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The Emotional Side of Decluttering: Resetting Your Space and Mindset

The clutter crisis in America is about more than just having more stuff than space; it’s deeply emotional. As noted by Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, two UK-based experts in decluttering, our physical mess often represents unresolved feelings and complex issues. In their latest book, Reset Your Home: Unpack Your Emotions and Your Clutter, Step by Step, these experts guide us through the top challenges people face when it comes to decluttering their lives.

The Emotional Toll of Clutter

Statistics show that a staggering 54% of U.S. adults feel overwhelmed by clutter. Many also report that their emotional health is significantly affected by their surroundings, leading to stress, anxiety, and hindered productivity. The irony is that while we accumulate more possessions, we often find ourselves caught in an emotional whirlwind that prevents progress. Lesley and Ingrid argue that you must approach decluttering with the mind, addressing the emotional baggage behind each item stored away.

Common Clutter Misconceptions

Spellman and Jansen tackle the misleading ideas surrounding decluttering that leave many Americans stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction:

1. Bigger is Not Better: Many believe that moving to a bigger home will solve their clutter woes. On the contrary, a larger space often just adds hiding spots for unnecessary items, leading to increased stress rather than relief.

2. Resolving Symptoms vs. Causes: Buying organizational baskets may feel productive, but it only masks underlying emotional issues. The authors stress understanding the “why” behind the clutter is crucial for lasting change.

3. Shopping for Deals: America’s deal-hunting culture can exacerbate clutter. While a bargain is satisfying initially, it often leads to unwanted items contributing to your inventory of chaos.

4. Storing Instead of Solving: The self-storage industry has burgeoned, yet merely renting space for things we don’t use only adds more anxiety. Real peace comes from dealing with your accumulation head-on.

5. Overwhelm from Overexertion: The “weekend blitz” approach to decluttering often leads to burnout. Instead, Spellman and Jansen advocate starting small to cultivate sustainable habits over time.

6. Busy Doesn’t Equal Productive: They emphasize that feeling busy is often a symptom of being overwhelmed by clutter. Clear physical space to also clear mental space.

7. Emotions Aren't Enemies: Many try to push through their feelings to declutter. Instead, the authors encourage readers to embrace their emotions, understand them, and allow them to guide decluttering decisions.

8. Limits in Bulk Buying: While buying in bulk can save money, it’s often impractical for small living spaces. The book promotes aligning shopping habits with your actual lifestyle needs.

9. Inherited Clutter: Many people carry clutter from their upbringing, often without questioning its necessity. Acknowledging that not all inherited items serve a current purpose can lead to emotional liberation.

10. All or Nothing Thinking: The myth that decluttering means living minimally is debunked. It’s ultimately about creating a living space that reflects personal intent rather than societal ideals.

A Gentle Approach to Declutter Your Life

The “emotions-first, stuff-second” philosophy presented by Spellman and Jansen is designed to be relatable, accommodating families with busy lifestyles, individuals with ADHD, and anyone feeling squeezed by emotional clutter. Their down-to-earth methods are not only practical but also forgiving and supportive. This fresh approach aims to resonate with the everyday person struggling with clutter.

The authors assert, “Decluttering isn’t about achieving a Pinterest-perfect home; rather, it’s about acknowledging what you have and why you hold onto it.” Their wisdom provides comfort and clarity, encouraging readers to celebrate small victories along their decluttering journey.

The Launch of Reset Your Home

Published by Bloomsbury, Reset Your Home hit shelves on June 24, 2025, and has been met with enthusiasm. The methods expounded in their book share an emotional approach that many are longing for in the often overwhelming task of decluttering.

By building a community around their Declutter Hub Podcast—now with nearly three million downloads—Spellman and Jansen provide listeners with relatable dialogue and actionable advice. They invite people to join them in unpacking their physical items and emotional baggage in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Ingrid Jansen underlines this mission beautifully: “Life is busy, and our homes should support us, not stress us out. Decluttering isn't about having a picture-perfect house—it's about creating a space where you can relax and enjoy life.”

Indeed, the journey to emotional and physical clarity begins with understanding—not just what we collect, but why we collect it in the first place.

Thus, as the journey of decluttering unfolds, Americans now have invaluable guidance on how to tackle not just their clutter but the emotions tied to it, leading to a more peaceful home and mind.