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Organizing Tips to Tackle Clutter & Stress
Actionable guides and insights — shaped by 20+ years of experience — to help you solve daily organizing challenges and create calm that lasts.
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The Psychology of Clutter
Author: Nichole Gehman
Reading time: 6 min
The Psychology of Clutter:
Why We Hold On and How to Let Go
I’ve been working side by side with clients for over 12 years, and I’ve realized something powerful: clutter isn’t really about the stuff. It’s about the meaning we attach to our belongings, the value we give them in our hearts and minds, and the emotions that bubble up when we think about letting them go.
A Real-Life Story of Clutter and Emotion
Let me take you into a recent session with a client—I’ll call her Michelle. We stood in a room filled with oversized black contractor bags, each stuffed with clothes and miscellaneous items. I opened one bag. Clothes. I opened the next. More clothes.
“Michelle,” I said gently, “we want to put these things in the home where they belong—your closet and drawers.”
She looked at me, overwhelmed: “No. I can’t handle doing that right now.”
So I shifted. “What if I placed the current contents of your drawers into a container for you to review later, and then we could start putting these clothes away together?”
She paused, still hesitant: “I don’t know why I just can’t do that right now.”
Her words capture what so many of us feel when faced with clutter—it’s not about the objects themselves, but about the weight they carry.
Why We Hold On to Clutter
The truth is, clutter often represents much more than physical items. It represents memories, identities, and emotions.
-
A souvenir may remind you of a trip where you felt carefree and alive.
-
A sweater may have belonged to someone you loved deeply.
-
A drawer of old electronics might whisper, “But what if you need me someday?”
Psychologists call this emotional attachment and loss aversion—we fear losing something that might still hold value, even if it’s only sentimental.
Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, reminds us that our belongings reflect our choices, and when we feel out of control, clutter can become a way of holding on to the past or protecting ourselves from change.
The Mental Weight of Clutter
Science backs this up: research shows people surrounded by clutter experience higher cortisol levels (the stress hormone), disrupted sleep, and reduced productivity.
No wonder Michelle couldn’t face her drawers—it wasn’t about the clothes. It was about the emotional weight behind them.
Living with clutter can quietly drain your energy every day. It’s a constant visual reminder of unfinished tasks, decisions you’ve postponed, and goals you haven’t yet reached.
How to Let Go of Clutter
The good news? You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Letting go starts with small, intentional steps.
James Clear, in Atomic Habits, teaches that systems matter more than goals. Instead of setting a broad goal like “I want to be organized,” create a daily system: take 10 minutes at the end of each day to put away anything that’s not in its “home.” Those small, consistent actions lead to big transformation.
Practical Tips to Start Letting Go
-
Start with “low-hanging fruit.” Choose items with little emotional pull—expired pantry food, duplicate kitchen tools, or old receipts. This builds momentum.
-
Use the “memory check.” If you can’t remember when or where you got it, or it doesn’t spark joy or serve a purpose, it’s probably safe to let go.
-
Create homes for everything. Once an item has a designated space, it’s easier to maintain order and reduces the stress clutter creates.
Freedom Beyond the Stuff
Clutter isn’t just about messy drawers or crowded closets—it’s about the story you’re telling yourself. When you release what no longer serves you, you’re not just gaining space—you’re reclaiming peace of mind, time, and freedom.
So look around your room right now. Are there things sitting out of place? Are there items you’ve been avoiding dealing with? Take a deep breath and choose one small action today.
Because letting go of clutter isn’t about losing—it’s about making room for the life you want most.
I’ll be cheering you on my friend.
-Nichole
⭐ Want step-by-step strategies for every room in your home?
Subscribe now to get my [Kitchen Organization E-Book] and [Closet Organization E-Book] — completely free, and designed to help you take the next step toward lasting order.
The Psychology of Clutter
Author: Nichole Gehman
Reading time: 6 min
The Psychology of Clutter: Why We Hold On and How to Let Go
I’ve been working side by side with clients for over 12 years, and I’ve realized something powerful: clutter isn’t really about the stuff. It’s about the meaning we attach to our belongings, the value we give them in our hearts and minds, and the emotions that bubble up when we think about letting them go.
A Real-Life Story of Clutter and Emotion
Let me take you into a recent session with a client...
I’ll call her Michelle. We stood in a room filled with oversized black contractor bags, each stuffed with clothes and miscellaneous items. I opened one bag. Clothes. I opened the next. More clothes.
“Michelle,” I said gently, “we want to put these things in the home where they belong—your closet and drawers.”
She looked at me, overwhelmed: “No. I can’t handle doing that right now.”
So I shifted. “What if I placed the current contents of your drawers into a container for you to review later, and then we could start putting these clothes away together?”
She paused, still hesitant: “I don’t know why I just can’t do that right now.”
Her words capture what so many of us feel when faced with clutter—it’s not about the objects themselves, but about the weight they carry.
Why We Hold On to Clutter
The truth is, clutter often represents much more than physical items. It represents memories, identities, and emotions.
-
A souvenir may remind you of a trip where you felt carefree and alive.
-
A sweater may have belonged to someone you loved deeply.
-
A drawer of old electronics might whisper, “But what if you need me someday?”
Psychologists call this emotional attachment and loss aversion—we fear losing something that might still hold value, even if it’s only sentimental.
Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, reminds us that our belongings reflect our choices, and when we feel out of control, clutter can become a way of holding on to the past or protecting ourselves from change.
The Mental Weight of Clutter
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Science backs this up: research shows people surrounded by clutter experience higher cortisol levels (the stress hormone), disrupted sleep, and reduced productivity.
No wonder Michelle couldn’t face her drawers—it wasn’t about the clothes. It was about the emotional weight behind them.
Living with clutter can quietly drain your energy every day. It’s a constant visual reminder of unfinished tasks, decisions you’ve postponed, and goals you haven’t yet reached.
How to Let Go of Clutter
The good news? You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Letting go starts with small, intentional steps.
James Clear, in Atomic Habits, teaches that systems matter more than goals. Instead of setting a broad goal like “I want to be organized,” create a daily system: take 10 minutes at the end of each day to put away anything that’s not in its “home.” Those small, consistent actions lead to big transformation.
Practical Tips to Start Letting Go
-
Start with “low-hanging fruit.” Choose items with little emotional pull—expired pantry food, duplicate kitchen tools, or old receipts. This builds momentum.
-
Use the “memory check.” If you can’t remember when or where you got it, or it doesn’t spark joy or serve a purpose, it’s probably safe to let go.
-
Create homes for everything. Once an item has a designated space, it’s easier to maintain order and reduces the stress clutter creates.
Freedom Beyond the Stuff
Clutter isn’t just about messy drawers or crowded closets—it’s about the story you’re telling yourself. When you release what no longer serves you, you’re not just gaining space—you’re reclaiming peace of mind, time, and freedom.
So look around your room right now. Are there things sitting out of place? Are there items you’ve been avoiding dealing with? Take a deep breath and choose one small action today.
Because letting go of clutter isn’t about losing—it’s about making room for the life you want most.
-Nichole
I’ll be cheering you on my friend.
Want step-by-step strategies for every room of your home? Check out my [Kitchen Organization E-Book] and [Closet Organization E-Book] to help you take the next step toward lasting order. Subscribe Now
2025
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Expert Insights
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These 10-minute rituals are just the beginning. If you’re ready to simplify your whole home and create lasting calm, my full eBook will guide you step by step — with proven strategies shaped by 20+ years of experience.
Want to tackle your home at your own pace?
Our DIY Package gives you step-by-step plans, room-by-room checklists, and proven organizing strategies you can follow anytime. Designed to bring clarity, calm, and control — without overwhelm.
✨ Step-by-step action plan
✨ Printable room checklists
✨ Flexible timeline — use anytime
✨ Expert tips from 20+ years of experience
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Exclusive $40 OFF
💵 Regular price: $180
✨ Special offer: $140 when you book through this link.
Want to tackle your home at your own pace?
Our DIY Package gives you step-by-step plans, room-by-room checklists, and proven organizing strategies you can follow anytime. Designed to bring clarity, calm, and control — without overwhelm.
✨ Step-by-step action plan
✨ Printable room checklists
✨ Flexible timeline — use anytime
✨ Expert tips from 20+ years of experience
Exclusive $40 OFF
💵 Regular price: $180
✨ Special offer: $140 when you book through this link.
What Customers have to Say
Christina Kollintzas-Pavlis
I am so thankful for this service! They did an amazing job and I feel like I can breathe again!
Kisha Rhyne
5 years after COVID lockdown and being overwhelmed with clutter and papers in home, I found Nichole's company. After several months of sitting on the fence about
Susan Graening
Organize by Designe made my 30-year downsizing journey uplifting and manageable. Nichole’s team truly understood my goals, transforming an overwhelming process into a rewarding experienc.
Tammy Sartain
Thank you Nichole and team! Your professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail are truly appreciated. I’ll gladly keep recommending your services to clients time and again!
Art Black
Nichole and Danielle organized and decluttered my home beautifully, even helping with Facebook Marketplace. Such a huge help—kind, professional, and amazing to work with. Highly recommend!
Lateesha Robinson
Danielle is an amazing job assisting me with my clients closet . Thank you for coming through in such short notice.
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What Customers have to Say
Lateesha Robinson
Danielle is an amazing job assisting me with my clients closet . Thank you for coming through in such short notice.
Linda Lipinsky
Nichole transformed my cluttered office into a space I’m proud of. Professional, focused, and uplifting—she makes organizing easy and rewarding. Excited to tackle the garage next!
Tammy Sartain
Thank you Nicole and Team!!! Your professionalism, dedication and commitment to detail with clients is much appreciated!! I will continue to recommend your services to clients again and again.
Christina Kollintzas-Pavlis
I am so thankful for this service! They did an amazing job and I feel like I can breathe again!
Kisha Rhyne
5 years after COVID lockdown and being overwhelmed with clutter and papers in home, I found Nichole's company. After several months of sitting on the fence about