It was a rainy morning,
the kind that begs for cozy indoor fun.
The dining table was a rainbow explosion—markers, crayons, and colored pencils scattered like confetti.
I was in full “fun mom” mode, picturing a Pinterest-worthy moment with my four-year-old son.
I could already see it: a masterpiece we’d hang on the fridge, giggles filling the air, memories to tuck away for years.
But instead of diving in, my little guy sat across from me, his big blue eyes brimming with tears.
“It’s too hard,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I can’t do it.”
My heart ached for him. All these colors, all these possibilities, and he was frozen—overwhelmed by choices, afraid he’d get it wrong.
I looked into his eyes, channeling my inner Mary Poppins. “Oh, baby, you don’t have to be perfect. Just try.
Practice makes you better!”
But the tears kept coming.
Our craft time ended not with gallery-worthy art but with a long, quiet hug and a lesson I didn’t see coming.
As I tucked away the crayons, a familiar pang hit me.
I’d been in his shoes—not with markers and paper, but in my own journey to simplify our home.
Decluttering sounded so easy: toss the junk, keep the treasures, live lighter.
Yet, standing before a closet stuffed with sentimental trinkets, I’d felt that same paralyzing overwhelm. What if I choose wrong?
What if I let go of the wrong thing?
My son’s tears were a mirror, reflecting how perfectionism had, at times, stolen my progress.
Here’s the truth: whether it’s a four-year-old facing a blank page or a grown-up facing a cluttered life, perfectionism loves to whisper, “You’re not enough.”
But we don’t have to listen.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few game-changing strategies to silence that voice and keep moving forward.
Let me share four ways to overcome perfectionism and reclaim your decluttering journey—one intentional step at a time.
1. Hack Your Mind: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism is like chasing the wind—an unattainable goal that leaves you exhausted.
But here’s the good news: when you acknowledge perfection isn’t the goal, you can flip the script and focus on progress.
And progress? It’s something to celebrate, no matter how small.
When you make the goal progress, every intentional action becomes a win.
- Emptied the car after a grocery run? Win!
- Tossed that moth-eaten sweater? Win!
- Listed the old baby stroller on Marketplace? Win!
- And when that stroller sells, you’ve decluttered and made a little cash—double win!
Reframing your mindset from perfection to progress turns every step into a reason to cheer. That, my friend, is the kind of motivation that keeps you going.
2. Create Constraints: Set Boundaries to Simplify Decisions
Perfectionism thrives on fear of making the “wrong” choice, but constraints are like guardrails that guide you forward.
By setting clear boundaries, you take the pressure off and make decisions easier.
For example, try this:
- “If I can repurchase this item within 24 hours for less than $25, I can let it go now.”
- “I won’t keep more scissors than I have family members.”
- “I’ll only keep socks I can wear in two weeks,”
- “I’m letting go of any hobby supplies I haven’t touched in two years.”
Constraints are deeply personal—they depend on your space, budget, and clutter tolerance.
They’re not one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it.
Ask yourself: What do I want my life to look like this season? What boundaries can I set to support that vision?
Constraints help you declutter with intention, not fear
3. Use the Safety Stock Bin: Take the Pressure Off Tough Choices
One of my all-time favorite tools is what I call the “Safety Stock Bin”—a game-changer that’s transformed my decluttering lifestyle.
This bin is for those items that aren’t a “heck yes” or “heck no”—the in-between pieces that leave you thinking, “I just don’t know.”
Pop them in the Safety Stock Bin, set an expiration date, and store it out of sight.
You choose the timeline: 30 days, 6 months, a year. Got holiday decor you didn’t use this year? Set the date for next season.
If you don’t use it by then, you’ll have clarity to let it go. (Or keep it in the bin another season—you decide!)
If you do use it, bring it back and give it a home.
By removing these items from daily view, you gain perspective and clarity.
What I love most is how the Safety Stock Bin lifts the pressure to make the “perfect” decision right now.
It gives you time to think just a little longer—and sometimes, that’s all you need to move forward.
4. Get Help: Invite a Friend or Coach to Break the Cycle
Sometimes, perfectionism traps us in our own heads, spinning in circles of indecision.
That’s when inviting someone else into the process can be a game-changer.
A friend or family member might offer a fresh perspective, helping you see what’s worth keeping and what’s not.
But if you’re craving a little extra guidance, working with someone like me—a decluttering coach—can make all the difference.
I’ve been in that overwhelmed space, staring down a pile of “what ifs,” and I’ve made it to the other side, imperfectly but intentionally.
Through my coaching, I support you by creating a personalized plan, setting achievable goals, and taking action without the weight of perfectionism holding you back.
It’s not about doing it all at once—it’s about starting where you are and moving forward with the confidence you’re making progress.
If procrastination has been your roadblock, a coach can be the nudge you need to turn “someday” into today.
Perfectionism can stop us in our tracks, but it doesn’t have to win.
These strategies have helped me reclaim my space and my sanity, and I know they can help you too.
Whether you start with a mindset shift, a constraint, a Safety Stock Bin, or a helping hand, every step you take is a victory.
Ready to simplify your life and let go of “perfect”? You’ve got this, and I’m here to cheer you on!
Interested in working together? check out my 1:1 decluttering coaching sessions, below.
Has perfectionism ever kept you from making progress in your decluttering lifestyle?
Share your story in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re decluttering your life, one intentional decision at a time.