A Little Space to Breathe Again
If you’ve ever felt that tug-of-war between wanting a beautifully organized home and also having… well, a few too many things you’ve collected along the way, you’re in good company. I meet people every week who are juggling full lives, big responsibilities, generous hearts, and closets or storerooms that reflect all of it. And honestly, it’s so normal. Sometimes we simply need someone to gently point us toward a starting place—one that feels doable, not overwhelming.
The Moment That Sparked a Shift
I was working with a longtime client recently—someone who is smart, capable, warm, and wonderfully self-aware. We had just finished organizing her home when she looked at me and said, almost shyly, “Can you give me some homework? You’ve seen everything I own. You know I love to shop. I’m taking two days off work… what can I do that will really help me keep things organized?”
Her honesty was beautiful. There was no guilt or shame in her voice—just a sincere desire to maintain the progress we had made together. And I could see so clearly what she needed: something specific, manageable, and completely aligned with her lifestyle.
A Simple Assignment with Big Impact
I said, “Well, based on what I’ve learned about you—how much joy you pour into holidays, how creative you are with your décor, and what I noticed in your storeroom—how about this? Go to your holiday section and pull out 50% of the decorations you’re not using this year. Donate them.”
She paused for a moment and then her face lit up. “Oh! I can totally do that.”
And that’s the magic of the right next step. Not a complete overhaul. Not a full decluttering marathon. Just one measurable, meaningful task that creates space—physically and emotionally.
She had her assignment. She had her plan. And she even gave herself a deadline: homework due at 5 p.m.
Why This Works (and Why It Feels Good)
There’s something powerful about choosing a goal that fits your rhythm and respects your personality. Instead of telling yourself to “get everything together,” you give yourself permission to focus on one slice of your home… and to do it in a way that feels achievable.
For my client, seasonal décor wasn’t just stuff—it was part of her joy. But she also knew some pieces no longer matched her current life or her current style. Letting them go meant making room for what she truly loves now. It also meant donations that could brighten someone else’s holiday, which made the process feel generous rather than heavy.
And little by little, these small, well-chosen steps add up to a home that supports you—not a home that drains you.
Your Gentle Invitation
If you’re craving a fresh start, you don’t have to do everything. Truly. You don’t even have to do most things. You just need one clear, simple step that feels doable today. Maybe it’s choosing five items to donate. Maybe it’s organizing one drawer. Maybe it’s walking into a storage space with curiosity instead of pressure.
Every bit of progress counts. And every bit of breathing room you create—no matter how small—brings ease into your everyday life.
Closing Thought
Your home doesn’t need perfection. It simply needs care, intention, and tiny acts of kindness toward your future self. Every shelf you lighten and every decoration you let go of becomes a quiet little gift to the life you’re building.
Pinky Jackson is a Decluttering Specialist and Home Organizing Expert. If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Pinky and her team would love to help you. Onsite Organizing services are available in the Louisville, KY area and Virtual Organizing services are offered for clients in other locations and for those who prefer to work online. Visit pinkyjackson.com to learn about our services and schedule a free assessment.
Photo: Onur Bahçıvancılar @citrusboy
