Before leaving for Breckenridge earlier this month, I decided to tackle a big project: organizing my attic. I had no idea how much peace it would bring me just knowing where everything is and having a clean, orderly space. Every time I go up there now to put something away, I feel pleasantly calm. That got me thinking—if organizing my attic brought me this much peace, what else could I do to make life feel a little less overwhelming?
I’m 44, and let me tell you, I don’t know where my mind has gone. I think I’m in perimenopause because my brain feels scattered, and I’m up at night thinking about a million things. Like most women, I’m still trying to keep it all together—family, work, the never-ending to-do list. So, whatever I can do to find peace, I’m going to give it a try. After doing some research, I came up with this realistic checklist to help declutter different areas of life. I’m sharing it with you because I thought it might help you, too.
A Realistic Decluttering Checklist:
1. The Home: Focus on High-Traffic Areas
The Entryway/Mudroom: A clutter-free entryway sets the tone for your home. Remove old mail, unused shoes, broken umbrellas, and all the sports bags. Add a basket for keys and a small bin for incoming mail. A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that cluttered spaces can increase cortisol levels, leading to stress. Simplifying high-traffic areas can have immediate emotional benefits.
The Kitchen Counter: Clear off non-essentials like random papers and gadgets. Create a designated spot for kids’ school papers, like a labeled bin or folder on the counter, so nothing important gets lost. Having a system in place reduces decision fatigue and keeps your kitchen functional.
The Bathroom: Toss expired medications, skincare products, and cosmetics. Use small bins to organize daily essentials like toothpaste, hair ties, and face wash. Having your morning organized will reduce stress when getting ready in the morning and kiddos off to school.
Photo by: Fashion Jackson
2. Social Media: Clean Up Your Feeds
Unfollow Negativity: A 2020 study from Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking revealed that consuming negative content online can increase feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction. I don't think we need research to understand this, but. the point is let go of people on social media that steal your time or joy. Only follow accounts that inspire you.
Organize Photos: Spend 15 minutes weekly deleting blurry or duplicate photos on your phone. Digital clutter can be as mentally draining as physical clutter.
Set Limits: Excessive screen time is linked to higher stress levels. Use app timers to reclaim time for yourself. We all have been there. We open up Facebook, IG, or TikTok to look for something and then two hours later you are still on your phone.
3. The Car: Tidy Up Your Mobile Command Center
Empty It Out: Remove trash, old receipts, organize the coins and toys. A clean car minimizes the chaotic feeling of being on the go.
Stock Essentials: Keep napkins, hand sanitizer, tissues, and snacks for busy days. Being prepared reduces stress during rushed moments.
Quick Wipe-Down: Cleaning the dashboard and cup holders weekly creates a more pleasant driving environment.
Photo by Amazon
4. The Closet: Quick Wins
Set a Timer: Spend 15 minutes removing items you haven’t worn in a year. A 2019 study in Journal of Environmental Psychology found that letting go of unused items can increase feelings of satisfaction and control. Nothing is worse than looking at a closet full of clothes, but you don't wear any of them. Definitely not good for your stress level..especially if you are running late to work.
Organize by Season: Rotate seasonal items to the front to make getting dressed easier.
Donate: Fill one bag with clothes to donate. Knowing your items will benefit others can make decluttering feel purposeful.
5. The Calendar: Simplify Your Schedule
Set Family Check-Ins: Instead of just reviewing commitments, host a weekly 15-minute check-in to align schedules and share updates. This practice fosters communication and reduces the stress of missed appointments.
Meal Plan: Planning meals will lower stress, help with decision fatigue and saves time during busy afternoon. Nobody wants to run to the grocery store after work!
6. Your Mind: Let Go of Mental Clutter
A 2022 meta-analysis in Journal of Sleep Research concluded that writing down tasks before bed helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Here’s how to apply this research to your life:
Write It Down: Before bed, jot down tasks for the next day. This helps your brain “offload” worries, giving you a better chance at restful sleep.
Gratitude Practice: Writing down or thinking one thing you’re grateful for each day can shift your mindset. Research from the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that gratitude practices improve emotional well-being and sleep, and, frankly, will just make you happier.
Schedule “Me Time”: Even 10 minutes of reflection, a walk, or sipping tea can reset your mind. Prioritizing self-care boosts resilience and mental clarity. I started walking in the mornings, just a few minutes before I wake up the boys. This walk is not for exercise. It's just 15 minutes to get fresh air, watch the sunrise, and have a little time to myself before the hustle and bustle of the morning. I love this time as much as I love chocolate which is a whole lot of love! (wink)
Why Decluttering Matters
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. An organized space will reduce stress and improve focus, helping you feel more in control of your environment and your life.
Oh, and if you’re feeling super motivated to get things organized and need a few items, I made an Amazon list of best sellers for you Just click the link below.
Let’s step into this new year feeling lighter, fresher, and ready to embrace all the blessings and challenges ahead. What area will you tackle first? Share your progress with me on Instagram @theoldrivernest—we’re in this together! Now, I have to take my own advice and start decluttering the upstairs. Wish me luck!
Cheers to Decluttering in 2025,
amber :)
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