When it comes to decluttering, most people reach for a universal checklist: Donate the items you don’t need, organize your space by category, and be ruthless about what stays and goes. But what if your clutter is more than just a collection of items? What if it’s a reflection of your personality, your habits, and your mindset? That’s where the typical decluttering advice falls short.
I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and in today’s post, we’re going beyond the standard advice and exploring how to declutter based on your personality—because when you declutter with intention, you’ll make lasting changes that align with who you are, and who you’re becoming.
1. Aspirational Clutter: The Dreamer’s Dilemma
What it looks like:
- Art supplies still wrapped in plastic
- Fitness gear gathering dust in the corner
- Books about a career you’ve since outgrown
The Personality Behind It:
If this sounds familiar, you’re likely a dreamer—curious, optimistic, and full of ideas. You thrive on the idea of self-improvement and often dream of new hobbies or lifestyles. The problem? You sometimes struggle to follow through, and the things you buy to live your ideal life pile up.
Decluttering Strategy:
Start by identifying what truly excites you now. Which hobbies or goals are you actively pursuing, and which ones have become obsolete? Be kind to yourself and let go of the past aspirations that no longer serve you. Donate those unused supplies to schools or community centers where they’ll find a new life. Consider keeping a small “Maybe Someday” box and revisit it in six months—this allows you to hold on without feeling burdened by unrealized dreams.
2. Redundancy Clutter: The Security-Seeker’s Safety Net
What it looks like:
- Six spatulas or can openers
- Drawers overflowing with pens, batteries, and cords
- A closet full of nearly identical black sweaters or jeans
The Personality Behind It:
You’re likely a security-seeker—practical, prepared, and a little bit fearful of being unprepared. You like to have backups for everything, just in case, and this can lead to a cluttered home full of duplicates.
Decluttering Strategy:
Start by asking yourself: What’s the best version of this item? Keep that one, and get rid of the extras. Set physical boundaries (one drawer for cords, one shelf for tools) to limit the accumulation. Trust that you can replace or borrow an item when necessary. Donate the extras to shelters or community centers where they’ll be appreciated.
3. Information Clutter: The Thinker’s Pileup
What it looks like:
- Piles of magazines you haven’t read
- Notebooks filled with ideas, reminders, and to-do lists
- Stacks of receipts, coupons, or 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 missing out or forgetting something important keeps you hoarding papers and notes. The problem? The clutter piles up because you can’t let go of anything that might be useful.
Decluttering Strategy:
Start by digitizing what you can—scan documents, store them in the cloud, and eliminate the paper trail. Create a “Read This Month” basket for magazines or articles, and let go of anything that’s past its shelf life. Toss instruction manuals you can easily find online and shred outdated receipts. Set aside time each week to purge your papers—it’s a great way to keep the clutter manageable.
4. Sentimental Clutter: The Feeler’s Attachment
What it looks like:
- Baby clothes from grown children
- Gifts you feel guilty donating
- Old cards, letters, and souvenirs
The Personality Behind It:
You’re a feeler—compassionate, relational, and deeply connected to people and memories. Letting go of sentimental items can feel like letting go of a piece of your past or someone you love. The attachment to these items can be powerful, but holding onto everything can create emotional and physical clutter.
Decluttering Strategy:
It’s okay to keep meaningful items, but be intentional. Choose one item per person or milestone—not an entire box. Take photos of things you want to remember but don’t need to store. Remind yourself that the memory lives in your heart, not the object. Create a “Legacy Box” where you keep only the most cherished items and leave the rest behind.
5. Convenience Clutter: The Doer’s Overload
What it looks like:
- Unopened mail or online orders stacking up by the door
- Cluttered counters, desks, or floors
- Clothes piling up on “the chair” instead of in the closet
The Personality Behind It:
You’re a doer—busy, multitasking, and constantly on the go. Your life revolves around action and productivity, and you prioritize everything except tidying up. Without a system in place, clutter quickly accumulates and overwhelms you.
Decluttering Strategy:
Start by creating designated “drop zones” for keys, mail, and bags. Make them attractive and obvious, so you can quickly declutter as you come home. Establish a 5-minute nightly reset routine to clear surfaces and common areas. Batch tasks like sorting mail or folding laundry to reduce mental clutter. And remember, perfection isn’t the goal—functionality is.
The Big Takeaway: Tailor Your Method to Your Mindset
The key to successful decluttering isn’t following a generic checklist—it’s about understanding why you accumulate clutter in the first place. By recognizing the personality traits behind your clutter, you can declutter with greater compassion and efficiency. Whether you’re a dreamer, a security-seeker, or a feeler, your approach should align with who you are, not who society thinks you should be.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor. It’s about finding balance and creating a home that feels like a reflection of your true self.
