How to Determine If Something Is Clutter

Clutter can sneak up on you. One day your home is tidy, the next you’re wondering where all this stuff came from! But how do you know if something is clutter versus a valued belonging?

There’s no single right answer, but here are some key ways to think through what is clutter and what isn’t:

Does It Impede Movement or Progress?

The dictionary definition of clutter is “anything that impedes movement.” This applies not just to physical clutter blocking pathways, but things that hinder other areas of your life.

Ask yourself:

• Is this item in the way? Would removing it create more open space?
• Is it preventing me from moving forward financially, emotionally, spiritually?
• Is it blocking opportunities or growth?

If so, it might be clutter.

Do I Have a Home For It?

Anything entering your home without an assigned spot instantly becomes clutter. To avoid this:

• Before acquiring something new, decide exactly where it will “live.”
• If it’s a spare item, keep extras together in designated storage.
• Make sure you have room for belongings before buying more.

Create homes for your belongings and clutter struggles diminish.

Do I Actually Want or Use This?

Be ruthlessly honest – do you really want or need this item? Or has it outlived its purpose?

• When you see it, do you feel happy or annoyed? Joy or dread at dusting it?
• Could you live without it? Would you miss it if it disappeared?
• Have you used it recently? Do you plan to use it again soon?

If you feel indifferent or negatively towards an item, it’s likely clutter.

Is It Broken or Useless?

Clutter can also be:

• Broken items you plan to fix “someday”
• Single shoes, lone earrings, etc.
• Outdated tech gear, expired medicines
• Scraps of paper, receipts, old bills

If it’s unusable as-is, be honest about your likelihood of fixing it. Until then, it’s just clutter occupying space.

Does Organizing It Spark Joy?

Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” test is subjective, but a useful metric.

Be truthful – when handling this item as you tidy up, do you feel:

• Happy, content, peaceful? It sparks joy – keep it!
• Annoyed, stressed, overwhelmed? Might be clutter!

Use your emotions as a guide when decluttering. Surround yourself with joy-sparking belongings.

Will I Move This Again?

When preparing to move, people often declutter in desperation. Don’t wait until then!

When you acquire something new, ask yourself:

• If I moved tomorrow, would I pack this up?
• Or would I leave it behind without regret?

Save yourself future hassle by only keeping belongings you can’t part with.

Final Tips for Evaluating Clutter

Decluttering is a process. Take it slow and be compassionate with yourself.

Always remember:

• Start with the easy wins – build confidence.
• There’s no “right” answer – trust your instincts.
• Process before product – focus on the act of examining your items.
• Progress not perfection. Small steps add up over time!

Approach with curiosity, not judgment. You’ve got this! Now go declutter with confidence.