Happy first Monday of 2025. I am back after taking a 2-week vacation and am restored. I also returned with “treasures” from my trip, which prompted me to write this: As a Positive Clinical Psychologist—and a mom to two boys—I know firsthand how clutter can creep into every corner of your home and, somehow, your brain, too. Between the school projects, endless sports gear, and random knick-knacks my kids insist are “treasures” (lol), our house has had its fair share of chaotic moments. After stepping on yet another stray LEGO (yep, my boys still work on them, just the ones that are thousands of pieces), I declared that we must declutter our house! I wanted it to be a bonding moment, maybe a bit sentimental about the things in our home, and I had high hopes for how it would go. But, I knew better. We tackled part of the job and have more to go, and I am confident the decluttering will be good for all of us.
A clutter-free space can help children with focus and creativity. I remember when my boys had piles of art supplies and half-built contraptions that they hadn’t touched in months. Once we sorted through everything, not only did we reclaim some much-needed space, but they also rediscovered their favorite toys and felt proud of their organized play area.
A simplified space can offer a sense of control and stability for teens, whose lives are often hectic with school, social activities, and emotions. As you all know, my boys are adolescents, and they still do not prefer to let go of the things we no longer use—however, I know this activity will serve them well in the future.
And let’s be honest: us parents gain a lot from decluttering, too. Clearing out the endless mess of sports equipment (do we really need that deflated soccer ball?) reduced my stress and reminded me how peaceful an organized space can feel. I am committed to dealing with my kitchen and then my closet.
Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating a calmer, more intentional environment for the whole family. Start small, make it fun (yep, I don’t think it is fun, so I listen to music to help with the chore), and watch how decluttering lightens us all. After all, sometimes clearing a shelf can clear your mind—and even make room for new family memories and/or “treasures.”
Happy 2025!
xoxo,
Dr. Marnee