If you want to declutter and simplify your life, say goodbye to these 7 habits

There’s a real distinction between living a cluttered life filled with bad habits and embracing simplicity.

The difference boils down to choice. Holding onto certain habits can keep you stuck in chaos, while letting them go can free you to live a more streamlined life.

Choosing simplicity means choosing to live differently. It means saying goodbye to habits that no longer serve you and embracing those that lead to a more organized, less stressful existence.

As someone who has walked this path, I can tell you there are seven specific habits you need to kick if you want to declutter and simplify your life.

Let’s dive in.

1) Holding on to the past

It’s a universal truth that we can’t move forward if we’re always looking back.

This is particularly true when it comes to decluttering and simplifying our lives. We often hold onto physical items as a way of holding onto memories or parts of our identity that are tied to our past.

Old clothes, books, knick-knacks from travels, gifts we never used – these items take up physical space and mental energy. They contribute to the clutter in our homes and in our minds.

The first habit to say goodbye to is holding onto items from your past that no longer serve you. Letting go of these items is not about forgetting your past. It’s about making room for your present and your future.

The key is not to discard everything from your past, but rather to carefully select those items that genuinely hold value and let go of the rest. This creates space for new experiences and opportunities to come into your life.

2) Procrastination

We’ve all been there. You look at a pile of papers on your desk or a closet full of clothes and think, “I’ll deal with that later.” But “later” never comes, and the clutter continues to grow.

Procrastination was my personal nemesis. I used to tell myself I would clean up my workspace at the end of the day, but by the time evening rolled around, I was too exhausted. The clutter piled up, and my productivity plummeted.

It was only when I took a hard look at this habit of delay and decided to tackle it head-on that things began to change. I started setting aside specific times for organizing and decluttering. I created a system where I dealt with paperwork immediately instead of letting it pile up.

Kicking the habit of procrastination made a massive difference in my life. Not only did it reduce the physical clutter, but it also decluttered my mind, making me more focused and productive.

If you want to simplify your life, start by tackling your procrastination habit. It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly worth it.

3) Mindless consumption

In the era of online shopping and fast fashion, it’s easier than ever to accumulate stuff. A click here, a swipe there, and before you know it, you’ve got a mountain of items that you don’t really need or even particularly want.

This habit of mindless consumption is not just bad for our wallets, but it’s also detrimental to our mental and physical spaces. Every item we bring into our homes takes up space and requires maintenance, adding to the clutter and complexity of our lives.

Interestingly, a study conducted by UCLA found that the more material possessions a person has, the higher their levels of stress and unhappiness.

To declutter and simplify your life, it’s essential to break the habit of mindless consumption. Instead of buying impulsively, take a moment to consider if you truly need the item. Is it going to add value to your life or just add to your clutter? By becoming a more conscious consumer, you can significantly reduce the amount of unnecessary stuff in your life.

4) Multitasking

We live in a society that glorifies multitasking. We’re often praised for our ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. But the truth is, multitasking is a myth. It’s not only detrimental to our productivity, but it also adds complexity and stress to our lives.

When we try to do too many things at once, we end up doing none of them well. Our attention is divided, mistakes are more likely to happen, and tasks take longer to complete.

Decluttering your life means decluttering your time and your attention. Focus on one task at a time. Give it your full attention, complete it to the best of your ability, and then move on to the next task.

By doing this, you’ll not only increase your productivity but also simplify your life by reducing stress and mental clutter. 

5) Perfectionism

There’s a saying that goes, “Perfection is the enemy of progress.” I used to believe that everything had to be just right. Whether it was organizing my closet, completing a work project, or even preparing a meal, I would spend an excessive amount of time fussing over minor details.

But striving for perfection didn’t make my life better. Instead, it created anxiety and stress. It made tasks take longer than necessary and added to the clutter and complexity of my life.

I realized that it’s okay if things aren’t perfect. It’s okay if my home doesn’t look like a photo from a home decor magazine, or if I make a mistake in my work. What’s important is progress, not perfection.

By letting go of the habit of perfectionism, I’ve made room for growth, learning, and simplicity in my life. It’s a liberating feeling to accept that ‘good enough’ is truly good enough.

6) Neglecting self-care

In our quest to do more, achieve more, and be more, we often forget to take care of ourselves. We neglect the basics like eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and rejuvenate.

This habit of neglecting self-care doesn’t just affect our health; it also contributes to the clutter and complexity in our lives. When we’re tired or stressed, we’re less likely to make good decisions or stay organized. We’re more likely to let things pile up, both physically and mentally.

If you want to declutter and simplify your life, start by taking better care of yourself. Make self-care a priority. Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, and take time each day to relax and do something you enjoy.

When you take care of yourself, you’ll find that you have more energy and focus to tackle the clutter in your life.

7) Living in the future

We often clutter our lives with worries and plans about the future. We fill our minds with what-ifs, maybes, and someday’s, forgetting to live in the present moment.

The habit of constantly living in the future can make our lives feel cluttered and complicated. It robs us of the joy of living in the now and appreciating the simplicity that comes with it.

If you want to truly declutter and simplify your life, learn to live in the present. Be mindful of your surroundings, enjoy the moment, and let go of the worries and plans that don’t serve your current reality. This is perhaps the most important habit to cultivate if you wish to lead a decluttered and simplified life.