Part 1: Less Stuff
The Joy of Purging
How much of what surrounds you do you actually use or love? I have to credit Marie Kondo here because her 2014 book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, helped me do the most thorough purge of my adult life. I can say for sure getting rid of stuff you don’t need or use feels incredibly good. These days, I’m not in the mood or in need of a massive life-changing purge. What I’m offering instead is a gentle nudge to clear out stagnant energy and embrace the power of less, starting with just one area. If that sounds good, I encourage you to take on this week’s challenge.
Challenge #1: Purge one space.
Put a time boundary around it (15 minutes to an hour), and choose a small-to-medium area—like a drawer, closet, or corner. Then try this method:
- Keep – Put away what you love and use.
- Donate – Schedule the drop-off (don’t let it sit in your trunk!).
- Discard – If it’s not useful to anyone and weighs you down, thank it and release it.
Need a digital declutter instead? Try your desktop, Google Drive, or inbox.
When it’s hard to let go.
Remember stuff isn’t neutral. It takes up mental, physical, and emotional space. When we let go of stuff that we don’t use or that carries emotional weight, we create space for new energy, creativity, and calm.
Letting go isn’t about becoming a minimalist. Most of us just want a more organized and easeful space. It’s about becoming intentional.
Here are three questions to guide you:
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does this support who I am now or who I want to be?
- If I let this go, what would I gain?
Other People’s Clutter
I’m not a big shopper (especially since I broke up with Amazon) or saver myself, but I live with three other humans, and their stuff complicates things. While I’m not responsible for every nook and cranny, I am the one who is most affected by clutter.
Over time, I’ve learned: consent is key.
Invite your household into the process. Let it be collaborative. And if they resist? You can still model what it looks like to take care of shared space with care and intention.
Usually, that means giving them an opportunity to review my giveaway and toss piles within a certain period of time.
Complete the Purge
Whatever you choose, finish it. That’s part of the challenge.
✔️ Choose your space
✔️ Keep, donate, toss
✔️ Celebrate what you’ve done (a moment of acknowledgment is enough)
Enjoy getting rid of what you no longer need, and create space for new energy, ideas, and calm!
