Decluttering as Liberation: Making Room for What’s Next
What Is Decluttering, Really?
By definition, decluttering is the act of removing unnecessary items from an untidy or overcrowded space. In layman’s terms? It’s simply getting rid of the things that no longer serve you.
But here’s the thing—decluttering is never just about things. It’s about energy, mindset, and the way we define our sense of self through what we keep.
For many people, letting go of physical objects can feel like no big deal. But for communities of color, particularly Black communities, decluttering can be deeply emotional, even triggering. Our belongings are often tied to effort, time, sacrifice, and struggle. We hold on because we know what it took to acquire those things. We hold on because we fear we might not have the means to replace them. We hold on because we were raised to believe that things equate to success, stability, and worth.
This is why decluttering is more than just a weekend project. It’s a radical act of healing.
The Weight of Holding On: The Trauma Behind Our Stuff
Many of us were raised in households where we were taught to keep everything—not necessarily because we wanted to, but because we needed to. Items weren’t easily replaceable, and every possession represented security in a world where safety wasn’t guaranteed.
For generations, our communities have fought for access, for ownership, for resources. Our elders collected, saved, and preserved what little they had, passing that mindset down. Scarcity became ingrained in our DNA—so much so that even when we have enough, we still behave as if we don’t.
We hold onto:
Clothing we haven’t worn in years, because “one day” we might need it again.
Furniture we no longer love, because it was expensive and replacing it feels wasteful.
Gifts we never liked but feel guilty about letting go, because we don’t want to seem ungrateful.
Items that carry pain, like that sofa from an old marriage or the decorative pieces that remind us of a version of ourselves we’ve outgrown.
All of this is energy. And when we fill our spaces with stagnant energy, it affects more than just our homes—it affects our minds, our spirits, our peace.
As a holistic interior designer, I make it a point to educate my clients on knowing when to let things go. Clutter isn’t just a visual distraction—it’s an energetic roadblock. It creates heaviness, brain fog, irritation, and restlessness, keeping us in a constant state of overwhelm.
Think about the way you feel when you walk into a cluttered space versus a clean, open, intentional one. That shift in energy? That’s what decluttering gives you access to.
There’s a difference between cherishing heirlooms that hold deep meaning and clinging to things out of fear, guilt, or habit. The key is learning the difference.
5 Holistic Wellness Tips for Decluttering Your Space (And Your Spirit)
Decluttering is about releasing what no longer serves you so that you can create space for what does. Here’s how to approach it with intention:
1. Start Small, Start Slow
Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle everything at once. Instead of doing a full home purge in a day, start with one area at a time—your closet, a bookshelf, a kitchen cabinet. Small victories build momentum.
2. Ask Yourself the Right Questions
Before keeping an item, ask:
Does this bring me joy or add value to my daily life?
Does it support the life I’m trying to create?
Am I keeping this out of guilt, fear, or obligation?
If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
3. Create a Letting-Go Ritual
For items with sentimental value, don’t just toss them—honor them. Say a prayer over them, take a picture before donating, or write down a note about what that item meant to you. Acknowledging what it represented helps bring closure.
4. Pay Attention to How You Feel
Notice how your energy shifts as you clear out clutter. Do you feel lighter, freer, more open? That’s your space—and your spirit—breathing again.
5. Make It a Habit, Not a One-Time Event
Decluttering isn’t just a project, it’s a practice. Regularly take stock of your space and be mindful of what you allow into your home moving forward.
Make it stand out
Closets are often the hidden treasure troves of decluttering. Even when neatly organized, it’s important to regularly ask yourself: Does this still serve me? Do I truly need it? A refreshed closet creates space—not just physically, but mentally—for new energy and possibilities.
Decluttering is Freedom: An Invitation to Start Fresh
At its core, decluttering is about reclaiming your energy. It’s about stepping into a new chapter without the weight of the past slowing you down.
The things you hold onto should be in alignment with the life you are building, not the one you’re trying to move on from.
Decluttering isn’t just about having less—it’s about making room for more of what truly matters.
So as we step into this new season, I invite you to take inventory—not just of your home, but of your relationship with the things you keep. Are they lifting you up or holding you back?
Let this be the season you finally release what no longer serves you and create space for the life you deserve.
If you’re ready to take intentional steps toward creating a home that supports your next chapter, explore this month’s Your Sanctuary Mood Board Subscription—a curated guide to turning your vision into reality.
Because the best way to welcome something new is to make room for it.
Kadija Taylor, Owner/Principal Designer, Home and Sanctuary
✨ Ready to create a space that reflects who you are? Explore Your Sanctuary Mood Board Subscription for inspiration. Subscribe Now
📅 Let’s Connect! Have a design question or need a customized approach? Book a Discovery Call
Follow along for more wellness-centered design inspiration → Instagram | Facebook