s sitting down for dinner with your family, carving out time for yourself, or simply feeling calm in your own home.
You don’t have to do it all today. Start small, celebrate the wins, and know that you’re doing an incredible job.
You’ve got this.