How to Find What Sparks Joy In the Decluttering Process

Most organization books focus on decluttering as a priority – and with good reason. Go to any typical North American home and you’ll notice we have such an overabundance of stuff. From old kitchen utensils to unused appliances and overstuffed drawers, there’s very good reason for space clearing.

While I always find doing a five-minute daily declutter necessary for keeping my sanity for a busy week, I also realize that once the space has cleared, I need to recognize what I do like and what does make me happy.

I’m talking about finding the joy in order to not declutter solely for decluttering’s sake. Sure, there’s a time and place for it, when the clutter is extreme. But once that’s cleared and there’s white space, then what?

What makes you happy?
Asking yourself “What sparks joy?” can give you greater appreciation for what you have. The “spark joy” concept came about through Japanese organization consultant Marie Kondo’s book The Magic of Tidying Up. Her method of decluttering is to weigh each item in your hand and ask if it sparks joy, as in lights you up, and if it does then it’s something that you keep.

What if you have MANY things that sparks joy? Depending how much space you have and how much energy you have for maintaining the items in question, pick the top 3-5 in that group that spark joy for you. Then declutter everything else. If parting is that hard, you can gift or sell it to someone you know will appreciate what you treasure.

If you have multiple framed photos of happy memories, keep a few and give the rest as holiday gifts to family and friends. If a vintage teacup with a vibrant pattern from a flea market brightens your day, keep that, or a handful like it and donate other cups you know you will never use. Part of it is intuition. You know your tastes, what you like and don’t like. If you need help deciding, have a friend or third party help you out in the process.

Consider these three points:

1. First, ask yourself why you want to declutter. Did you want to make space for certain things or people? Maybe you want to pursue a creative activity like photography, writing or something culinary. Maybe you want to make room for someone to come live with you, such as a new roommate or elder relative. Maybe you just want less stuff and more calm.

2. Define the big picture of what you want your space to look like after you have decluttered. (If you have no idea, you could create a Pinterest board and get images online to help you out so you’re clearer.) What things make you the most happiest and productive?

3. Decide what “sparks joy” items you will keep. What are the non-negotiable things that will stay? This is where we play the “stuck on a desert island” exercise. What would you take with you?

With these three tips, you’ll be able to better gauge what stays that makes you happy, and declutter what doesn’t spark your joy.