Have you ever looked around and wondered how life got so cluttered?
It’s easy for our lives to fill up with things that don’t serve us—whether it’s endless to-do lists, overflowing closets, or habits that drain our time and energy.
Today, we’ll explore six common habits that create this mental and physical clutter—and why saying goodbye to them could be the best way to create more space for what really matters.
Let’s dive in.
1) Holding on to physical clutter
The most obvious habit to kick when decluttering your life is physical clutter.
Yes, that means those old magazines you’ve been holding onto ‘just in case’, that spare room filled with items you never use, and all those clothes that haven’t seen daylight in years.
Physical clutter not only takes up space in your home but also in your mind. It creates a sense of chaos and overwhelm that can seep into other areas of your life.
This is well acknowledged by experts. For instance, the folks at Very Well Mind have noted that “Clutter can increase stress levels, make it difficult to focus, take a toll on relationships, and more.”
So the first step towards a simplified life? Start decluttering.
Donate what you don’t need, recycle what you can, and throw out the rest.
2) Overcommitting yourself
The second habit that I had to personally shake was the tendency to overcommit.
We often feel the need to say ‘yes’ to every invitation, request, or opportunity that comes our way. The fear of missing out can be a powerful driver.
But the truth is this leads to an overloaded schedule, stress, and little time for the things that truly matter.
I remember a time when I found myself juggling multiple projects at work, social engagements every weekend, and various commitments in my personal life. The result? I was stressed, exhausted, and my productivity suffered.
It was a wake-up call. I realized that by trying to do everything, I was spreading myself too thin and not doing anything particularly well.
So, I started saying ‘no’. It wasn’t easy at first, but it freed up time and energy for the things that truly mattered to me.
Decluttering your life isn’t just about physical stuff. It’s about making space for what truly matters by letting go of what doesn’t. And sometimes, that means saying ‘no’.
3) Perfectionism
Here’s one that you might now have expected but hear me out.
While it’s great to have high standards, as noted by experts, the pursuit of perfection can often lead to anxiety. The sense of never being ‘good enough’ can create a lot of unnecessary stress in our lives.
Instead, try adopting a ‘good enough’ approach. This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity, but rather recognizing when something is good enough and moving on.
When we let go of the need for perfection and embrace ‘good enough’, we free ourselves to take action, make progress, and ultimately, simplify our lives.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” Letting go of perfectionism allows us to enjoy the process and make room for growth and improvement.
4) Over-reliance on digital tools
Sure, technology is meant to make our lives easier. And it does, to an extent.
But when we’re constantly glued to our devices, switching between countless apps, and receiving never-ending notifications, it can create a sense of mental clutter and chaos.
In fact, research shows that excessive screen time can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
What’s the solution? Digital detoxing.
This doesn’t mean abandoning all digital tools, but rather using them mindfully. Set dedicated times for checking emails and social media. Use apps that truly serve you and uninstall those that don’t.
By taking control of your digital habits, you can reduce mental clutter and bring simplicity back into your life. As the saying goes, sometimes less is truly more.
5) Neglecting self-care
When was the last time you truly took some time for yourself—without guilt or distraction?
It’s easy to think of self-care as a luxury, but it’s actually a necessity.
As noted by Psych Central, a lack of self-care is linked to a range of issues that make life feel more cluttered and chaotic: higher levels of anxiety, frequent burnout, reduced patience, and diminished performance.
Neglecting self-care is essentially a recipe for mental clutter. When we don’t prioritize our own well-being, we’re left feeling drained and overwhelmed, making it difficult to stay focused and enjoy life.
Incorporating regular self-care practices—whether it’s taking a quiet walk, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing with a good book—can help us recharge, maintain balance, and bring a sense of clarity and calm to our lives.
6) Multitasking
The final habit to say goodbye to is multitasking.
Contrary to popular belief, multitasking doesn’t increase productivity. In fact, it can lead to more mistakes, lower quality of work, and increased stress levels. Some experts say it can reduce productivity by up to 40%.
Yes, 40%. Imagine having 40% more time in your working day!
When we multitask, we’re not fully present in any of the tasks we’re doing. We’re splitting our attention and energy, which can lead to a sense of chaos and overwhelm.
Instead, try single-tasking. Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. You’ll find that you’re able to complete tasks more efficiently and with greater ease.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering and simplifying your life is more than just a physical act. It’s about creating mental space, reducing stress, and making room for what truly matters.
Each habit we’ve discussed plays a significant role in this process. Whether it’s letting go of physical clutter, saying ‘no’ more often, or ditching the multitasking habit, each step brings you closer to a simpler, more fulfilling life.
As you embark on this journey, be patient with yourself. Celebrate the small victories and don’t be too hard on yourself when progress seems slow.
In the end, the goal isn’t to live with as little as possible but to make room for what truly enriches your life. It’s about living with intention and choosing quality over quantity.
So, are you ready to embrace simplicity? Your journey starts now.
