Decluttering After a Major Life Change

Life is constantly evolving, and major changes can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s moving to a new home, starting a family, going through a divorce, or even dealing with the loss of a loved one, these transitions are emotionally charged and can leave a trail of clutter in their wake. As a professional organiser, I’ve seen how clutter can represent more than just physical mess—it’s often tied to our emotions and the shifts we are experiencing in life.

After a significant life event, it’s easy to feel stuck, especially when faced with the task of decluttering. The process of clearing out not only clears the space around you but also helps you mentally process and move forward. Let’s talk about how you can approach decluttering after a major life change.

Acknowledge the Emotional Ties

Before you even begin the process of decluttering, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional weight that some items might hold. This is especially true after experiences like bereavement or divorce, where many of the belongings you need to sort through may be attached to memories of the past. I always tell clients: it’s okay to feel sentimental or to have difficulty letting go. Take a moment to reflect on the items that are holding you back, but remember that keeping things purely out of guilt or sentimentality might not be the healthiest choice. You’re allowed to move forward.

Start Small and Be Kind to Yourself

A common mistake when decluttering is to tackle too much at once. After a major life change, you may already be feeling emotionally drained, and trying to sort through your entire home in one day can leave you feeling more stressed than before. I always recommend starting small. do a mini-declutter. Pick one area, like a drawer or a small corner, and go through that first. It’s easier to focus your energy and attention on a smaller task, and the success of clearing that space will give you the motivation to move onto the next one.

Be kind to yourself in this process. There is no deadline or rush, and it’s okay to take your time. This is not just about getting rid of things—it’s about creating space for the next phase of your life.

Decide What Reflects Your New Reality

A life change often signals a shift in your priorities, lifestyle, and goals. When decluttering, keep in mind that you are no longer the same person you were before this change. Ask yourself, “Does this item reflect who I am now, or who I want to become?” This can be a powerful way to sort through belongings. It’s not about erasing the past, but rather making space for your present and future.

For example, if you’ve moved into a smaller home or downsized, it might be practical to reduce the number of items you own to match your new living situation. If you’ve gone through a divorce, you may find that keeping things from your shared life only serves to remind you of the past, instead of helping you move forward.

Create a System for Decision Making

Having a system in place for decision-making can make decluttering more manageable. One method that works well is the “keep, donate, discard” system. As you go through each item, ask yourself if it still has a place in your life. If it’s something useful or that brings joy (without being tied to guilt or past sentiments), keep it. If it’s in good condition but no longer serves you, donate it. And if it’s broken or doesn’t hold any significance, discard it.

I also find it helpful to set up a “maybe” box. Sometimes, we aren’t ready to make a decision straight away, and that’s okay. Put the items you’re unsure about into the box, and revisit them in a few weeks. More often than not, you’ll realise that you don’t need them anymore.

Seek Support

Going through a major life change is challenging enough without adding the stress of decluttering on top of it. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help. This could be from a friend or family member who can provide emotional support or a professional organiser who can guide you through the process. Having someone by your side can make the experience less daunting and more productive.

Moving Forward

Decluttering after a major life event is not just about clearing space in your home—it’s about giving yourself the room to heal and move forward. By sorting through your belongings, you’re not only organising your physical environment but also taking a step towards processing your emotions and embracing the next chapter of your life.

Remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be done in a single day. Take your time, be gentle with yourself, and allow this process to help you transition to your new reality. You’ve gone through a lot, and this is your chance to reclaim control and create a space that truly reflects who you are now.

Hope you found this post useful. If you did, share it with your family and friends who may need a boost currently.

Thanks
Shelina