How to Declutter Based on Your Personality (Not Just a Checklist)
Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome to this week’s blog!
If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered, Why do I have so many of the same thing? or Why do I collect but never use?—you’re not alone. Clutter doesn’t just show up randomly; it’s often a reflection of your personality, mindset, and habits.
That’s why one-size-fits-all checklists often fall flat. They don’t address the why behind your clutter—so the problem keeps coming back. Today, we’re digging into five common types of clutter, the personality traits behind them, and tailored strategies to help you declutter effectively and compassionately.
1. Aspirational Clutter You own tons of supplies for a hobby or lifestyle you’re not actually living.
What it looks like:
✔ Art supplies still in packaging
✔ Fitness gear you haven’t used in months
✔ Books about a career path or topic you’ve moved on from
The personality behind it:
You’re a dreamer—curious, passionate, and optimistic. You love to learn, grow, and imagine new versions of yourself. But you may also struggle with follow-through or feel guilt about not becoming that idealized version.
Decluttering strategy:
Identify which hobbies or goals you’re truly excited about now. Give yourself permission to release what no longer aligns with your life. Donate supplies to schools, libraries, or community centers where they’ll be used. Keep one small box labeled “Maybe Someday” and revisit it in 6 months.
2. Redundancy Clutter You have multiples of items that serve the same purpose—just in case.
What it looks like:
✔ Six spatulas or can openers
✔ Drawers full of batteries, cords, and pens
✔ Closet full of black sweaters or jeans in nearly identical styles
The personality behind it:
You’re a security-seeker—practical, prepared, and resourceful. You like being ready for anything, but this mindset can lead to over-collecting and fear-based decision-making.
Decluttering strategy:
Ask: What’s the best version of this item? Keep that one. Set physical limits (e.g., one drawer for cords, one shelf for tools). Practice trusting that you can replace or borrow something if needed. Donate functional extras to shelters or donation centers.
3. Information Clutter You’re buried in paper, notes, receipts, and magazines—but feel paralyzed throwing them away.
What it looks like:
✔ Piles of unread magazines or clipped articles
✔ Notebooks filled with ideas, goals, or reminders
✔ Receipts, coupons, and instruction manuals “just in case”
The personality behind it:
You’re a thinker—curious, detail-oriented, and analytical. You love collecting knowledge, but the fear of forgetting or missing something important can lead to overwhelm.
Decluttering strategy:
Digitize what you can: scan documents and organize them in cloud storage. Create a rotating “Read This Month” basket—and let go of anything that ages out. Toss manuals you can find online and shred outdated paperwork. Set a weekly “paper purge” appointment.
4. Sentimental Clutter You struggle to let go of things with emotional or nostalgic meaning.
What it looks like:
✔ Baby clothes from grown-up children
✔ Gifts you feel guilty donating
✔ Old birthday cards, letters, and souvenirs
The personality behind it:
You’re a feeler—compassionate, relational, and deeply connected to people and memories. Letting go can feel like betraying your past or someone you love.
Decluttering strategy:
Keep one meaningful item per person, per milestone (not a whole box). Take photos of items you want to remember but don’t need to store. Remind yourself: the memory lives in your heart, not the object. Create a small “Legacy Box” and be intentional about what earns a place in it.
5. Convenience Clutter Your stuff tends to pile up because you don’t have systems in place—or the time to deal with it.
What it looks like:
✔ Unopened mail or online orders sitting by the door
✔ Piles on kitchen counters, desks, or floors
✔ Clothing on “the chair” instead of in the closet
The personality behind it:
You’re a doer—busy, multitasking, and often focused on others. You tend to prioritize action and productivity over tidiness, but the clutter builds up when there’s no clear system to fall back on.
Decluttering strategy:
Create “drop zones” for keys, mail, and bags—make them attractive and obvious. Do a 5-minute nightly reset to reset common areas. Batch tasks like mail sorting or laundry folding to reduce mental load. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for functional.
The Big Takeaway: Match the Method to the Mindset There is no one right way to declutter—only the one that fits your personality, habits, and goals.
When you understand the clutter you accumulate, you can finally release it with clarity and kindness. Whether you’re a dreamer, a security-seeker, or a sentimentalist, you have the power to create a home that reflects who you are—and who you’re becoming.
Ready for a Decluttering Plan That Respects Your Style? My Essential Checklists Workbook isn’t about rules—it’s about creating a decluttering process that works with how you live.
✅ Customize your decluttering based on clutter type
✅ Get organized without losing your personality
✅ Make decisions with confidence and ease
Purchase Rita’s Essential Checklists Workbook today and begin simplifying on your terms.
Got 5 minutes? Check out Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series, where I share five quick tips in just five minutes on decluttering and simplifying your life.
The post How to Declutter Based on Your Personality (Not Just a Checklist) first appeared on Design Services LTD.
