Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind

For many— especially us neuro-diverse folks who struggle with executive functioning—clutter isn’t just a mess. It can be a source of shame, stress, and overwhelm. When things pile up, it’s easy to feel frozen or defeated, like the mess reflects something about you. But the truth is, clutter happens. Life is full and complex. And the process of tending to your space can become a gentle, grounding practice—one small step at a time.

Start tiny. Choose one shelf on your bookcase. A single drawer. That corner of the kitchen counter that collects everything. Let yourself move slowly and with curiosity.

When you reach your junk drawer, try grouping “like with like”—rubber bands with rubber bands, keys with keys, paperclips with paperclips. This small act of organization can be surprisingly settling for the nervous system. It’s a way of making sense of your environment, of bringing a little more order to the chaos.

Of course, it’s not always just about the stuff. People often have deep emotional attachments to their belongings. That sweater from an ex. A birthday card from someone who’s no longer in your life. A piece of furniture that holds family history. When we try to declutter, we sometimes run into inner resistance—parts of us that don’t want to let go.

Instead of pushing through or judging those parts, try meeting them with compassion. You might say: I see you. I know this feels hard. We’re not doing anything drastic—we’re just noticing.

Decluttering can become a practice of self-awareness and gentle reorganization—inside and out. You’re not just tidying your space; you’re tending to your system, making room for clarity, calm, and new possibilities.

Sam Trivett is a Registered Clinical Counsellor providing therapy in Vancouver and online throughout BC.