The Joy of Decluttering: How Letting go Brings more Peace

Kim B –

Over the past few years, I’ve discovered the joy of having less in my home. Every time I donate or simply throw something away, it feels like I’m lifting a small weight off my shoulders. It’s amazing how much lighter a space—and my mind—can feel when I clear out the unnecessary.

I’ve heard a couple of influencers talk about this concept: the more things you own, the more you have to manage. Every item requires something from you—whether it’s dusting, organizing, or finding storage space. Even the things packed away in storage still take up mental space. Every time you pass by that overstuffed closet or garage shelf, you know there are neglected items waiting for attention.

Another big realization for me was how often I held onto things for “one day.” That box of yarn I thought I’d use when I decided to crochet again. The craft supplies that only remind me I don’t have the time. Those items weren’t just taking up space—they were speaking to me. And I didn’t like what they were saying. If you have areas in your home that make you feel guilty or overwhelmed, it’s time to let them go. Trust me, it’s incredibly freeing. If you’re ready to declutter your own home, here are some real-life examples from my own journey to help you get started!

1. Christmas Decorations: Keeping Only What You Love

By the time January rolls around, most of us are ready to pack away the holiday decorations and start fresh. This year, as I was taking down my Christmas tree, I realized there were so many ornaments I hadn’t used—not just this year, but for several years in a row. Why was I storing things I didn’t love enough to display?

So, I went through my ornament box with a new mindset. Anything that wasn’t in good shape or that I didn’t find beautiful went into the donation bag. Broken or worn-out pieces went straight to the trash. Having the mindset of evaluating your belongings as you see them, helps you to really assess if something is bringing value to your life or not. Every time I open a kitchen drawer I usually see something that I should probably get rid of since I can’t remember the last time I used it. But, I’m learning to let go more and more and it feels amazing only owning what you use and love.

Now, my Christmas storage tote actually closes neatly, and everything inside is something I love! Next year, when I open that box, it will feel like a gift rather than a burden.

2. Kids’ Toys: Less is More

If you have kids, you know how quickly toys can take over a home—especially after birthdays and Christmas! We’re so grateful for the thoughtful gifts our family gives, but without some intentional decluttering, the toy collection can become overwhelming.

I’ve found that my kids actually play better when they have fewer options. A cluttered, chaotic play area makes it harder for them to focus and enjoy their toys. And since God is a God of order, not chaos, I want my home to reflect that peace.

A practical tip that we have implemented for over a year now is to have one storage tote to put some toys away. Then after a month or so, swap them out with other toys so that some of them are always put away. This makes the toys feel new again and keeps less inventory out at a time.

About a month after Christmas, we took time to evaluate which toys were truly loved and which ones were just taking up space. One tough decision for me was a wooden train set I had bought for my son. I loved the idea of it, but in reality, he rarely played with it unless I encouraged him to. That was my sign—I was holding onto it because I wanted him to love it, not because he actually did.

A great way to get kids involved in decluttering is to ask them to pick their favourite toys and then talk about how other children might enjoy the ones they no longer use. This helps them see decluttering as a way to share, rather than just losing things.

3. The Junk Drawer

Doesn’t everyone have a junk drawer? That one spot where pens, extra candles, notebooks, scissors, light bulbs, and all the little odds and ends seem to accumulate? I had organized mine once before, but over time, it had gotten out of control again. So I finally decided to tackle it properly.

Here’s how I did it:

1. Take everything out. This helps you see what’s actually in there.

2. Sort items into categories. Group like things together—pens with pens, batteries with batteries, etc.

3. Purge the extras and trash the junk. Once you see how much you have, it’s easier to let go of unnecessary duplicates and random clutter.

4. While all your inventory is out and visible, it’s a great time to find small bins or baskets that are the right size to help separate and organize within your drawer.

By the time I finished, I had a neatly organized drawer where I could actually find what I needed! And when I ask my child or husband to find something, it’s a much easier task for them! Small victories like this add up and make a home feel so much more peaceful.

Final Thoughts: Your Home Should Serve You, Not the Other Way Around

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about creating a space that works for you, not against you. If certain areas of your home are making you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take it as a sign that something needs to go.

Start small. Pick one category or one space, and focus on making it lighter, easier, and more peaceful. The more you let go, the more freedom you’ll find—both in your home and in your mind. What’s one area you’d love to declutter? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!