Throughout life, we accumulate many things: material possessions, experiences, memories, behaviours, and emotions. Some of these are positive and enriching, while others are burdensome. Over time, this accumulation can overwhelm our physical, mental, and emotional space. By decluttering, we not only clear our surroundings but also create room for growth and well-being. This act has a ripple effect that benefits not just us but also the world around us.
 
Understanding the need for space
 
We often feel the need to hold on to things, convinced they are essential. In reality, many of these things are temporary distractions, fulfilling short-term desires. When we pause and observe what we’ve accumulated, we can ask ourselves a simple question: Is this truly serving me? The answer may lead us to let go of unnecessary clutter and start living more intentionally in the present moment. 
 
Decluttering my physical space
 
A few years ago, I embarked on a journey of decluttering my physical environment, starting with my home. After living in the same flat for years, I realized how much stuff I had accumulated – things that had not been used in ages but occupied valuable space. I began sorting through my belongings, donating items to charity or giving them to those in need.
 
Decluttering isn’t just about removing material items but also about reassessing how you use your space. For instance, I reorganized my work-from-home setup to make it more ergonomic. The result was a home that felt more spacious and calming. This newfound space allowed my environment to “breathe” again, and in turn, I felt lighter.
 
My decluttering journey reached a new level when I decided to move from London, where I had lived for a decade. While the city offered incredible opportunities, it also contributed to stress and burnout. Moving to the coast allowed my nervous system to settle, and the peaceful environment gave me a chance to slow down and breathe. It was a significant step towards simplifying not just my home but also my life.
 
Minimising material possessions
 
Despite the initial decluttering, I carried too much with me during the move. I realized I wanted to adopt a more minimalist approach, especially in terms of what I wore. I started letting go of clothes, shoes, books, and even electronics that no longer served a purpose. Many of these items found new homes through donations or recycling.
 
This process is ongoing, and while I’ve made progress, there’s still more work to be done. Each step I take towards reducing clutter feels therapeutic and liberating, as I create more space for the things that truly matter.
 
Decluttering my mind
 
While decluttering my physical space was freeing, the real challenge lay in decluttering my mind. Like many, my mind is constantly racing—analysing, reassessing, and often fixating on the negative. In today’s fast-paced world, we are bombarded with information, much of it negative. Our brains are wired to focus on potential threats, which explains why negative experiences often take centre stage in our thoughts.
 
The good news is that our brains are adaptable. We can train them to reduce the focus on negativity and instead choose what we let into our mental space. Through mindfulness, I’ve learned to pay attention to the physical sensations that arise from certain thoughts or experiences. By doing so, I can recognize patterns and apply techniques to manage them better. 
 
Mindfulness doesn’t erase the challenges or silence the self-critical voice in my head. However, it gives me the ability to choose how much time I spend dwelling on these thoughts. It empowers me to decide what information, narratives, and emotions I engage with, creating mental space for clarity and peace.
 
Steps to start decluttering
 
If you’re ready to declutter your own space – whether physical or mental – start small. Focus on one area at a time and ask yourself these questions:

• Is this (thought, information, content, material item) of service to me?
• Does it bring me joy, contentment, happiness, peace of mind?
• How much does it matter to me?
• What purpose, if any, does it have?
• What is its sentimental value?
• For material items: How often do I use/wear it? 

By answering these questions honestly, you can begin to let go of things that no longer align with your current self.
 
Some final thoughts
 
Decluttering is not just about eliminating excess; it’s about consciously choosing what and who you invite into your life. In an age where we often measure our worth by the number of likes or followers, it’s worth reassessing who and what truly deserves your time and energy. If certain relationships or commitments leave you feeling drained, it may be time to declutter those as well.
 
Ultimately, this journey is about valuing quality over quantity. By creating space – both physically and mentally – you open up room for peace, growth, and joy.