Letting go is rarely just about “stuff” and putting them in pretty containers. It’s about creating calm in the chaos, reclaiming your time, and finding peace of mind through order.
At Out of Chaos, we see this every day. Clients are struggling not with how to declutter, but how to feel good about doing it. That’s why I’m honoured to have been featured not once, but twice in Homes & Gardens magazine in 2024, sharing compassionate strategies to help readers release the weight of clutter without guilt or second-guessing.
Being quoted in a respected publication is an exciting milestone, but more importantly, it reinforces a message I share with every client: letting go doesn’t have to feel like a loss. With the right strategies, it can feel like liberation.
Start Small, Start With the Easy Wins
As seen in: I tried the 7-day declutter challenge, one week of organizing saved me from a lifetime of chaos
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter is something many of us face and knowing where to start can be the hardest part. In the Homes & Gardens 7-Day Declutter Challenge, I wanted to share advice that would make the process feel doable, even for busy families.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the idea of a frantic week, know that 15 minutes a day might be enough, especially if everyone in the family participates. Picking a convenient time of the day will also help you maintain momentum. If you have lots of energy in the morning, perhaps decluttering after breakfast would work best.”
Starting small and choosing a manageable, consistent routine is key. Tackling low-emotion areas first helps you build confidence and momentum. Once you experience success and see a visible difference, it becomes easier to continue.
That’s the principle behind my CLEAR method: Start simple. Build confidence. Tackle the tough stuff when you’re ready.
Decluttering is a skill that develops with practice. By easing into it through simpler categories, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to take on the tougher challenges when you’re ready.
Choose Freedom Over Frustration, Let Go Without Regret
As seen in: Should you donate or sell your decluttered items? Professional organizers weigh in
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is deceptively simple: “Should I sell this, or just donate it?”
On the surface, it’s a practical decision but beneath it often lies a deeper emotional tangle. We see more than just the object in front of us. We see its value, potential return, and sometimes the version of ourselves who once needed it (or thought we might).
This is the kind of nuance I was honoured to speak about in my second feature with Homes & Gardens. The article explored this very crossroads: when decluttering, how do you decide between donating or selling?
“If you are decluttering to make more space in your home, then you likely have a lot more time to sell something than someone who is decluttering to downsize. This could impact your options for clearing out old belongings,” I shared.
For those in transition like downsizing, managing an estate, or preparing for a move, speed and simplicity often matter more than maximizing resale value. If trying to sell an item adds stress, steals your time, or prolongs the clutter, it might not be worth the tradeoff.
We encourage you to ask yourself:
- Will this delay my progress?
- Is holding onto this item creating more work or emotional weight?
- Would someone else benefit from it right now?
Letting go doesn’t have to feel like waste, it can be an act of generosity. Donating gives your belongings a second life, and gives you the relief that comes from moving forward.
Why This Matters
Many clients come to us feeling stuck and held back by guilt:
“But it’s still in good condition.”
“I might need it someday.”
“My friend gave it to me.”
But guilt is not a reason to keep something. It’s a prompt to pause and reflect. Is this item supporting your life today, or weighing you down?
Guilt fades when you have a plan, align your decisions with your values, and give your belongings a purposeful exit. At Out of Chaos, we help people just like you:
- Sort through inherited belongings during estate clearouts
- Right-size for retirement or a new phase of life
- Organize homes to reflect who they are now
Being featured in Homes & Gardens is an honour, but more than anything, it’s a reflection of the work we’ve been doing with clients for over 20 years. They speak to the heart of what we do at Out of Chaos: guiding clients to make confident, informed decisions rooted in their personal values, current needs, and vision for what serves them now.
These articles highlight the emotional intelligence and decision-making strategies that define professional organizing at its best. If they resonate with where you are right now in your own journey, let’s talk. Whether you’re facing a clutter challenge or navigating a major life transition, we’re here to support you with personalized and practical solutions.
Let’s take the stress out of letting go.
Need Help Knowing Where It All Goes?
Decluttering is easier when you know your stuff is going somewhere good. That’s why I’ve curated a list of trusted organizations that will give your belongings a meaningful second life. » Explore Resources
As Featured In Homes & Gardens (2024)
Take the 7-Day Declutter Challenge | Should You Donate or Sell Decluttered Items?
If you’re sitting in a space that no longer reflects who you are or how you want to live, let’s connect. We’ll bring order out of chaos together.