Decluttering: The Unsung Hero of Mental Clarity (and Economic Wisdom)
How organising space transforms the mind
Organising and decluttering are essential for many reasons—especially for my mental state—but let’s be honest, it’s not the sexiest topic to bring up in a professional setting. At best, some of you might confess to tidying up an Excel sheet, but talking about wardrobes and kitchen cabinets? That feels oddly personal. And yet, we all have them. We open them daily. Which means when chaos reigns inside, it affects us—some of us subconsciously, others in a very real, very visible way.
And it’s not just about aesthetics or peace of mind. The clutter hits us economically too. How many times have we bought something we already had, hidden in the depths of a cupboard? Or added yet another black shirt to our collection because the others were buried under a pile of forgotten clothes?
Right now, I’m deep in an organising phase. It feels like my personal version of the Camino de Santiago, which my partner is literally walking at this moment. While he’s trekking for miles, I’m sifting through accumulated belongings. It’s fascinating to notice where I resist, what I struggle to let go of, and what brings undeniable relief once it’s finally out the door.
Take these examples: the really cool jeans that fit for over 20 years but now feel like they belong to another life. The gorgeous brown suede heels I wore twice—just looking at them makes my feet ache. Piles of journals filled with my attempts to control life, frustration when it didn’t go as planned. And yet, among the discards, there are things I’m proud of: all the admin files I meticulously managed, research I poured myself into, books that shaped me. There are things I treasure: my grandmother’s bathrobe, my mother’s pristine 1970s summer dress.
I’m guessing your first knee jerk response will be: I don’t have time for that. I have a busy job, it’s alright for you living the dream etc etc …. Sure, we’re all busy. What I have noticed is that if my head is clear, I get more done. My head gets clear when my environment is clear. So in reality I save time when I organise. Ok not straight away, you need to actually do the organising and that can feel like an overwhelming plan, but if clarity is the result, I want to invest.
Marie Kondo’s joy test still resonates with me, but I know I’ll never be a minimalist. There’s too much joy in these memories, in the beautiful objects we’ve gathered with care over the years. For me, decluttering isn’t about purging—it’s about curating. Before I can embrace new ideas or experiences, I have to assess what’s already here. What comes with me? What gets left behind?
On that note, I recently joined a study group for A Course in Miracles. As these things tend to happen, the invitation arrived at exactly the right time. We’re still figuring out the logistics, but one thing is clear: discussing life’s big questions with a group of brilliant women is bound to bring miracles. Admitting vulnerabilities, recognising where my ego clings to control, and laughing together about it all feels like one of 2025’s biggest gifts.
That said, I’m not here to glorify vulnerability—no, I won’t be livestreaming a breakdown on Instagram (if I have one). But I will openly admit that my wardrobes and kitchen cabinets need sorting, and that doing so is just as important as making a marketing plan, redesigning my website or calling my mum.
Getting it out feels good!
If you need inspiration, check out Marie Kondo. Or, even better, in Spanish, look up Maria Zamora - Maria Kora Kora, here in a great podcast with journalist Ana Porras.