You know you should declutter, but every method you’ve tried feels exhausting, overwhelming, or just… not quite right.
Maybe you’ve followed a detailed checklist only to lose steam halfway through. Or you’ve tried the “declutter everything in one weekend” approach, and felt overwhelmed by all of the piles.
Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: decluttering isn’t one-size-fits-all.
The reason some methods don’t stick? They don’t match your decluttering personality. What works for your best friend- who thrives on detailed lists and structure- might not work for you if you need flexibility or get emotionally attached to your stuff.
That’s why the secret to less stressful decluttering isn’t about forcing yourself to follow a rigid system. It’s about finding a method that works with how your brain naturally operates.
Some important things to consider…
- Why your personality affects how you declutter
- 4 decluttering personality types
- The best decluttering approach for YOU
Ready to make decluttering feel easier and more natural? Let’s get started!
How Your Personality Affects How You Declutter
If you’ve ever wondered why decluttering feels easy for some people but completely overwhelming for you, the answer might be your personality type and how you’re approaching your clutter.
The reality: Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff… it’s about how your brain processes decisions, emotions, and motivation. Some people thrive on structure and love following step-by-step plans, while others feel restricted by rigid rules and need a more flexible approach.
This is why forcing yourself to declutter in a way that doesn’t fit your personality often leads to burnout, frustration, or giving up halfway through.
Think about it…
- Do you love checklists and plans, or do you work better when you can go with the flow?
- Do you make decisions quickly, or do you need time to process what stays and what goes?
- Do you feel emotionally attached to certain items, or do you have no problem letting things go?
The key to decluttering success? Finding a method that matches how your brain naturally works. When you do that, decluttering feels easier, more sustainable, and way less stressful. Let’s look at four decluttering personality types and how you can use your strengths to make the process work for you!
4 Decluttering Personality Types
Not everyone approaches decluttering the same way, and that’s a good thing! The key is recognizing how you naturally think and make decisions—so you can declutter in a way that feels right for you.
Which one sounds most like you?
The List Lover (You thrive on structure and plans)
- Loves checklists, routines, and clear step-by-step guides.
- Finds satisfaction in following a structured process.
- May struggle with feeling stuck if the process isn’t clearly defined.
✔ Best decluttering method: A room-by-room or category-based approach with a detailed plan.
The Free Spirit (You need flexibility and creative flow)
- Hates rigid systems and prefers decluttering when inspiration strikes.
- Feels restricted by long to-do lists.
- Might struggle with starting or finishing decluttering sessions if they feel too structured.
✔ Best decluttering method: A time-blocked or intuitive approach. Set a timer and choose any area that feels right in the moment.
The Sentimental Keeper (You feel strong emotional attachments to things)
- Finds it hard to let go of items that have memories or sentimental value.
- Feels guilty about discarding gifts or family heirlooms.
- Decluttering often feels emotionally draining.
✔ Best decluttering method: A gradual approach that includes memory-keeping techniques, like taking photos of sentimental items or setting “keep” limits.
The Quick Decision-Maker (You want fast results and love efficiency)
- Loves seeing instant progress and dislikes dragging out the process.
- Doesn’t get emotionally attached to most things.
- May accidentally get rid of things too quickly and later regret it.
✔ Best decluttering method: A high-impact, all-in-one purge. Focus on fast decision-making with a second-check pile for items you’re unsure about.
What If You’re a Mix of Two (or More)?
Most people don’t fit neatly into just one category- you might be a mix! The trick is identifying which tendencies resonate most with you.
Best Decluttering Methods for Each Type
Now that you know your decluttering personality type, let’s talk about how to make decluttering work for you. These personalized strategies will help you declutter with less overwhelm.
The List Lover Best Method: The Step-by-Step Plan
What Works
✔ A structured checklist or decluttering calendar.
✔ Breaking tasks into manageable steps.
✔ Having a clear order and process. Declutter room-by-room or category-by-category.
How to Declutter
✅ Create a written plan before you start (ex: “Declutter the kitchen this week, the bedroom next week”).
✅ Use a progress tracker to check off completed areas.
✅ Follow a consistent decluttering routine—15-30 minutes per day or one full day per week.
Pro Tip: Use a printable decluttering checklist or planner to stay on track!
The Free Spirit Best Method: The Intuitive Approach
What Works
✔ Freedom to declutter when inspiration strikes.
✔ No rigid schedules. Choose where to start based on your energy levels and what feels the most fun.
✔ Short, spontaneous bursts of decluttering rather than long, planned sessions.
How to Declutter
✅ Set a 15-minute timer and declutter whatever area feels right at the moment.
✅ Use music, podcasts, or rewards to make it more fun.
✅ Always keep a donation box open so you can add items whenever you feel ready to declutter.
Pro Tip: If you tend to jump from one area to another, snap “before” photos so you can track your progress!
The Sentimental Keeper Best Method: The Memory-Preserving Approach
What Works
✔ A slower, gentle approach to decision-making.
✔ Finding ways to honor memories without keeping everything.
✔ Having a “keep, donate, photograph” system to process emotional items.
How to Declutter
✅ Start small. Declutter easier items first before tackling sentimental ones. Think expired spices instead of the box with your children’s artwork.
✅ Take photos of meaningful items instead of keeping everything.
✅ Create a “memory box” for truly special keepsakes (set a limit)!
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Would I choose to pack and move this item to a new home?” If not, it might be time to let it go.
The Quick Decision-Maker Best Method: The Power Declutter Session
What Works
✔ A fast-paced, high-impact decluttering session.
✔ Making decisions quickly without overthinking.
✔ Removing clutter immediately so it doesn’t linger.
How to Declutter
✅ Set a timer for a 2-hour decluttering sprint for maximum progress.
✅ Use the “Keep, Donate, Trash” method to make snap decisions.
✅ Immediately remove donation items. Take them to your donation center ASAP to avoid second-guessing.
Pro Tip: If you tend to declutter too aggressively, create a “maybe” box. Store questionable items for 30 days before making a final decision. Set a notification reminder on your phone.
How to Maintain Your Decluttered Home
Finding the right decluttering method is great, but how do you actually maintain all of your hard work? The key is setting up systems and habits that work with your personality instead of against it.
Here’s how to stay consistent and avoid falling back into clutter cycles…
If You’re a List Lover – Make Decluttering Part of Your Routine
✔ Schedule decluttering sessions in your planner or phone calendar.
✔ Use a habit tracker to stay motivated.
✔ Follow a one-in, one-out rule—for every new item that comes in, one goes out.
Pro Tip: Set a decluttering refresh day every season to stay on top of clutter!
If You’re a Free Spirit – Keep It Fun & Flexible
✔ Declutter when you feel inspired—don’t force it.
✔ Use quick wins (like a 5-item toss challenge) to avoid overwhelm.
✔ Create aesthetically pleasing storage so organization feels enjoyable.
Pro Tip: Set up a clutter drop zone (like a beautiful basket) where you can toss items to declutter when you’re in the mood.
If You’re a Sentimental Keeper – Set Limits & Keep What Matters
✔ Keep only the most meaningful items.
✔ Use a memory box rule (ex: one bin per person or category).
✔ Take photos of items before letting them go.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Would Future Me want to store this forever?” If the answer is no, it’s okay to let it go.
If You’re a Quick Decision-Maker – Maintain the Momentum
✔ Keep a donation bin ready at all times.
✔ Set a monthly decluttering power hour to prevent clutter from building up.
✔ Do fast decluttering sprints when you feel the urge to purge.
Pro Tip: Challenge yourself to fill one bag per month with unused items and immediately take it to the donation center.
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you work with your natural tendencies instead of against them, it becomes so much easier and more sustainable. Remember…
- There’s no “right” way to declutter- only what works best for YOU.
- Create small habits that align with your personality.
- Give yourself permission to go at your own pace.
Ready to Create a Home That Feels Lighter & More Organized?
If you’re ready to tackle your clutter in a way that actually works for you, I’d love to help!
Book a spot in Home Bliss By Design for personalized guidance on decluttering, organizing, and styling a room in your home.
Or, click the image below to receive your free copy of 6 Steps To An Elevated, Organized Home and decluttering calendars.
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