Emotions and Organizing: What They Can Teach Us
When it comes to big organizing projects, emotions almost always show up—and that’s completely normal. Sometimes we feel excited and ready to celebrate progress. Other times, sadness, guilt, or frustration rise to the surface. All of it is part of the organizing process.
Over the years, I’ve noticed three truths about emotions in decluttering and organizing:
1. Emotions simply are
They appear whether we expect them or not. Sometimes they’re intense, sometimes fleeting—but either way, they’re okay. Emotions aren’t something to fight against; they’re signals that help us understand what matters most as we move through home organization and decluttering projects.
2. Emotions can be a source of joy and motivation
One of my favorite parts of professional organizing is celebrating those little aha moments: the joy of finding your style, picking out labels you love, creating order in a space that once felt overwhelming, or letting go of something that no longer serves you. These moments of happiness don’t just move your project forward—they stay with you. They remind you that change is possible and that you’re capable of creating organized, functional spaces that feel good.
3. Emotions can help us learn
Sometimes emotions show up as sadness when we’re sorting through sentimental items or dealing with a large volume of family belongings. Other times, the emotions look more like guilt—like when we find something still hanging in the closet with tags on it. These feelings aren’t roadblocks; they’re teachers. They remind us of the choices we want to make differently going forward in our decluttering journey.
Letting emotions guide—not derail—the process
The important thing is to let emotions flow in and then back out. Feel them, honor them, and then let them guide—not derail—the organizing process. And most of all, don’t judge yourself. There’s no shame in having a home full of memories, or in realizing you’ve held onto more than you’d like. What matters is that you’re taking steps toward creating the organized home you want now.
So the next time you’re standing in front of a pile of “keep or let go” decisions, remember this: emotions aren’t the enemy of organizing. They’re part of it. They can teach, they can motivate, and they can celebrate progress right alongside you.
By embracing both the practical and emotional sides of home organizing, you can transform not just your space, but the way you feel in it.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Joanne Glaudemans @inspiration_nl
