“Goodbye Things” - The Power of Decluttering for a Simpler, Calmer Life

Oct 22

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home or in your mind, I just finished reading (well, reading with my ears on Audible) Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasaki, and it was the perfect soundtrack to my cleanout days. I have become very interested in the idea of minimalism and the many benefits. Here are the core takeaways that I think could really shift your perspective on stuff and space:

Less Stuff, More Joy
Sasaki talks about how fewer things actually lead to more happiness. As we let go of excess—whether it's clothes, random kitchen gadgets, or old paperwork—we free up space in our homes and our minds. It’s not about deprivation but about clarity. Think of it like cutting through the chaos to find peace.
Freedom from Comparison
We all know the pressure of feeling like we need to have the latest or best of everything. But Sasaki reminds us that when we let go of this mindset and focus on what truly serves us, we’re less tied to the expectations of others and more in tune with what makes us feel good.
Everything Has a Purpose
The idea of only keeping things that bring value really spoke to me as a busy mom. We don't have time for things that weigh us down! Whether it’s a pair of shoes you never wear or a kitchen gadget that’s never been touched, consider if it’s serving you or just taking up space.
Let Go of the 'What Ifs'
One of the hardest things for a lot of us is the “what if” mentality. What if I need this one day? What if my child might use this in the future? Sasaki challenges us to trust that we’ll have what we need when we need it—and to stop holding onto things just in case.
Focus on What Matters
At the end of the day, our homes should be a reflection of our priorities. Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making room for what truly matters, like quality time with family, personal peace, and the things that bring us joy.

As I work through this massive declutter and organization project, I’m finding that letting go of things is about so much more than just tidying up—it’s about giving myself permission to focus on what really counts. I hope these ideas help you start your own decluttering journey or give you that little nudge to tackle a room (or closet!) you’ve been avoiding.

Let’s make space for what matters! ❤︎