5 Areas to Declutter for Instant Relief
I know, I know — “decluttering” sounds great until you’re standing in front of a closet, a desktop, or a Dropbox folder that looks like it survived an emotional tornado.
We’ve all been there.
And while I love a good “everything in its place” moment, sometimes we don’t need everything organized — we just need relief.
That ahhh feeling. The “I can breathe again” feeling.
So today, we’re not doing a full-on, color-coded, label-maker extravaganza.
We’re focusing on five areas that will give you instant energetic relief — the kind you can actually feel in your body.
You ready? Let’s do this.
1. Your Digital Dumping Grounds
You knew this one was coming. 😅
Your downloads folder, your desktop, your camera roll — whatever your personal black hole of chaos is. (I have several. I don’t know about you).
It’s OK. We’re not judging. We’re just reclaiming some peace.
Because digital clutter carries weight, too. Every random file or half-finished Canva design hums quietly in the background, whispering, “Hey… remember me?”
So here’s your move: pick one folder, and delete 10 things. Screenshots, duplicates, the “v3_final_THISONEforreal” files — gone.
And when you do, take a deep breath. Feel that? That’s relief.
It’s like taking off jeans that were just a little too tight.
Tech Tip:
”Not sure yet”
Create a folder called “Not Sure Yet” and dump all the “maybe I’ll need it later” files in there.
Set a reminder to check it in 30 days.
Spoiler: you won’t.
In the future, you can start the deletion process with this folder, though.
2. Your Phone (a.k.a. The Tiny Stress Brick)
How many notifications is your phone blaring at you right now? By way of lock screen notifications, app badges, and more?
If you said more than 10, your nervous system just flinched.
Our phones are supposed to help us, but half the time they’re just little anxiety machines.
Between unused apps, overflowing photo galleries, and notifications that sound like slot machines, it’s no wonder we’re constantly on edge.
My suggestion — start simple by doing something like one of these:
Delete 5 apps you haven’t opened this year.
Turn off notifications for anything that isn’t an actual human (so everything except phone, messages, and mail).
Archive or delete old text threads that make you tense just seeing the name.
You’ll be amazed how much lighter you feel when your phone stops yelling at you.
Tech Tip:
Peaceful Notifications
If you must have notification sounds, change it to something peaceful — like chimes or ocean waves.
Choose something that makes you happy, so even when it does ping, it doesn’t feel like a panic attack.
3. Your Workspace
This one hurts a little. Because for many of us, our workspace looks like a museum exhibit titled “Creative Explosion (2020–Present).”
And while I fully support a desk with personality, there’s a difference between personal and chaotic gremlin energy.
So take a look around. What can go?
That dried-up pen you keep pretending still writes? Gone.
That sticky note with half an idea from 2022? File it or release it.
That crystal you meant to cleanse but now it’s mostly dust? Rinse and reset, friend.
You don’t have to make it Pinterest-perfect — just peaceful enough that you want to sit there again.
Tech Tip:
Desktop Wipe
Not your digital desktop, but your physical one.
Wipe your desk surface when you’re done.
I swear that single act resets your brain chemistry. (Science hasn’t confirmed that yet, but it should.)
4. Your Inbox of Doom
You knew this one was lurking, didn’t you?
If your email inbox has numbers that look like your credit score (or worse — your Candy Crush high score), I promise you — you are not alone.
But you don’t have to reach “inbox zero” to feel better. You just need to tame the monster a little.
You could start with something like these:
If you use Gmail, you can go to the Manage Subscriptions section and unsubscribe from any sender that no longer aligns with what you want coming in on a regular basis.
Create one folder called “Keep / Read Later.”
Create a folder called “Important” or “Don’t Lose These” so that you’ll have some where to put those things you don’t want to lose as they come in or as you’re sorting things later.
Instant calm. No spreadsheets required.
Tech Tip:
Gmail Filters
If you use Gmail, create a filter that automatically labels or archives newsletters you want but don’t need right away.
It’s like noise-cancelling for your inbox.
5. Your Mental To-Do List
You know the one — it’s not written anywhere, but it’s loud.
“I need to finish that thing. Oh, and email her back. And I still haven’t washed the throw blankets.”
That list takes up more space in your brain than all your open tabs combined.
The quickest way to lighten it?
Get it out of your head and into a home.
Whether that’s a notebook, a task app, sticky notes, or scribbles on the back of junk mail, it doesn’t matter.
Your brain’s only job is to think, not store.
Once you write it down, your nervous system stops trying to keep all the plates spinning — because it knows they’re safe somewhere else.
Empowered Next Step:
The Five-Minute Flush
Set a timer for five minutes.
Pick any one of these areas — digital, phone, workspace, inbox, or brain — and clear just one thing.
That’s it.
You’ll be surprised how much relief you feel after doing something so small.
It’s proof that energy moves when we do.
Why Decluttering Works (Energetically Speaking)
When your spaces — physical or digital — are cluttered, your energy gets stuck.
It’s like trying to meditate in a room full of buzzing flies.
Every little mess tugs at your attention, even if you’re not consciously looking at it.
Your brain keeps asking, “Should I deal with that?”
But when you clear the clutter, energy starts flowing again.
Ideas move easier. Focus returns. Even your mood lifts — because there’s room for it to.
Decluttering is basically Reiki for your surroundings.
You’re clearing stagnant energy and making space for new alignment.
Bonus: The Real Goal Isn’t “Minimal”
Listen — if you’re not a minimalist, that’s fine.
I’m not either. I like cozy. I like color (orange, especially). I like the kind of desk that says, “a human works here.”
The goal isn’t empty.
It’s energetically light.
It’s that sweet spot where everything around you feels supportive instead of suffocating.
So whether you’re clearing your desktop or your mental chatter, remember: this isn’t about perfection.
It’s about peace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decluttering and Energy
Q: How do I know what to declutter first?
A: Start with whatever makes you sigh when you look at it. That’s your body’s way of saying, “Please fix me first.”
Q: I’m scared I’ll delete something important.
A: Totally normal. That’s why we make “Not Sure Yet” folders. Declutter anxiety is real, but temporary. The relief lasts longer.
Q: What if my partner / coworker / family doesn’t declutter with me?
A: Then you lead by peaceful example. Your calm energy often inspires theirs — eventually. (Keyword: eventually.) Everyone is on their own timeline. When you start to want to push, think about how you would feel if they tried to push you into decluttering before you were ready. Take peace in knowing, though, as you declutter, you’ll be freeing up energy for everyone around you, too.
Q: How often should I declutter?
A: Whenever things start feeling heavy again. That’s your sign it’s time for an energy reset.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering isn’t about having a perfect home, desktop, or inbox.
It’s about creating space — for rest, creativity, and peace.
The relief comes from releasing what no longer serves you — physically, mentally, or digitally.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t add more to your to-do list.
Just clear something out — your energy will thank you for it.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions I didn’t cover here, or if you’re looking for advice specific to your business, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you grow your business in a way that feels aligned and sustainable!
