There’s something profoundly satisfying about completing a challenging task.
That feeling when you finish a race, accomplish a project at work, or even just finish cleaning up after a really successful party.
You get to stand back, take a deep breath, and savor the accomplishment. It’s an amazing feeling.
Yet, in our journey toward minimalism, I often hear a common refrain, “Decluttering is a process and I’m fine with that. There is no endpoint to decluttering anyway.” But, as with any task, isn’t there a moment of completion, a moment of pure satisfaction when the hard work is finally over?
Yes, of course there is! There is an endpoint to decluttering. And it’s wonderful!
Decluttering, like many worthy endeavors, requires dedication of course. And it’s easy to believe that this must be a never-ending cycle. And while it’s true that we need to stay vigilant against clutter returning, that doesn’t mean we never experience the moment of accomplishment.
Minimalism, as I’ve come to realize, does have an endpoint.
It’s not about achieving an entirely empty room or living with just a backpack. Instead, it’s about reaching a point where the things you own serve a purpose in your life. It’s the beautiful moment when you look around your space and think, “This environment frees me to pursue what’s important.”
Does it mean there are no unnecessary possessions remaining? Probably not. But there is a moment when the initial work feels completed.
Now, that doesn’t mean decluttering can’t still be a journey. It took us three months to declutter our main living spaces and nine months to address the entire home. Then, three years later, we moved into a smaller house. The process was not without its challenges, and it wasn’t overnight. But every step we took brought us closer to the endpoint.
Here’s why I think this is so important.
Believing that decluttering is an unending process can keep us from making progress. If there is “no end to this journey,” what’s the point of working hard to minimize our unneeded things? No matter what you do… there will always be more left.
But there’s a profound difference between living a decluttered life and always decluttering.
Living a decluttered life is possible, and you can achieve it!
Yes, there’s maintenance. New possessions enter our homes. Seasons of life change. Kids grow older. But once you’ve reached that initial milestone, the hardest work is over.
Maintaining a minimized space is way easier than getting there. And trust me, reaching that sweet spot is wonderful.
So, what does life look like when the decluttering is done?
More Time: You spend less time cleaning, organizing, and looking for things. And doing more of the things you love.
More Freedom: Without the weight of excess possessions, you are lighter, freer, and more in control of your life.
More Contentment: Once you realize you have everything you need, contentment comes easier.
More Financial Stability: Maintaining fewer things (and less impulse buying) mean more savings and more opportunity to finally get ahead.
More Intentionality: Every possession becomes a conscious choice. You begin to apply this intentionality in other aspects of your life as well.
Some of the greatest benefits of minimalism are discovered when you reach the finish line.
Does this mean you’ll never buy or acquire anything new again? Of course not. There may be times when things begin to accumulate a bit in your home. But removing a few things, every so often, is much easier than decluttering your entire home the first time.
I don’t want this article to discourage anyone who is struggling to make progress. Just the opposite!
I want to encourage you to not get lost in the belief that decluttering has no end. There is a finish line—and the harder you work to get there, the better!
So, if you’re still on a journey towards minimalism, keep going.
The endpoint is real, achievable, wonderful, and probably closer than you think.
Valerie says
This article is exactly what I needed. I felt like minimizing was turning into a vicious cycle. It is a process. With a constant barage of family’s belongings coming my way, I can be grateful yet purposeful. Many of our loved ones think giving my daughter physical gifts is how to show her love. Luckily, she rarely puts attachment to these items and readily gives them away to friends and other places where they can be enjoyed. My daughter is an inspiration to all, and seeing her is a win for me, as I have led by example well.
Thank you for sharing joy!
Carol says
My motto is, ‘don’t make the kids the keepers of the crap.’
Leslie Littlefield says
I help seniors downsize from very large homes into modest independent living apartments. 95% of the time, the kids don’t want their stuff, or only a few pieces. Unfortunately, many have moved from house to house with excess stuff, thinking their children will want and love it.
Christine says
I’m 71 yrs, and have been dwn sizing for 10 yrs. I’m nearing the end of my dwn sizing. It does feel freeing, and yes, still telling myself, I don’t need things. I’m focused on what really matters, and less of more stuff. I enjoyed reading your article. I saved it as well. Thank you
Sophie says
Feeling overwhelmed with my clutter, I didn’t know where to start. I want more lightness in my life. I started decluttering, one item at a time and not beating myself up for not doing enough. I started 19 days ago and have gotten rid of over 200 items. I feel better already and feel motivated. I give myself no more than 15 minutes a day so I don’t feel overwhelmed and give up.
Katharine Morgan says
Amazing! You’re gifted explanations of the manipulation behind fashion is changing my perspective and freeing me from my clothes owning my space instead of my spirit.
Paul says
It’s a work in progress, but what keeps me motivated is what my sister and I went through when my dad passed. He was a horder and it was hard to get through the mess. Had to check everything to make sure nothing important was tossed! We both swore we would not do this to our kids! They have almost no desire for most of my crap, except my vinyl record collection lol🤪🤪