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.
Leslie Anne Perry says
Great blog post! I feel like I have reached my “endpoint”. I didn’t have that much of a problem with clutter because I have decluttered regularly for decades. But, since I’m now 78, in the past few months I have gotten rid of a bunch of stuff that I don’t want someone else to have to deal with after I’m gone. I used to feel silly dropping off a single item at a thrift shop. But I do it fairly often now since I want to get an item out of my house soon after I realize it’s not being used (and probably will not ever be used).
Tam says
A really good perspective in this blog. I reached that point shortly after completing the 12 week course you offer. My home is happy and mostly orderly. Three of us in less than 1,000 square feet – each of us keeps our personal items in our own space and we share the maintenance of the public spaces. In less than a year, it will likely be two of us sharing the space as our son moves to his own space, along with his things and some furniture that he has tagged to go with him. We will likely do a reset after that – but nothing as intense as the initial process. Life stages and life changes. We are focusing on what is important to us now – and enjoying downtime.
Steven Williamson says
I “Like” Life Stages and Life Changes.
Sam says
Joshua is right. I reached the “almost” endpoint (still working on a few smaller items) and despite not being done completely, I felt so liberated and enjoyed the benefits of my labour. What a freeing feeling! It freed up time, physical and mental energy to start new hobbies like knitting, baking, reading more…without worrying about all the clutter I still had to go through. It’s a great feeling, keep going on your journeys. You will get there one day and it will be so worth it :)
CARLISE SWET says
Hi!
This article is encouraging, because it exposed a thought I had that I didn’t know I believed. I thought decluttering was a never ending process because it’s been ongoing for me for years…off and on attention…and I felt stuck in a rut.
Because of your article I have a mindset shift, there is an end in sight! And just like you said, there will be change of seasons and circumstances, and needed maintenance, but the initial milestone has been reached.
That limiting thought of endless decluttering was a block that kept me from moving forward and accomplishing the work I need to do to get where I want to get. There is an end in sight and I need to determine what that looks like and apply effort toward that goal and become free of stuff owning me and my time.
Joshua, thank you for sharing practical and sound advice from your years of growing in experience and wisdom. ❤️😊
V says
I’ve been living with a cluttering partner. We’re divorcing and selling the house. I’d been dreaming about downsizing drastically for a very long time and I’m so excited that my move is in a few short weeks. I’ve been decluttering for 2.5 months now, and it’s been so freeing and therapeutic. I cannot wait to only have things with a clear purpose in an organized home. Of course with 3 kids, there will be plenty of maintenance, but I’ve been showing them the impact of keeping it clean and simple, and the great satisfaction it brings. That peace is unmeasurable. 💚
Cindy says
I’m decluttering, It’s awesome, but still have things on hold I haven’t let go of.Feel like it’s tug of war .I hope I let go more in the future. Most the things I’ve let go of , I don’t even remember what they were ? Lol.
Kassandra Watt says
I packed up and moved my parents three times in their 80’s and 90’s. Of course, the final time was the hardest. I took pictures of pictures and memorabilia, and then let them go. I still enjoy looking at the pictures of things I lived with long ago, but don’t want in my life on a daily basis.
Michael Wheeler says
I’ve been at the sorta ‘end’ point for some time but every so often some odd item, clothing pops out but so rare. BUT I’m a believer in one must stay the course, doing a reality check and should you buy (add) you should try to subtract 1-2 items. But not any impulse buying, merely sleep on it a few days unless a definite essential item.
Kelli says
Yes! I totally agree with this article about having an endpoint!
Just like I had an endpoint to the den, individual bedrooms, closets,etc. I just completed my attic after doing the 12 week course last fall. When time came to start the end of January with my last 2 spaces, attic and garage, my life blew up! My adult son had a skydiving accident and my Mom passed away. Crazy year. However, reading the FB posts from my group as they continue their journeys, I started thinking about my attic. Last week I did a good pass through and unloaded a lot of stored items up there. Next, the garage! The end is in sight. So very grateful!
Linda Ellen Hurst says
Kelli, I’m sorry to hear that you had lost your mother, that alone with all the grief and then anger and you sometimes don’t know what you’re doing. I felt that way. People please don’t leave your home for your only daughter to go through and touch and decide and be alone in the house. Pre Swedish Death Cleansing for the sake of your children and their mental health
Samantha Newberry says
Love reading these posts as my neighbor just asked, “Geez, how can you have that much garbage?” I was speaking a foreign language about my decluttering. The woman has got junk everywhere but doesn’t even notice. I’m judging her but she’s doing it to me so we’re even lol.
Teresa Pineda says
Thank you all for your comments! I need them. We are starting on our house and my son is keeping me going. I retired 1 year ago. We lost our oldest daughter to cancer 2 yrs ago. Her things are the most difficult for me. I got thru it w/ help. I’m ready to get through the house and have a feeling of accomplishment at the end.
Reginald Grover says
Your loss is the most difficult form of letting go (I won’t call it decluttering). Sorry for your loss. Best wishes going forward.
Samantha says
I’m sorry for your loss
Sending you a hug from cyberspace
Patty says
I’m looking forward to that end point! I’m retired so I’m in a hurry and I am actually enjoying the process.