What I Learned When I Stopped Organizing and Started Letting Go

Last year, I decided to transform one of our extra rooms into a peaceful space where I could journal, meditate, and practice Yoga. I painted the room, bought some beautiful new furnishings, and set it up with care, but something still felt off.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on it... until I opened the closet.

It was stuffed.

Since I had poured so much intention into creating a calm and healing space, I knew I had to tackle that closet too.

Organized? Yes. Functional? Not So Much.

I’ve always considered myself an organized person. And truthfully, that closet was technically organized. But it took a lot of work to keep it that way. Every time I needed something, I had to move several other “organized” items just to reach it. Eventually, nothing made it back to its place, and I’d have to start the whole organizing process over again.

That’s when I realized I didn’t need a better organization system. I needed less stuff!

The Power of Discarding First

I began by pulling everything out of the closet. Just seeing it all laid out was eye-opening. I discarded scrapbooking supplies I hadn’t touched in over a decade, dried-up markers, broken craft tools, and expired travel items.

Clearing that space felt amazing, so much so that I decided to continue the process throughout the entire house.

Along the way, I remembered Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and decided to fully embrace the KonMari Method. The core of the method is simple but powerful: surround yourself with things that spark joy and support your ideal life. Then, organize what remains with care and intention.

That’s when I got clear on my “why”: I wanted to create space and time for the new version of myself, the one I was growing into. I was done spending energy managing items tied to the old version of me.

5 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned from Discarding First

1. I Didn't Need to Buy New Organizing Supplies

Once I cleared out the excess, I didn’t need fancy bins or drawer systems. I used temporary solutions, things I already had, and spent only $23 on new supplies over six months. Turns out, less stuff means less to organize.

2. I Became Aware of My Shopping Habits

After picking up the fifth piece of clothing with tags still on, I realized it was time to rethink my online shopping habits. I deleted the shopping apps and began supporting local stores instead. This reduced clutter, saved money, and freed up time. No more piles of things to return! Now, I shop my own closet, and feel confident while wearing everything in it.

3. I Let Go of a Past Version of Myself

Some items were tied to old hobbies or styles that no longer fit who I am. Letting them go felt like honoring the “old me” and making space for who I’ve become. It was emotional, but freeing. Releasing the past opened the door to the present.

4. I Created More Time

I no longer waste time searching for things or reorganizing messy drawers. Everything I need is visible and accessible. I can tidy my entire home in less than 15 minutes, which has made room in my life for what really matters.

5. I Became More Mindful About Joy

The biggest shift wasn’t just in my home, it was in how I choose to live. I now apply the concept of “sparking joy” to everything: how I spend my time, who I spend it with, and what I say yes to.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering wasn’t just about cleaning out a closet. It was about creating space; physically, mentally, and emotionally, for what truly matters. Because the real magic begins when you clear the way for joy. It’s never just about stuff.

If you’re feeling weighed down by clutter or stuck in your space, maybe it’s time to pause the organizing... and start letting go.