10 hot takes from a professional declutterer

When it comes to decluttering, everyone has opinions, but as a professional declutterer, my hot takes might just flip the script on how you view your stuff.

From the overabundance of trendy water bottles to the absurdity of scented trash bags, these insights challenge the norms of modern organizing culture. Let’s dive into the practical, no-nonsense truths of decluttering!

1. You have too many water bottles

Seriously, how did we end up with so many? It seems like every time a new trend hits, we’re tempted to buy the latest and greatest—insulated, collapsible, eco-friendly, cutesy, you name it. Before we know it, our cupboards are overflowing with bottles of every shape and size, and it’s time for a reality check.

While staying hydrated is essential, we don’t need an arsenal of water bottles to do it. Having too many not only creates clutter but also makes it challenging to find the one you actually want to use.

Instead of jumping on the next trend, let’s take a moment to declutter and appreciate the ones we already have.

2. Scented trash bags are gross

This one truly drives me up the wall: overly scented organizing products. Honestly, who thought these were a good idea?

The smell is often overwhelming, and let’s be real—they can smell worse than actual trash. It’s baffling how something marketed to keep our spaces fresh can end up creating a more unpleasant environment.

What’s even more frustrating is how sneaky these products can be. Sometimes, if you’re not paying attention, you end up accidentally purchasing the scented versions.

It’s a real shock when you open the package and get hit with that artificial fragrance! If you’re a fan of these products, bless you. But for me, it’s a hard pass.

3. Skip Secret Santa

Now this is one that I know is unpopular, but I don’t love Secret Santa. Honestly, it often feels like so much pressure! You’re tasked with finding a thoughtful gift for someone you barely know, all while hoping they’ll actually like it.

Plus, there’s usually a price limit, which can be especially tricky for those of us who might be feeling a little financially stretched during the holiday season. The pressure of Secret Santa can really take away from the joy of gift-giving, don’t you think?

Last year I was invited to a party with a Secret Santa twist that I can totally get behind. Instead of the usual gift exchange, everyone brought their favorite book. How perfect is that? It’s the ultimate win-win: you can declutter your shelves by passing along a book you’ve already read and loved, and in return, you get a new story to dive into!

And the best part? If you end up with a book that’s not your cup of tea, no worries! You can regift it, share it with a friend, or even pop it in your little free library for someone else to discover. So while I’m not a fan of traditional Secret Santa, I love a decluttering or sustainable twist.

4. Use your fine china

Seriously, for the love of all things clutter, just take out your china and use it! So many people have these beautiful sets collecting dust in their cabinets, waiting for that “perfect” occasion that never seems to come. Do NOT get stuck in the specialness spiral.

The reality is that very little china is worth as much as we often think. Why let those gorgeous dishes sit there when they could be bringing joy to your meals?

And if you’re not able to use all of it yourself, why not share the love? Give some pieces to friends or family who would appreciate and use them. It’s a lovely way to pass on the joy and keep those cherished items in circulation.

So, let today be that special day! Break out the fine china and create beautiful memories around the table.

5. Buying in bulk isn’t always great

This may be a bit controversial, but I’m not convinced that buying in bulk is always the best idea. If you’re living solo in a cozy space, cramming in a massive supply of anything can quickly turn into a clutter nightmare.

Sure, if you have a household of eight and plenty of storage, bulk buying can save you money and keep your pantry stocked. But for the rest of us, those bulk purchases can lead to wasted food—especially perishable items that sit around until they spoil.

It’s easy to get lured in by the allure of savings, but remember: buying in bulk only makes sense if it fits your lifestyle. Think about how much you actually need and whether you have the space to store it.

Prioritizing what works for you will help keep your home organized and minimize waste. Focus on smart shopping that aligns with your life, not just the latest sales pitch!

6. You don’t need more stuff to organize your stuff

Let’s get real: more stuff equals more clutter. If you’re facing a clutter crisis, the last thing you should do is buy more stuff! You probably already have more than enough bins and baskets stashed away to tackle the chaos.

The idea that you need to purchase additional organizing tools just to manage your mess is a classic trap—and trust me, it’s a one-way ticket to Clutter City.

Declutter first—really dive in and see what you can let go of. Whether you’re grabbing cute containers or the latest organizing gadgets, remember that you’re just adding fuel to the fire. You might be surprised to discover that you don’t need to buy anything at all!

Once you’ve cleared out the excess, you’ll have a much better sense of what you truly need. So, before you hit that checkout button, ask yourself: is this really going to help, or am I just complicating my life even more?

7. It’s okay to return a gift

I know I’m going to get a lot of push back on this one, but I know a lot of people are wrestling with this, so let’s just put it out there: IT’S TOTALLY OKAY TO RETURN A GIFT.

Seriously! Whether you choose to regift, donate, or simply get it out of your house if it’s causing you stress and clutter, do what’s best for you. If you don’t like it, it doesn’t fit, or you know you’ll never use it, pass it on!

And if the person who gave it to you gets upset? That’s their issue, not yours. Remember, the joy is in the giving, not in forcing you to keep something you don’t want.

Returning a gift and using that credit to get something you actually love will make you feel way better about the whole situation. Trust me, you’ll have much warmer feelings toward the giver when you’re not staring at an unwanted gift collecting dust in your home. So go ahead—let it go!

8. You don’t have to be a minimalist to be clutter free

Let’s be clear: clutter is not just a result of having a lot of things; it’s more about the chaos that comes from not knowing where to put them or how to manage them. So, you can have a ton of stuff and still avoid clutter.

Sure, the easiest way to achieve a clutter-free space is to scale back and have less stuff. But that doesn’t mean you need to jump on the minimalist bandwagon and live with just a few pairs of socks and a single chair.

You can have your favorite decor, a full closet, and a well-stocked pantry without it spiraling into a cluttered mess. It’s all about smart organization and having a designated home for everything you own.

9. Old does not equal valuable

Holding onto items because you think they’re valuable? Let me drop a little truth bomb on you: the value of an item is determined by what someone will pay for it today, not what you originally paid for it.

I hate to break it to you, but that vintage vase or designer handbag might not hold the sentimental or financial value you’ve assigned to it. Just because it’s listed on ebay for a hundred dollars, does not mean it’s selling.

So, what’s the takeaway? It’s time to stop clinging to those “treasures” and start using your nice stuff! You know that beautiful china set you’ve been saving for a special occasion? Why not enjoy it now instead of letting it gather dust?

The truth is, your valuables are only as valuable as the joy they bring you—so if they’re just sitting around, they’re doing you no favors. Instead of hoarding items based on past worth, embrace the idea that true value lies in experiences and enjoyment.

10. Do what works for you

Let’s be real: the organizing and decluttering world is full of opinions, and not everyone is going to agree. But who cares? At the end of the day, you’ve got to do what works best for you—and that’s the fabulous part of life.

If you completely disagree with my hot takes, that’s perfectly fine! Everyone has their own vibe, and just because I might not be a fan of certain trends doesn’t mean you can’t love them.