Keep Calm and Declutter

"The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t "— Marie Kondo

When I moved to East Sussex, I swore I’d never move again. Packing boxes felt like a full-body workout for muscles, emotions and mind. Each cupboard and drawer whispered a story: the “to sort later” drawer, the mystery key, the box of “just in case”, all those mixed-up cables and tools in the garage (Do we need them all? Of course, we do!) And of course, the books, boxes and boxes of them (how come they fitted on the shelves just fine, and now it looks like they have multiplied). 

Yet, after the pain of making those countless micro-decisions, with every item I released, I felt lighter and fresher, as if I was not just sorting shelves but also clearing space inside my head.

Lately, I’ve noticed another kind of “moving”: an internal one. As my hormones quietly started dancing to their own unpredictable rhythm, they created mayhem, stirring everything—not just in body and emotions but also in focus and attention. Some days, it feels as if my brain has too many tabs open and not enough bandwidth.

That’s when clutter (both physical and mental) becomes more than background noise, it becomes static, heavy, a constant low-level hum. Every half-finished task, every pile waiting for attention, every ping of a notification pulls at us, leaving less room for what matters.

Decluttering, then, becomes less about tidying and more about tending to our space and thoughts. It is an act of self-care, a kindness toward our future self—a gentle sorting of what to keep, what to pass on, and what no longer fits the person we are becoming.

You don’t have to tackle the attic or the whole garage. Just start small—clear one drawer. Tidy your bedside table. Delete the dozen screenshots you took “for later.” Give your digital desktop a breather. Notice how your shoulders drop when you do.

As we move through change, our environment must move with us. Creating space (in our home, mind or calendar) helps us adapt with grace, humour and fewer misplaced keys, wallet, and glasses.

As the days get shorter, darker, and colder, I invite you to take a moment each week to pick one tiny corner of your world and let go of something, a thing, a file, a thought that has been gathering dust. Sometimes, the lightest, gentlest way forward begins with a little less.

This month, I invite you to make room for what’s next and who you are becoming, and dare to be the change you want to see in your organisation, family, community, and life!

Join a Women’s Circle of Change: Where Your Story Matters

Life is a mosaic—beautiful, messy and ever-changing.

Whether you are navigating life transitions, seeking community, reflecting, or wanting to be heard, this safe and nurturing women's circle is for you.

We connect through authentic storytelling, finding wisdom and inspiration  in each other's experiences. 

Come to a space where you can soften, breathe, express, explore and just be.

Friday 28th of November – Waldron, East Sussex

Click here to book 👉 Your story matters. Step into the Circle.

No experience necessary.

Get in touch: mathilde [@] daretobethechange.today - 07947 319 362

Mathilde Barbier