Looking for a list of things to declutter? Here’s a different type of decluttering list to consider—one that might surprise you!
Lately, on my internet wanderings, I’ve been noticing that most conversations about minimalism are turning into lists of things you can declutter: goodbye ice cream maker, old magazines, and college textbooks!
And look—don’t get me wrong—I believe decluttering your home is obviously a big part of a minimalist lifestyle, but I can’t help but feel that that part of the conversation is missing.
I believe minimalism is less about the number of things you own and more about intentional thinking. It’s about considering the purpose and value something (physical possessions, ideas, or even people) brings into your life and then being intentional about what you choose to keep.
This is why I’ve decided to share a different kind of decluttering list—a list of things to declutter that aren’t things. Instead of physical decluttering, I’m looking at ideas and mindsets that aren’t contributing to my life and could use letting go.
15 Things To Declutter (A Different Decluttering List)
Before jumping into the list, I wanted to make two quick points:
- I’m still working on A LOT of the things on this list, and to be honest—I’m writing this for myself as much as my readers. Life is a work in progress!
- Not everything on this list will make sense for everyone. Please don’t view this as an authoritative “master list” (or my attempt to write one). Instead, my intention is to inspire you to think outside the box with your minimalist lifestyle and to consider other aspects of your life that may require a bit of decluttering.
On that note, I’m sure there are a ton of things I’ve left off this list, so if you have any ideas you’d like to share please feel free to add them in the comments!
Originally published in March 2016, updated for clarity in June 2023.
1. Unnecessary deadlines
I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve spent stressed and nearly in tears because I had a project or chore that I really, really wanted to finish before going to sleep—even though there was absolutely no reason it couldn’t just be left to the next day.
Yet for some reason, I’d created a self-imposed deadline that was causing me ridiculous stress. If you’ve ever caught yourself in the same boat, join me in just letting go.
RELATED POST: 5 Ways To Be Kinder To Yourself
2. Gossip
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
We all know this one. It’s a lazy habit, so let’s be intentional in breaking it. Also, on a side note, I’ve noticed that the more critical I am of other people, the more critical I become of myself. It’s lose-lose all around, and a good reason to break the bad habit.
3. A goal weight or size
Instead of focusing on an arbitrary number, chose to focus on feeling healthy and well. Healthy living is easier when it’s about feeling good instead of battling the scales.
Side note: the same goes for your decluttering projects! Focus less on how much stuff you own, and more on how you feel in your home.
4. Multitasking
Have you ever had that “I’ve been so busy working all day, but somehow I’ve done nothing” feeling?
Yep. Me too—and we can thank multitasking for creating lots of busyness minus productivity. The alternative?
Try slowing down, doing one thing at a time, and being mindful about the task at hand. (I’ve been trying time blocking lately, and it’s really been working for me.)
5. Perfect
Is your inner perfectionist holding you back? Maybe you stress out because your home doesn’t look like something out of a magazine? Or your decluttering journey is more like a roller coaster, because you get rid of stuff and then find yourself shopping for the “perfect“ replacement?
This is, of course, the tip of the iceberg and perfectionism can hold you back in almost all areas of life. Especially in today’s edited world, where everywhere we look there are airbrushed photos and curated social media feeds.
But here’s a gentle reminder: ‘perfect’ isn’t real. It’s an illusion, and until you get comfortable with it, no amount of simplifying will ever be enough.
The Simply + Fiercely Show is a podcast for women who want to clear their clutter and create space for freedom and joy. If your life keeps getting bigger—but not better—then it’s time to declutter from the inside out. LISTEN NOW
6. Feeling trapped
Tough love time: stop believing you’re trapped. If you’re not happy with your life, acknowledge that you are in control.
You may not be able to change all the circumstances of your life, but don’t let what you can’t change keep from noticing what you can. (Ahem, I was guilty of this for a LONG time!) I won’t deny that it’s hard, especially when there’s a lot outside your control, even more so when it’s systematic and related to your gender, race, etc.
But don’t give away your power. Even baby steps can completely change how you feel.
7. Guilt about self-care
If you feel guilty in any way about making time to take care of yourself, please stop and let it go. Practising self-care is important because if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anything or anyone else.
2023 Update: I originally wrote this post in 2016. Back then I knew that self-care was important but struggled to make it a priority (even after writing this article). Then I spent most of 2022 in bed dealing with some health issues, and learned this lesson on a deeper level. Now, I have zero guilt about self-care because there truly is nothing more important.
8. Blaming others for your mistakes
We know this, right? But boy is it hard to remember in the heat of the moment. I’m trying to learn the power of “pause”, to stop for a moment and think before I react, giving myself time to accept responsibility for my own actions.
9. Waiting to be happy
Stop waiting for a new job, a new month, or a new boyfriend to make you happy.
I hate to be morbid, but tomorrow is never guaranteed—and besides, it’s more than that. Over the years, I’ve learned that looking outside myself for happiness is a recipe for disappointment.
Now to be clear, this isn’t about false positivity or pretending that negative feelings don’t exist. But as cliche as it is, there’s so much to be said about gratitude and taking responsibility for our own happiness.
Take a long hard look at what‘s inside your control, and what you can do to spark joy in your everyday life. (And if this feels overwhelming, check out my mini course, 7 Simple Days. It will help you press the reset button on a busy and cluttered life.)
*Don’t forget to talk to a professional if happiness feels impossible. The obvious exception to this point is if you are struggling with mental health.
RELATED POST: 14 Ways to Stop Living for the Weekends
10. The glorification of busy
Busy does not equal better.
- If you find yourself complaining (or boasting) about being busy, stop.
- If you’re too busy to do what’s important to you, look at your priorities.
- If you have downtime, enjoy it without feeling guilty.
Of course, the reality of your situation might mean this is a busy season of life (working two jobs, caring for others, etc.) and it’s not always possible to live a “slow life”. But regardless, it’s a shift—we can be busy without the glorification, without making it part of our identity.
This is something I struggled with for q long time and you can read my story in this post about why your life is busy and cluttered.
11. Any definition of success that does not serve you
I want to scream this one from the rooftops. It is SO easy to get caught up chasing other people’s dreams, checking things off some master to-do list of things you’re ”supposed” to achieve.
But before you do, pause. Ask yourself—why am I doing this and who am I doing this for?
At the end of the day, one of the most powerful things you can do is define your own version of success. Create your own standards, then build your life around them, and stop worrying what everyone else will think.
RELATED POST: How Defining My Core Values Changed My Life
12. Deflecting compliments
Learn to accept compliments with grace, instead of responding with a self-deprecating joke. (Yes, you do look nice today, and no—it’s not the flattering lighting.)
13. Obsessing over things you can’t change
I know this isn’t easy (I’m still putting some serious work into this one) but I truly believe that one of the greatest things we can learn in life is how to let go of what we can’t change. (Goodbye: replaying things in our head, constant obsessing, and unnecessary stress.)
If you’re not sure how to start with this, practice being present. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional if you need support.
14. Anger and grudges
It’s OK to feel angry, and negative emotions aren’t bad. But sitting with them for too long, and letting them rot you from the inside out … well, that’s another story, isn’t it?
Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
– Unknown
15. Self-limiting beliefs
And finally, let go of any thoughts that begins with “I could never …”
For a long time, I believed I could never get out of debt, or end my first marriage, or start a blog that people actually read.
But guess what? I learned that I’m brave and capable of more than I thought and you are too. Say goodbye to any thoughts (or anyone) that tell you otherwise.
Decluttering Advice for Your Actual “Things”
Obviously, this was a different type of decluttering post! But in case you need tips on how to let go of actual things, here are a few blog posts that will help:
- 5 Helpful Decluttering Checklists For Your Home – If you want to be told exactly what to declutter, from your medicine cabinet to your junk drawer, this post is for you.
- 4 Thoughtful Questions to Ask When Decluttering – Deciding what to declutter can be a daunting task. These questions will help.
- One of the hardest things is decluttering sentimental items, but this guide has some tips you may not have heard before.
What ideas or mindsets could use ‘decluttering’ in your life? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to add to this list! x
This is a great list! Thank you so putting all these things together here ❤️
I am newly aspiring minimalist, and tend to disagree that minimalism has lost its spirit. My journey started when I read by accident wise words that minimalism removes the physical obstacles so you cannot escape your spirit any more. I think that physical decluttering and mindfulness are connected, and you cannot reach peace of mind without cleaning your physical surroundings.
I realized that all the clutter and busyness were just an excuse no to take care of my soul. So I removed all the unnecessary things from my home to make more room for my spiritual journey. You list will make it definitely easier!
Wishing you all the best from Norway! 😊
Jennifer – I recently discovered your blog posts via a link from another website and I must say that it feels wonderful to read the words of a like-minded person 🙂 I completely agree that there is more to declutter than the physical aspects of your home (which itself can feel very rewarding, and slightly addictive – haha).
Recently, in a bid to help placate my anxiety and the nay-sayers in my head, I started to journal. Just emptying my head of all the words. It truly feels like a “decluttering” of my mind. I have found it to now be an essential part of my day as I have noticed that I am a happier, lighter person for it, able to address many of the items you list above because of it. I no longer WANT to be “busy”, I am making a concerted effort to single-task as much as possible, am focused on being more present in each and every moment and am slowly starting to turn off the constant replay of situations in my mind.
Each time I approach a new day with intent, I am being exposed to so many more positive experiences and meeting so many amazing people. Decluttering my mind has empowered me to focus on the good and I am so grateful for the life I am starting to live.
Thank you so much for your blog (and the emails I receive)…it is refreshing to have more positivity in every day! xx
I love this angle that “clutter” can be so much more than physical. Self-imposed deadlines and anxiety about things I can’t change (or which might never happen) are big ones for me.
This is the perfect list and dead on across the board!! Thanks for these reminders because I’m so guilty of almost all of them to some degree.
Erica
http://www.awastenotkindoflife.com
Hi Erica, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! I need these reminders for myself almost all the time too 🙂 Have a great day! x Jen
Yes Yes Yes! When people thing of minimalism they automatically think of decluttering and ‘things’. I think this side of minimalism is much more important xx
Thanks Hannah 🙂 I definitely found this “side” of minimalism to be much more life changing! x
Everything about this post is so spot on! There is so much of the minimalism movement that is mindset related. For me, once I got through the physical minimizing, the mental minimizing was so much clearer and easier to accomplish. I also get super annoyed when people write ‘decluttering’ lists- what I want in my life is going to be different than anyone else. Minimalism isn’t one size fits all!
Hehe – I have to admit I feel the same way about decluttering lists, which is part of what inspired this post, but it’s a bit of balance!! Sometimes they’re great for a bit of inspiration, as long as you know to be true to yourself first. Thanks for reading! 🙂
This post makes me want to hit a wall and hug you at the same time. There is SO much here that I need to hear, and you say it in a way that’s non-threatening. I will probably read it at LEAST 6 more times tonight! 🙂
Oh my goodness – sorry I’m only replying to this now! But thank you SO much fro your kind words 🙂 I especially appreciate the bit about being non-threatening; I really try not to “preach” in my blog posts so I’m so relieved to hear it doesn’t come across that way. Thanks for reading! x
Hi Margaret, it’s a very fair point that I haven’t read the book and perhaps I haven’t expressed myself well (or with enough tact). I’m sorry if I implied the KonMari method is bad in any way.
The point I was trying to make is that KonMari has brought a lot of attention to minimalism and, as often happens when anything becomes mainstream or popular, I feel in some cases the focus is lost. I’m apologise if this comes across as derogatory to the KonMari method – it certainly wasn’t my intention to do so.
I appreciate your comment and thank you for bringing this to my attention and taking the time to share your feelings.
Ugh, I absolutely adore this blog post. Thank you 🙂 I agree with everything you’ve mentioned and even though I’m new to living more mindfully/being frugal/being minimalist (whatever you want to call it) I really appreciate your perspective.
Thanks so much Michaela – I’m so glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Hi, Just found your blog, I’m in a place in my life to really be receptive to intentional living and your articles are really inspiring. I think I would add to this list Friends. In the same way you have been talking in other articles about material possessions not fitting the you that you want to be, I think it might be helpful to look at the people who we are friends with and recognize which people make us happy and fulfilled and which it is perhaps time to let go of.
Hi Jesse – I definitely agree! Being mindful about your friends (and all relationships) is a huge part of minimalism. Thank you for the reminder! ☺️
I sooooo needed to read this today. The list as is, is on point!
That’s awesome to hear Fin! Thanks so much for commenting 🙂
Loved this article! I think what struck me the most was “I’m brave and capable of more than I thought…” I needed to hear that. Thanks Jennifer!
Thank so much Vicki – I’m so glad this spoke to you 🙂 Have an awesome day x
I love this! I have made myself a note to come back and refer to it.
Thanks Kimberly! I refer back to this post myself a lot too, haha 🙂
A lot of the things you mentioned are things I’m currently struggling with. It’s been a bummer week for me, and I think I needed this inspiration more than I am realizing.
I need to focus on waiting to be happy and defining my own success. Thank you for the read, Jennifer!
Hello Micha! I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time ? I completely understand the whole ‘waiting to be happy’ thing, I know it’s one of the hardest things to do.
I’m so glad that you’ve found some inspiration in this post and I’m sending you positive vibes. Feel free to message me if you feel like talking things out. x
I feel guilty for NOT taking care of myself 🙁
Aww Diane, big hugs. Trust me – I think this happens to EVERYONE once in a while. Do something small for yourself and let yourself enjoy it. x
This list is fantastic. I feel like if I could actually do all these things I’d be in nirvana! Oh well – progress not perfection right? Thanks so much for these great reminders of the most important things to minimalize.
Thanks Jan! I completely understand – we are all works in progress 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed this posted and I appreciate you taking the time to comment! All the best 🙂
I spend SO much time obsessing over things I can’t change. I’m always having to remind myself that “I can’t control this. Let it go.”
Thank you for reminding us that decluttering our minds is vastly important to live happily!!!
Sorry I missed this comment! I still obsess too … we all do the best we can 🙂
I’m so, so guilty of making self-imposed, totally arbitrary deadlines! I hadn’t really thought about that until now, but it can be painful and anxiety-making. Going to try to work on that this month – thanks for your thoughtful words!
I have caused so, SO, many arguments with my other half over these deadlines! Good luck with letting go of yours and thank you for your comment 🙂
This is so great! Everyone always talks about getting rid of things, but I think these concepts are even more important. I especially agree with the parts about glorifying busy and feeling guilty about self care. I need to work on those for sure.
Thanks for your comment Annie 🙂 I’m definitely guilty of glorifying busy (although not as much as I used to.) Baby steps for sure! x
I love this! So honest and true. I am now writing a piece not too dissimilar from this about decluttering our lives digitally. I think people find it easier to declutter physical things as they are able to see the evidence right there and then whereas other aspects of decluttering do not give such short-term results.
Oh – I’ll have to keep an eye out for that post! And I completely agree; I think digital or mind decluttering is almost ‘second stage’ decluttering – easier to tackle once you’ve cleared the physical excess from your life! 🙂
Fantastic list, not just for minimalists, but everyone in general.
Most definitely! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
THIS RIGHT HERE!!! I love all of your thoughts– the purpose of simplifying is really to get to the bottom of our desires and what drives us, and to make changes there. This is such a good piece. I’ll definitely be sharing it!
Aww… thanks Daisy! ❤️ And you’ve summed it all up so eloquently – you’re so good with words! Thank you so much for sharing x
I’ve read the KonMari books, & she actually agrees with you & me about how it’s about all the things you own having a purpose (useful & bringing joy). I think some fans have been taking it to the extreme because of the thrill they get decluttering physical stuff (in the sense that you can see the results around you quickly).
Hi Daisy – that’s great to know! I think you’re right … decluttering is of course a fantastic feeling! As long as there is balance (I’ve seen a few posts online where people have described how stressed they felt because they couldn’t decide if they should have 4 or 6 dinner settings!) Thanks for commenting 🙂