Shame creeps in when we start connecting our surroundings to our worth. A messy kitchen becomes "I'm failing at being a mom." But clutter is just stuff in the wrong place, or too much stuff for the space it's in.

Sometimes, when we try to make organizing decisions right away, it gets overwhelming fast. Instead of sorting and decluttering and figuring out where things go... let’s just start by grouping similar items together.

When you're decluttering and feeling stuck, ask yourself this one question that helps your decision get clear fast. It moves you past guilt or sunk cost, and centers your decision on the life you're living right now.

Clutter affects everyone, although we all deal with our clutter differently. The Oxford dictionary defines clutter as “a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not necessary or are not being used; a lack of order”, and here’s the thing- it’s sort of unavoidable. One of the most valuable tools I’ve learned throughout my organizational journey is to embrace that temporary states of clutter are okay. They’re necessary. We have to be free to live and to crea