As we head into the season of gratitude and holiday giving, let’s shift our focus from accumulating more “stuff” to something far more meaningful — creating memories, not just clutter! Yes, the holidays are known for well-intentioned gifts, but how many novelty socks and scented candles does one person need? (I mean, unless you’re secretly building a sock empire, it’s probably time to scale back). So, instead of turning your home into a stockroom of trinkets, why not sprinkle some gratitude into your life and celebrate the joy of less?
Here’s the twist: what if we swapped the avalanche of "stuff" for the blessing of shared moments? Experiences that fill our hearts, not our closets. Gratitude, my friend, isn’t just a season — it’s a lifestyle that will help you declutter with grace and joy.
Little Things to Remember if You Struggle to Declutter
Decluttering can feel like trying to wrangle an octopus in a phone box (translation for my non-Brits: that’s hard). But here’s the secret sauce: GRATITUDE. When you’re thankful for what you have, it’s easier to let go of what’s not serving you anymore. You don’t need to hold onto every souvenir from every holiday like you’re building a museum of your life. Instead, hold onto the memories, the laughs, the ridiculous stories — those are the real treasures!
And let’s not forget, it’s not about being perfect — it’s about progress. So, pour yourself a cuppa, grab a bin bag, and let’s kick clutter to the kerb, with a smile and a bit of cheek!
10 Sassy and Grateful Tips to Help You Declutter Like a Pro
One: Enjoy your things, don’t worship them.
Here’s the thing: gratitude is about appreciating what you have, not hoarding it like Gollum and his “precious.” Keep what truly sparks joy — yes, I went there — and let go of the rest. Do you really need that chipped mug from 1997? No. You’ve got hands to hold that cuppa, and that’s what matters.
Pro tip: life is the special occasion, so use the fancy china, wear that cute outfit, and ditch the clutter. Be grateful for what you love, and be ruthless with the rest.
Two: Your home is not a storage unit (and your life isn’t either).
Gratitude for your space means giving it room to breathe. Your home should be a sanctuary, not a shrine to old magazines and spare extension cords. And let’s be real, do you really need to keep that random box of mismatched Tupperware lids? No, sweetie, you don’t. Be thankful for the space to live, love, and laugh — free from the clutter.
When you clear space, you're making room for more important things: laughter, connection, and the chance to dance around your kitchen without tripping over that unused juicer.
Three: Stuff is clingy; gratitude is freeing.
Stuff has a way of multiplying, like rabbits or email spam — it just keeps coming, doesn’t it? But when you approach your possessions with gratitude, you realise that less is more. Less stuff means more space, more time, and more freedom. No one needs a cupboard full of broken umbrellas. What you need is room for what you actually use and love.
Four: Ask yourself, “What am I truly grateful for?”
When decluttering, don’t just ask, “Does this spark joy?” (Thank you, Marie Kondo).
Instead, ask yourself, “What am I truly grateful for in my life?” Is it the clutter, or is it the peace of mind that comes from an open, clean space?
Spoiler alert: it’s the latter. Life is about creating space for what really matters—love, laughter, and the occasional Netflix binge, not dusting a collection of unused gadgets.
Five: Create space for more life (and more gratitude).
Here’s a thought: instead of thinking about how much stuff you’re getting rid of, focus on what you’re gaining. More room to stretch out, more headspace for creativity, and more time to enjoy life. When you declutter, you’re not just tidying up your house—you’re tidying up your mind, too. And for that, you should be immensely grateful.
Six: Less stuff, more happiness. It's that simple.
Here’s a fun fact: the less you have, the more you appreciate it. Gratitude grows when we stop chasing after every new gadget and start being content with what we have. So, instead of another shopping spree, why not focus on the abundance already in your life?
Remember, happiness isn’t found at the bottom of a sale rack. It’s found in the joy of experiences, connections, and a clutter-free home that you actually want to spend time in.
Seven: Letting go is a gift you give yourself.
Holding on to things “just in case” is like carrying a rucksack full of bricks. You don’t need it.
Trust me, letting go is easier than holding on. And every item you release makes space for something better—whether that’s a new adventure or simply peace of mind. Be grateful for the memories, and then release the physical baggage. You’ll feel lighter, and happier.
Since 2020, I’ve moved every. single. year. That’s right, packing boxes, boxes, and more boxes. I’ve become quite the minimalist by necessity, letting go of things that once brought me joy.
Why, you ask?
Because packing your entire life into boxes, labelling them, creating an inventory (yes, seriously), and then renting a truck is a nightmare. I still remember the first time I moved, driving a 20-foot truck like I was starring in some low-budget action film. So. Much. Stuff. Since then, I’ve managed to downsize—went to a 15-footer the next year, and in 2024, a 10-foot truck. Progress, darling. Progress.
And now, guess what? I have to move again because my landlord is selling the house, and my lease is up. Fun, right? This time, though, there’s a twist—it might be a move abroad! Yes, you read that right. What on earth am I supposed to do with all my things?
First order of business: I need to eat my way through that stand-up freezer (chicken casserole, anyone?). Second, I’ve got to sell a ton of stuff, including my beloved KitchenAid mixer (this one really stings), all because the voltage will be different wherever I end up. It’s not 100% confirmed yet, but there's a solid 70% chance I’ll be waving goodbye to Canada for a while.
Now, I’ll give myself some credit for the decluttering I’ve already done, but let’s not kid ourselves, I’ve also managed to accumulate a few bits along the way. As I begrudgingly start packing on my not-so-free weekends anymore, I’m going through everything.
Why?
Because shipping costs abroad are ridiculous and every pound and kilo counts. Even if I stay in Canada, I’ll still need to pay for a rental truck, packing supplies, and boxes. Either way, I’ll be trimming down the load—one sassy, freezer-cleaning step at a time.
Eight: Your legacy is not your stuff, it’s your story.
Spoiler alert: no one is going to remember you for your collection of novelty shot glasses or that drawer full of tangled cables.
What they’ll remember is how you made them feel, how you loved, and how you laughed.
Gratitude helps you focus on the legacy you’re leaving behind—one of joy, connection, and a life well-lived, not a house full of stuff no one wants to sort through. Don’t do that to your kids!
Nine: Own less, live more, and be grateful for every moment.
When we declutter, we’re not just clearing out physical things—we’re making space for what truly matters. Be thankful for the freedom that comes with owning less. Gratitude shifts your focus from “I need this” to “I already have enough.” It’s a game-changer. You’re no longer chasing after stuff—you’re chasing after experiences, memories, and moments that matter.
Ten: You’re running out of space, literally and emotionally.
There comes a point when there’s no more room—physically or emotionally. Clutter weighs us down, not just in our homes but in our hearts. Be thankful for the opportunity to clear out the excess and create space for love, joy, and yes, a cheeky glass of wine on the sofa. The best things in life don’t take up space — they fill it with laughter, connection, and all those moments of gratitude.
Wrap It Up: Memories Over Things
As Thanksgiving, Diwali and Christmas approach, let’s focus on gratitude and memories, not just more things. Whether you're sharing a laugh with loved ones, hosting a festive party, or just enjoying a quiet night in, remember what truly matters.
Life isn’t about how much stuff you can collect — it’s about the joy, the love, and the gratitude you feel along the way. So, declutter with joy, say goodbye to the excess, and let your home (and your heart) sparkle with gratitude.
