The time is NOW!
- organizedchaos4lif
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
During a client session today, I found myself reflecting on the stages of life and how each season brings its own set of "stuff"—both physical and emotional. How much stuff does one need? If for some reason or another you had to have minimal things would you survive? ABSOLUTELY! Think about people around the world who have experienced devastating natural disasters and have nothing left. All that is important is our health, including our mental and emotional well being. So this brings me to my next topic. The infamous word DECLUTTER. Decluttering isn't just about things that take up physical space but also about the mental space that things take up.
As children, we’re surrounded by toys and treasures that bring us joy. As young adults, we chase a sense of accomplishment through the things we can afford to buy. Then comes parenthood, and suddenly our homes are overflowing with the latest baby gear we’re convinced will make life easier. As time marches on, we find ourselves holding onto all the things that once were—believing that someday we’ll pass them down to our children or grandchildren or use them again when life slows down. Maybe it’s the skis collecting dust in the garage or the baby swing that hasn’t rocked anyone in years, or the collection of Coca-cola memorabilia that you were collecting because you thought it would be worth money later. Whatever the reason, as we age, the reality begins to hit: we can’t take it all with us. So we attempt to declutter... but the process feels overwhelming, so we stuff things into closets and promise ourselves we’ll deal with it later. Then retirement rolls around, and we start thinking about downsizing. But how do you fit 40 years of memories into a smaller space?
This is exactly why I want to talk about the importance of purging and editing before a major life event. Before you move. Before you retire. Before a milestone birthday. Before illness or loss strikes. I know this might sound a little heavy, but it’s the truth—and it’s something more people need to hear. The key word here is BEFORE.
In the rest of this post, I’ll share several reasons why decluttering now—not later—can save you stress, heartache, and a whole lot of time.
1. Life Is Unpredictable
You never know when a major life event will hit—moving, illness, loss, or a sudden opportunity. Decluttering now means you're prepared, not overwhelmed.
2. Lighter Load for Loved Ones
If something unexpected happens, your family won’t be left to make hard decisions about your belongings during an emotional time.
3. Emotional Clarity
Decluttering slowly, on your terms, allows you to reflect, remember, and release items with intention—not under pressure.
4. Less Daily Stress
Clutter creates visual and mental noise. Clearing it brings calm, focus, and peace to your everyday life.
5. Makes Future Transitions Easier
Downsizing, retirement, or moving becomes smoother when you've already sorted through years of accumulated stuff.
6. You Get to Decide Where Things Go
You can pass down meaningful items, donate intentionally, or repurpose pieces while you still have the choice and energy to do so.
7. You’ll Rediscover What Matters
As you sort, you’ll likely uncover forgotten treasures, memories, or even the realization that you need far less than you thought.
8. It’s a Form of Self-Care
Taking control of your space is empowering. It’s a way to honor your past while creating space for your future.
9. Procrastination Makes It Harder
The longer you wait, the more overwhelming it feels. Start small and build momentum—your future self will thank you.
10. Peace of Mind
Knowing your home reflects what you love and use—not just what you’ve kept—is one of the most freeing feelings.
All of the reasons above are exactly why it’s so important to start decluttering now—not later. But I also understand that knowing where to start or how to tackle it can feel overwhelming, emotional, and time-consuming. The good news is: you don’t have to do it alone. That’s where I come in. As your professional organizer, I’m here to guide you through the process with clarity, structure, and a fresh perspective. Click the link to check out my website and process.
Together, we’ll create personalized systems that fit your lifestyle and help you make confident decisions about what to keep and what to let go of—without the stress. With my support, you’ll stay motivated, avoid burnout, and actually see progress (plus, you’ll have someone to share stories with along the way!). I also offer local resources to help you responsibly donate, sell, or repurpose items, so nothing is just getting moved from one pile to another.
This is more than organizing—it’s learning how to create and maintain a space that supports your life. It’s an investment in your home, your peace of mind, and your overall well-being.
So don't wait for life to slow down or for life to force your hand. The time is now! It starts with a phone call, email or text message to get on my schedule so together we can declutter your space, mind and home to prepare for the future. Trust me your future self will be so thankful!
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