How a “ClutterBug” Can Gently Change the Way You Organize

There’s a quiet kind of frustration that can come with trying to stay organized.

Not the dramatic kind.
Just the steady noticing that no matter how many times you reset a space… it slowly returns to the same state.

You try a new system.
It works—for a little while.
And then, without much explanation, it stops.

Over time, it can begin to feel like a personal failure.
Like maybe you’re just not someone who can “keep things together.”

But what if that’s not true?

What if the problem isn’t effort…
but fit?

A Softer Way to Understand Organization

I often see people trying to maintain systems that look beautiful—but don’t match how they naturally move through their day.

And that mismatch creates friction.

This is where the idea of organizing styles can feel like a relief.

One of my favorite organizing experts, Cassandra Aarssen, describes four different tendencies (ClutterBugs)—ways people naturally prefer to see, sort, and access their things.

Not as labels.
Just as patterns.

And once you start to notice those patterns, things begin to make more sense.

If you’re curious, you can explore your own tendency here:
https://clutterbug.me/what-clutterbug-are-you-test

Why This Matters in Everyday Life

When a system doesn’t align with you, it asks for more energy than it gives back.

Small tasks feel heavier.
Putting things away feels like a decision instead of a habit.

But when something does align, the opposite happens.

You don’t have to think as much.
You don’t have to try as hard.

Things just… settle more easily.

And that shift, while subtle, can change how your whole home feels.

The Four Organizing Tendencies (With Real-Life Ease in Mind)

1. The Butterfly — You Need to See Things to Use Them

Principle: Visibility creates follow-through.

Many people find that when things are tucked away too well, they simply stop existing in their awareness.

What this might look like:

• Forgetting what’s inside drawers or bins

• Letting piles form because they’re visible reminders

• Feeling more productive when things are in sight

Try this instead:

• Open bins or baskets

• Clear containers

• Hooks or trays for everyday items

Example:
A small open basket on your counter may work better than a perfectly organized drawer you rarely open.

2. The Bee — You Prefer Systems That Feel Simple to Maintain

Principle: Ease matters more than precision.

Some people enjoy being organized—but not at the cost of complexity.

What this might look like:

• Avoiding systems with too many steps

• Letting things pile up when categories feel unclear

• Resetting spaces quickly when systems are simple

Try this instead:

• Broad, flexible categories

• Minimal labels

• Fewer containers, not more

Example:
One bin labeled “papers” may feel more usable than five separate folders.

3. The Ladybug — You Feel Calmer When Things Are Tucked Away

Principle: Visual calm supports mental calm.

For some, a space feels more restful when surfaces are clear—even if the system behind the scenes is simple.

What this might look like:

• Wanting counters and surfaces to stay clear

• Feeling overwhelmed by visible clutter

• Preferring quick cleanup over detailed sorting

Try this instead:

• Closed baskets or cabinets

• Easy drop zones

• Light structure inside containers

Example:
A basket by the door where everything lands can feel more supportive than trying to sort items immediately.

4. The Cricket — You Like Everything to Have a Clear Place

Principle: Structure creates ease.

Some people feel most at home when things are clearly categorized and consistently maintained.

What this might look like:

• Naturally sorting and grouping items

• Noticing when something is out of place

• Enjoying detailed systems

Try this instead:

• Drawer dividers

• Clearly labeled sections

• Defined zones within spaces

Example:
A drawer where each item has its own section can make daily routines feel smoother.

You Might Be More Than One—and That’s Helpful

Very few people fit into just one pattern.

You might need visibility in one space…
and calm, hidden storage in another.

Rather than choosing a category, it can help to ask:

“What would make this space easier to return to?”

That question tends to lead you in the right direction.

How to Begin Without Overhauling Everything

You don’t need to start from scratch.

Choose one small area—something that feels mildly frustrating, not overwhelming.

Then gently notice:

• What feels difficult right now

• What might be asking for more ease

• What small shift would support you better

That’s enough.

You’re not building a perfect system.
You’re adjusting your space to meet you where you are.

A Gentle Reminder

There’s nothing wrong with the way you’ve been trying.

Most people were simply never shown that there are different ways to organize—and that those differences matter.

You don’t need more discipline.
You need a system that understands you.

Final Thoughts

A home doesn’t become easier to manage because it looks better.

It becomes easier when it quietly supports the way you already live.

And sometimes, that shift begins with seeing yourself a little more clearly inside your space.

The Sentimental Organizer’s Guide to Letting Go

How to Declutter When You’re Sentimental

Decluttering is hard enough when it’s just about letting go of things you no longer use or need. But when the items are tied to memories, family history, or loved ones who are no longer with us, the process can feel overwhelming. As a professional organizer—and a sentimental person myself—I understand this deeply. I’m still working through my own parents’ and grandparents’ belongings years after their passing, so I know firsthand how complicated and emotional the journey can be.

The good news is that being sentimental doesn’t mean you can’t declutter. It just means the process might look different for you, and that’s okay. Here are some practical steps (and some compassionate reminders) to help you move forward when you’re decluttering sentimental items.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Take Your Time

There’s no deadline for grieving or for letting go. Sentimental decluttering isn’t something you can—or should—rush. I often remind my clients, and myself, that we don’t have to clear everything in one sitting.

It might help to set gentle parameters, like:

• One box at a time.

• One hour per weekend.

• One category (photos, letters, clothing) per season.

This approach prevents overwhelm and gives your heart space to catch up with what your hands are doing.

2. Start with the Easier Stuff

Not all sentimental items carry the same emotional weight. Some things are infused with deep memories, while others are just “extras” we’ve kept out of habit. Begin with the items that feel less charged.

For example:

• Greeting cards with no personal message inside.

• Duplicate kitchenware or knickknacks you don’t actually use.

• Items you kept just because they belonged to someone else, not because they truly matter to you.

These easier decisions build confidence and momentum so you’re better prepared when you get to the harder pieces.

3. Redefine What It Means to “Keep” a Memory

One of the most freeing mindshifts for sentimental decluttering is realizing the memory isn’t inside the object—it’s inside you. The item is simply a reminder.

If you want to preserve a connection but can’t keep everything, consider alternatives:

• Photograph it. A picture of your dad’s worn-out work boots or your grandmother’s favorite teacup still tells the story, without taking up space.

• Create a memory box. Choose one small, intentional container for your most meaningful items. Limiting the size forces you to prioritize.

• Repurpose. Turn your mom’s old scarves into a quilt or have jewelry resized so you can wear it instead of storing it.

This way, you honor the memory without letting stuff take over your home.

4. Ask: “Does This Represent the Person, or the Clutter?”

When I went through my parents’ belongings, I had to remind myself that not everything they owned represented who they were. A stack of old bills? That wasn’t my dad. A chipped mug from the back of a cupboard? That wasn’t my mom.

Instead, I chose to keep things that truly captured their essence:

• My dad’s pocketknife he carried every day.

• My mom’s handwritten recipe cards.

• Family photos that showed them laughing.

If you keep the items that most reflect the person and let go of the rest, you preserve their story in a way that feels intentional.

5. Share the Love

Sometimes the hardest part is feeling like letting go means losing the connection. But passing items along can be a beautiful way of sharing your loved one’s legacy.

You might:

• Offer special pieces to family members or friends who would appreciate them.

• Donate useful items to a cause your loved one cared about.

• Gift keepsakes to grandchildren, nieces, or nephews so the stories continue in future generations.

Letting something leave your home doesn’t mean it disappears—it just finds a new chapter.

6. Create Rituals of Letting Go

Decluttering sentimental items often stirs up grief. Instead of pushing those feelings away, give them a place. Create a ritual to acknowledge what the item meant before releasing it:

• Light a candle and say a few words of gratitude.

• Write a short note about the memory the item evokes.

• Take one last photo and tuck it into an album.

These small acts can make letting go feel more like an intentional choice and less like a loss.

7. Be Gentle With Yourself

Decluttering sentimental items is not just about organizing—it’s about healing. You may feel sadness, guilt, relief, or even joy, sometimes all at once. That’s normal.

Here’s what I tell my clients (and myself):

• You’re not “failing” if you can’t part with something yet.

• You’re not obligated to keep everything, even if it was a gift.

• You’re allowed to keep items purely because they make you smile.

Progress is progress, no matter how slow.

Final Thoughts

As someone who organizes homes for a living, I can tell you that decluttering sentimental items is one of the hardest tasks my clients face—and one of the hardest I’ve faced myself. The process isn’t just about sorting through things; it’s about navigating memory, identity, and love.

If you’re sentimental, you don’t have to change who you are in order to declutter. Instead, honor your emotions while creating space for the life you’re living now. Keep the treasures, release the rest, and remember: the love and the memories aren’t in the boxes in your attic—they’re in your heart.