A simple way to see what clutter is costing you

Read time: 2 minutes

Our first community challenge inside Clarity Lab is due in two days—on July 1st. And given the theme of this particular challenge, decluttering has been top of mind for me.

I’ve been thinking lately about how easy it is to look around a cluttered room and feel two things at the same time:

Part of you says, “It’s just stuff. No big deal.”

And another part feels a tightness in your chest, that heavy sense of “Something isn’t right here.”

It’s tricky, isn’t it? We tell ourselves we’ll deal with it later. We pile it in the closet or stack it neatly against the wall—out of sight, but never really out of mind.

And over time, that quiet overwhelm starts to feel normal.

But here’s something I’ve learned, both in my own life and from working with countless others:

Clutter isn’t neutral.

Every item you keep—even the ones you sort of like—takes up space that could be used for something better. Something that feels more aligned, more peaceful, more like you.

I think of it this way:

The presence of what no longer serves you is what keeps you from discovering what could.

Most people assume decluttering starts with asking, “What should I get rid of?”

But before that question, there’s a different one worth asking:

“What is all this really costing me?”

Because even if you love your stuff—even if it once mattered—too much of it eventually starts to cost you more than you realize.

• It costs you time, because you spend extra minutes hunting for things.
• It costs you energy, because every pile is a tiny decision waiting to be made.
• It costs you freedom, because your space is filled with yesterday’s priorities instead of today’s possibilities.

If you’re feeling that familiar sense of overwhelm, do yourself a favor. Step back and take a breath.

You don’t have to fix everything today. You don’t even have to decide what stays or goes yet.

Just start by noticing.

Walk into one cluttered corner of your home and look around. Ask yourself, “Does this feel like it supports who I am now—or am I holding onto something that no longer belongs?”

You might be surprised at what comes up when you look with honest eyes.

And if you can, allow yourself a moment of relief. Seeing the cost clearly is the first step toward reclaiming your space and your peace of mind.

One small step at a time.

That’s all for today, my friend.