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: November: Time Clutter


December: Physical Clutter


January: Digital Clutter


February: Relationship Clutter


March: Financial Clutter 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 ‍Your clutter isn’t just taking up space. It’s taking up your energy, your focus, and your peace of mind. 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 Ever feel like your stuff is suffocating you? 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 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. Inbound Rule: 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. Outbound Rule: Pro Tip: Minimalism isn’t deprivation—it’s a curated life. Pro Tip: 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 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. Pro Tip: 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? 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. Pro Tip: 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 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. Pro Tip: 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 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. Pro Tip: 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 How to Tackle It All Decluttering your entire life at once is a recipe for burnout. Instead, try this: November: Time Clutter December: Physical Clutter January: Digital Clutter February: Relationship Clutter March: Financial Clutter November: Time Clutter November: Time Clutter November: December: Physical Clutter December: Physical Clutter December: January: Digital Clutter January: Digital Clutter January: February: Relationship Clutter February: Relationship Clutter February: March: Financial Clutter March: Financial Clutter March: 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 Final Thought ‍ Your clutter isn’t just taking up space. It’s taking up your energy, your focus, and your peace of mind. ‍ 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

Avalanche

effect

Freedom

Make

Tackle

Stay Calm in Stressful Situations With These 6 Proven Techniques

You'll Never Meet Your Deadline (Unless You Fix This)

Architect Your Second Life

Too Long; Didn't Read

This 5-step Framework Helps Declutter Your Life From Areas You Need to the Most

This 5-step Framework Helps Declutter Your Life From Areas You Need to the Most

About Author

Comments

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN

Related Stories

A “Don’t Do” List Can Change Your Life

5 Investing Mistakes You Make As A Developer

Did the Men in Suits Ruin Cryptocurrency For The Rest Of Us?

Financial Freedom Is an Illusion

Financial Freedom: What It Really Means And What It Does NOT

How To Save Money Fast: A Guide on Building That Stash

A “Don’t Do” List Can Change Your Life

5 Investing Mistakes You Make As A Developer

Did the Men in Suits Ruin Cryptocurrency For The Rest Of Us?

Financial Freedom Is an Illusion

Financial Freedom: What It Really Means And What It Does NOT

How To Save Money Fast: A Guide on Building That Stash

Light-Mode

Classic

Newspaper

Minty

Dark-Mode

Neon Noir

Minty

HN StartUps