Decluttering vs. Organizing: The Ultimate Showdown

Decluttering vs. Organizing: The Ultimate Showdown

So, what's the deal with decluttering and organizing? Are they the same thing?

• Spoiler alert: NOPE! As a professional organizer, I can tell you that they’re two totally different creatures. You can totally declutter without organizing, and you can organize without decluttering. But, in my humble (and totally professional) opinion, they’re like peanut butter and jelly – they go hand-in-hand!

• Now, here’s the secret sauce: before you organize, you’ve got to declutter. But what is decluttering, exactly? Think of it as the art of letting go. It’s about thinning things out, tossing the trash, and donating all those items you don’t need or want anymore. I can’t stress this enough – decluttering is crucial if you want your home to feel like a Zen retreat and not a landfill. But, fair warning: it’s not a one-time thing. Decluttering is a lifestyle.

• If you skip the decluttering step and just start organizing, you’re essentially just taking all your stuff (including the stuff you don’t need) and sticking it into bins, boxes, or containers. Sure, it might look pretty for a minute, but let's be real – if you have a ton of things you don't use, your space will still feel cramped. Trust me, it’s way better to have less stuff to organize.

• Now, a little personal story: I kicked off my own decluttering journey before I even started my company a little over two years ago. And guess what? At least once a month, I still find some random closet, cabinet, or room that needs a good decluttering. I mean, let’s face it – as Americans, we’re pretty good at buying stuff. We’ve got to keep things in check, or we’ll drown in the clutter! Personally, I lean toward a minimalist aesthetic. It’s probably a bit more “thin” than most people would like, but hey, it makes my brain feel all cozy and calm when I get home. You do you, though – your comfort level with your stuff is totally up to you!

• So, how do you start? Grab four bins, boxes, or containers. You’re going to need them for this process, trust me. The first bin is for trash, the second for donations, the third for recycling, and the last one for misplaced items. Start by clearing out the trash – yep, all those snack wrappers and expired coupons do count as trash. Don’t argue with me. Next, grab anything that doesn’t belong in that space. Don’t waste time playing “bring this item to its home” – just toss it all in the “misplaced items” bin and deal with it later. Your future self will thank you! Now, set up a donation bin for those clothes you haven’t worn since the '90s or the gadgets gathering dust. They can go find a new, loving home! And, of course, don’t forget the recycling bin for anything that’s not trash but definitely can’t be donated. Think paper, plastic, glass – basically, all the stuff that deserves a second life.

• Here’s a little trick: try working in a clockwise direction (or any direction you like – just pick one!) so you can see the progress you’re making. Once you've tossed the trash and the misplaced stuff, move on to donating. Let go of things that no longer serve you. It’s okay to let go – thank the items for their service and send them on their merry way. Go shelf by shelf, drawer by drawer, and room by room until you’ve sorted and donated everything that doesn’t spark joy. Keep what you love, and let go of the rest.

• Now, onto the fun part: organizing! This is where the magic happens. Organizing, to me, means arranging things in ways that are both practical and pretty. It’s like giving your space a makeover. Organizing is all about grouping similar items together and finding the most useful spots for them. For example, pens and pencils? They should be within arm’s reach at your desk. Old files that you haven’t touched in years? They can hang out in the closet, high on a shelf, and labeled like they’ve just been assigned VIP status.

• I love grouping things into containers and labeling them. It’s like giving your stuff a little home – everything has its place! Oh, and don't forget – moving furniture around can open up space and make your room feel brand new.

• Once you've decluttered and organized, voila! You’re ready to enjoy your space. Pat yourself on the back – that was a lot of work, and you totally crushed it. Congratulations on completing your decluttering and organizing journey – now go take a well-deserved nap in your beautiful, clutter-free home!