Ditch Your Shit-The Power of Decluttering

The Powerful Connection Between Mental Decluttering and Physical Space

We've all experienced that moment of walking into our homes and feeling instantly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff surrounding us. Piles of mail on the counter, clothes spilling out of closets, and that infamous junk drawer that somehow keeps expanding. But what if the clutter in our physical spaces is actually a reflection of our internal mental state?

In a fascinating conversation with psychologist and life coach Kate Evans, author of the forthcoming book "Ditch Your Shit," we explored how the process of decluttering goes far beyond simply organizing physical items. Evans, who has spent decades working in psychology, discovered the profound connection between mental and physical decluttering during her own personal journey. "When I decluttered my own home," Evans shares, "I went from having believed that I was a slob who was incapable of having a tidy home to being able to stand in a tidy, clean kitchen that I could clean up after dinner within minutes and not want to scream anymore."

This transformation wasn't just about having a cleaner space—it represented a fundamental shift in how Evans viewed herself and her capabilities. This insight highlights one of the core principles of effective decluttering: our relationship with our possessions is deeply intertwined with our self-perception and limiting beliefs. Many of us have internalized messages about ourselves that aren't true—that we're inherently messy, that we can't maintain organization, or that our worth is somehow tied to the things we own. These limiting beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies that keep us trapped in cycles of accumulation and disorder.

The psychological barriers to decluttering often stem from deep-seated fears and shame. Evans explains that "what we do to ourselves when it comes to clutter is we think that the clutter is us." This misplaced identification makes the process of letting go feel threatening to our very identity. Additionally, for many people, the fear of making wrong decisions about what to keep or discard can be paralyzing. What if I need this someday? What if I regret getting rid of this? These anxieties reveal our attempts to control an uncertain future through holding onto physical items.

Perhaps most fascinating is how Evans describes the stages of change as they apply to decluttering—borrowed from addiction recovery models but perfectly applicable here: pre-contemplation (not recognizing there's an issue), contemplation (recognizing but not ready to act), preparation (planning but not yet implementing), action (actively decluttering), and maintenance. Understanding which stage you're in can help alleviate the pressure and shame that often accompanies decluttering efforts.

Starting small is crucial for building decluttering confidence. Evans recommends beginning with just one item: "You just pick up one thing and make a decision about that one thing and then walk away. Let yourself sit with the delightful feeling that you made a decision about one thing." This approach helps build the decision-making muscles that make larger decluttering projects possible later on. The goal isn't perfection but progress—creating more space for what truly matters in your life.

The benefits of decluttering extend far beyond aesthetics. People who successfully declutter report feeling "lighter" and happier. They develop greater confidence in their decision-making abilities and experience less daily friction in their lives. Simple tasks like putting items away become effortless when there's a clear place for everything. The mental bandwidth previously occupied by managing excess possessions becomes available for more meaningful pursuits.

As you embark on your own decluttering journey, remember that it's not just about creating a magazine-worthy home. It's about creating a space that supports your wellbeing and reflects who you truly are—not who you were or who you think you should be. By approaching decluttering with self-compassion and an understanding of the psychological factors at play, you can create lasting change that extends from your physical environment to your mental landscape.