Decluttering
Benoit Malige
Helping you master the Art of Living and find meaning beyond success. Engineer your existence and tap into your purpose in just 6 days ??
Ever feel like your stuff is suffocating you?
Not just the piles of clothes you haven’t worn in years, but the endless notifications, chaotic schedules, and draining relationships?
We’ve got bigger houses than ever before—and yet we still need storage units to fit all our “stuff.”
Why?
Because we’re chasing more instead of better.
If you’re tired of the clutter and ready to make room for what really matters, here’s your roadmap.
1. Physical Clutter: Your Stuff is Owning You
Your home should feel like a retreat, not a warehouse.
Ask yourself: Do I love this? Do I use this?
Inbound Rule: Buy less, but buy better. Instead of five cheap shirts, buy one that feels amazing every time you wear it.
Outbound Rule: Follow the “One In, One Out” principle. New sneakers? Old pair goes. New blender? That broken one you’ve been promising to fix? Bye.
Pro Tip: Minimalism isn’t deprivation—it’s a curated life.
Here’s a hack I swear by: Set a donation box by your door. Whenever you come across something you no longer need, toss it in. Once it’s full, donate it.
2. Digital Clutter: Your Screens Need a Detox
Your digital life is stealing more of your focus than you realize.
Turn off notifications. Your phone doesn’t need to buzz every time someone likes a cat meme.
Clean your inbox. Use the 3-21-0 Method: Respond, archive, or delete emails immediately.
Manage passwords. Use a tool like 1Password instead of relying on “123456” for everything.
Organize your files. Cloud storage is your best friend.
Pro Tip: A cluttered digital life is just as overwhelming as a cluttered desk.
Extra step: Pick a day to go through your apps. Delete anything you haven’t used in six months. Free space isn’t just good for your phone—it’s good for your brain.
3. Relationship Clutter: Who’s Draining You?
Not everyone in your life deserves a front-row seat.
Spend more time with people who energize you.
Spend less time with people who drain you.
If you’re an introvert, schedule time to recharge alone—and guard it fiercely.
Pro Tip: Saying “no” to someone else is often saying “yes” to yourself.
Here’s a hard truth: Relationships need pruning, just like plants. If it’s not growing, it’s dying. And sometimes, letting go is the most loving thing you can do—for yourself and for them.
4. Financial Clutter: Stop Making Money Complicated
Money doesn’t have to be a mess.
Cancel subscriptions you forgot you had.
Automate bills, savings, and investments.
Pay off debt with the Avalanche Method (start with the highest-interest rate).
Budget using the 50/30/20 Rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings).
Pro Tip: Simplifying your finances isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom.
Want to go deeper? Pick one day each month to sit down and review your finances. Call it your “money date.” Light a candle. Pour a glass of wine. Make it enjoyable instead of dreadful.
5. Time Clutter: Protect Your Most Valuable Asset
Your time is finite, so stop giving it away to things that don’t matter.
Block out time for nothing—literally nothing.
Take breaks from social media and news.
Accept fewer meetings. Make “no” your default.
As Derek Sivers said: “If it’s not a ‘hell yes,’ it’s a ‘no.’”
Pro Tip: Time isn’t just money—it’s sanity.
Here’s something radical: Delete one recurring meeting from your calendar this week. Just one. Watch how freeing it feels.
How to Tackle It All
Decluttering your entire life at once is a recipe for burnout. Instead, try this:
Reorder these based on where you feel the most overwhelmed, but start with “time clutter.” Freeing up your schedule gives you the bandwidth to handle everything else. If you want to see real progress, set aside one hour each weekend to focus on decluttering. It’s not much, but the compound effect is massive.
Final Thought
Decluttering isn’t about owning nothing—it’s about making space for what matters:
Clarity. Freedom. A life that feels lighter and more intentional.
Minimalism is a process, not a destination. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how much lighter you feel.
Until next time,
Ben
Principal at Flint Garden Designs
2 周My office!