The hidden power of decluttering: how to transform your life and home.

As the new year begins, there’s no better time to refresh your home and start decluttering after the whirlwind of the holidays. In the hustle and bustle of family life, clutter can sneak up on us, filling living rooms with extra toys, cramming junk drawers that no longer close, and turning spare rooms into storage catch-alls. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!

But here’s the thing—decluttering isn’t just about tidying up. It’s a transformative step toward creating a harmonious, beautiful, and functional home. A clutter-free space doesn’t just look good; it helps you feel good, offering a fresh perspective and a newfound sense of peace.

To dive deeper into this topic, I’m thrilled to team up with my friend Kristin Green, founder of The Joyful Minimalist. Kristin is on a mission to teach families how to embrace a life with less. Her minimalist methods go beyond aesthetics, focusing on practicality, sustainability, and intentional living. As she says, “Adding more bins, baskets, or complicated systems to an already cluttered space isn’t the answer. It’s about consuming intentionally, using what you have first, and designing a lifestyle that works for you.”

Together, we’ll explore why decluttering matters, how it can pave the way for a home you truly love, and actionable tips to get started. Whether you’re overwhelmed by sentimental keepsakes, forgotten belongings, or daily messes, this post is your guide to creating a space that reflects your style and supports your life.

Before we dive into actionable tips, let’s talk about why decluttering is so important.

CLEAR SPACE, CLEAR MIND.

A cluttered environment can easily lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Studies show that physical clutter can have a profound impact on mental health, contributing to anxiety and tension. When your space is cluttered, it's harder to relax or focus on what truly matters—spending time with your family, working, or even just enjoying a quiet moment.

Decluttering helps create a sense of calm and order, allowing your home to become a true sanctuary from the outside world. Imagine walking into your living room and instantly feeling at peace because every item has a place. By clearing out what you don’t need, you create space for the things you love.

DECLUTTERING SPACES CREATES ROOM FOR A MORE FUNCTIONAL AND BEAUTIFUL DESIGN.

As Moms who value a beautifully designed home, clutter can stand in the way of achieving that vision. The best home designs are about more than just aesthetics; they’re about creating functional spaces that work for your lifestyle. When a room is overloaded with "stuff," even the most stylish décor can feel lost in the chaos.

By decluttering, you’re giving yourself a blank canvas to work with. Whether you're considering a full remodel or a simple refresh, removing unnecessary items allows you to focus on what will truly elevate your space. It also gives your interior designer the opportunity to craft a look that reflects your family’s personality, values, and day-to-day needs.

ENHANCE FAMILY TIME.

One of the biggest perks of decluttering is how it improves the overall flow of your home. When every room is easy to navigate, your family naturally spends more time together in shared spaces. Without the distraction of clutter, your living areas become more inviting for game nights, cozy movie watching, or family dinners around the table.

Decluttering also helps streamline routines. When everything has its place, from school supplies to sports gear, mornings are less chaotic, and it’s easier to stay organized—something every busy family can appreciate!

A FRESH START FOR EVERY SEASON.

Families often accumulate things throughout the year—whether it's holiday decorations, kids' school projects, or items for seasonal hobbies. Decluttering helps you hit the "reset" button with each season, so you only hold onto what you need, use, and love.

If you’re thinking about hiring an interior designer to update your home, clearing out the clutter first will ensure that you get the most out of your design investment. Your home will feel fresh and open, and you’ll be ready to embrace new design elements that suit your lifestyle (find out more about how we can help you with both of these below).

BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE AND SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE.

Decluttering areas like your closet can have an immediate impact on your daily life. A well-organized wardrobe filled only with items you love and wear makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze. No more rummaging through unworn clothes or feeling uninspired by your options—just outfits that make you feel confident and put-together.

By decluttering your wardrobe, you’re not just simplifying your mornings—you’re laying the foundation for a more productive, confident, and intentional life.

Decluttering doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start small by tackling one room or even one drawer at a time.

Here are a few tips from on how to make the process easier:

Prioritize high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway—set a timer for 20 minutes and just go! You’ll be amazed by how much you can get done and it’s gaurnateed to motivate you to tackle more areas.
Edit first, Organize second. While it's tempting to shop for all those pretty bins and baskets, declutter first and then evaluate what you’ll need. Make a list of what organization tools will be necessary for the space and take measurements in order to avoid multiple trips to the store.
If the idea of decluttering your whole home feels overwhelming, your closet is the perfect place to begin. Use this simple rule of thumb: If you haven’t worn it in a year, try it on. Does it make you feel good? Does it fit your current style and lifestyle? If not, it might be time to let it go. This process not only clears physical space but also helps clarify your personal style and make room for items you truly love.
Create designated zones or spaces for frequently used items, so they’re easy to access when you need them—If an item doesn't fit, something else has to go.
Donate or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. And make sure to schedule it into your calendar-far too often I see clients hang onto stuff because the donations just sit in their house. Once a bag or box is full, immediately take it out to your car and schedule the drop off into your day.

Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to design and maintain a beautiful, functional home. A clutter-free space not only transforms how your home looks but also how it feels—offering more clarity, joy, and ease in your everyday life.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Kristin and I would love to help! Whether you’re looking to declutter your space with Kristin’s minimalist methods or take it a step further with our Stylized Organization or Interior Design Packages to create a home that’s both stylish and functional, we’re here to guide you. Reach out anytime to either of us via email at hello@styledoutwest.com or tjmcapsulecoach@gmail.com.

Let’s make 2025 the year you fall in love with your home all over again!