Most minimalist authors recommend decluttering based on where you feel the greatest need. Start with the room or small zone that calls for your attention the most. Marie Kondo, on the other hand, recommends intense category‑based decluttering as the key to success. What would I recommend?
Choose the approach that resonates with you — and feel free to combine category‑based decluttering with zone‑based decluttering depending on what you feel up for. The most important thing you should relate to is yourself. How you currently feel in life and what you’re realistically capable of. Many methods can be effective from a purely organizational standpoint, but the main thing is not to push yourself into something that doesn’t suit you. Respect for yourself and your current life phase is essential in Healing Clean‑Up.
You can start with clothing, because clothing often motivates you to continue and stay consistent. It’s a first taste of a more minimalist everyday life — and you’ll see the results immediately.
Another option is to continue with personal care items or cosmetics. This brings another quick and tangible shift. On the other hand, for some people clothing is too big a challenge at the beginning, so feel free to start with whatever calls to you most.
Start with what you need most and where you intuitively feel the strongest pull — and where you know you’ll finish.
The most important thing is to start at all. If you choose the path of one cabinet or one drawer, it’s still beneficial — but it won’t bring the deeper change that significantly impacts your life. And what about minimalist challenges that tell you to declutter one item per day? Do you really want to wait a whole month to declutter 30 items — and stress daily about what to let go?
Two possible decluttering approaches
During consultations, I’ve met many types of clients in different life phases. And I want to emphasize again: there is no universal method that works for everyone. What I consider key is understanding your current life phase and how much life energy you have. That’s the main factor. Intense category‑based decluttering is highly effective for your home — but do you feel up for it? And will you finish it?
Here is a small diagram that may help you orient yourself and choose the type of decluttering that suits your current situation.
Don’t limit yourself to just one decluttering method as the “right” one. Every household and every life phase is unique — so it’s best to choose the approach that aligns with you and what you’re currently experiencing.
For these reasons, Healing Clean‑Up offers multiple options depending on where you currently are. You can choose between two basic decluttering approaches:
1. Gradual decluttering by zones and small sections
Are you going through a difficult life period? Do you struggle with mental health, depression, or physical limitations? Intense category‑based decluttering is not the best choice for you right now. Only do what you feel capable of. Every small step counts. When you feel better, regain strength, and enter an easier life phase, you may choose a more intense approach. For now, choose zone‑based decluttering in small parts.
Zone‑based decluttering is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who doesn’t feel ready for a big action right now.
2. Intensive category‑based decluttering
This approach is ideal for those who feel a strong motivation to make a big change in their life. It’s a deep, inner need. This feeling often appears when we need to close a chapter in life. It may be a desire for change or a traumatic experience we want to leave behind. I’ve experienced this myself — after a very traumatic birth that changed my perception of life. Through intense decluttering, I felt as if I was calling my life force back. Another scenario is when you’ve just closed something significant in your life and want to reflect that change in your home.
Taking out all items of one category is a step outside the comfort zone for many people. If you have the energy, it brings the possibility of moving forward in life.
Don’t worry too much about where exactly to start. Just start. Don’t let yourself be guided by miraculous universal methods you must adapt to. Instead, adapt the method to what you need right now. Remember: every small step counts. You don’t need to be extreme or radical at the beginning and throw out as much as possible.
If you need support with decluttering and minimizing, reach out and we’ll tackle it together. If you live in Prague or nearby, we can meet in your home. Online consultations are ideal for those living farther away or those who want a new perspective and prefer to take action on their own.
This is a small preview from my book. More practical steps for effective, gentle, and non‑extreme decluttering can be found in the Healing Clean‑Up book, published in autumn 2024.
