Have you ever walked into your home, looked around, and thought, How did I end up with so much stuff?
Clutter is sneaky, and before you know it, your space is filled with things you don’t need, use, or even like. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with your stuff, that means it’s time to declutter.
Here are the five most common signs you need to declutter today:
1. You can’t find what you need
If your morning routine includes a frantic search for your keys, glasses, or favorite sweater, that’s your sign that clutter is running the show. Losing items in a sea of stuff wastes time, raises stress levels, and let’s be real—it’s just plain annoying.
How to fix it: Start small. Pick the most commonly lost items and give them a designated home. Keys? Hook by the door. Glasses? Nightstand tray. Mail? A cute basket (not the kitchen counter, please!). A little effort now saves you time and energy later.
2. You hold onto things “just in case”
We’ve all been there—keeping that extra blender, mystery cables, or instruction manuals you don’t even have the products for. I call this, emotional support clutter. But let’s be honest: if you haven’t needed it in over a year, you’re probably never going to. “Just in case” is code for “I don’t trust myself to let go.”
How to fix it: Give yourself a reality check. Ask, “If I needed this tomorrow, would I even remember I had it?” If the answer is no, it’s time to donate, sell, or recycle it. Someone else could actually be using that thing you’re holding onto!
3. You struggle to let go of sentimental items
That box of childhood drawings, Grandma’s tea set, the concert t-shirts from bands you barely remember—sentimental items have a sneaky way of taking over. It’s okay to cherish memories, but drowning in nostalgia isn’t doing you any favors.
How to fix it: Keep the best, ditch the rest. Select a few truly meaningful items and display or store them in a way that honors them (not stuffed in a dusty box). Take photos of the things you can’t keep—memories live in your heart, not in that stack of old birthday cards.
4. Your clutter is costing you money
Clutter isn’t just a space issue—it’s a financial drain. Ever bought a duplicate of something because you couldn’t find the original? Paid for a storage unit you swore was temporary? Thrown out expired groceries you forgot were shoved in the back of the pantry? If clutter is hitting your wallet, it’s time for a change.
How to fix it: Start shopping in your own home before buying anything new. Set a deadline for storage items, and if you haven’t touched them in six months, it’s time to say goodbye.
5. Your clutter is affecting your mental health
If walking into your home makes you feel anxious instead of relaxed, that’s a problem. Studies show that too much clutter can increase cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone), making you feel overwhelmed, unfocused, and exhausted.
How to fix it: Take it one small step at a time. Start with the space that drives you craziest—the kitchen counter, your bedroom floor, that one closet you’re afraid to open. Even clearing off one surface can give you a win and build momentum.
You can do this
Decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a home that works for you, not against you. Remember: your home is a tool. So if you recognize yourself in these signs, take it as a nudge (or a loving shove) to start somewhere. Your future, clutter-free self will thank you!
