Decluttering has many layers. Sometimes, it’s the quick cleanups we do every few weeks, tossing old mail or recycling delivery boxes left in the hallway. Other times, it’s deeper sessions with greater meaning and impact. Decluttering after a major life change (or in anticipation of one) can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, often bringing genuine grief.

Whether you’re transitioning your child from a toddler room to a “big kid” room, sending them off to college, preparing for a move, or facing another major shift, the ritual of reorganizing and letting go of belongings can’t be avoided. It serves a practical purpose and helps you process the transition on a psychological level.

Here’s how to declutter during a big life event so that the process is easy to manage, both practically and emotionally:

1. Take Your Time

Decluttering often feels urgent, whether you are planning to move to a new home or you are simply remodeling and reorganizing your current one. Many of us feel like we need to finish it all at once before we can move forward. But the truth is, rushing rarely makes the process easier. Instead, it tends to increase stress and decision fatigue. That’s why it’s important to start the process early on, so you can do it gradually, with no rush.

Start small: one box, one drawer, or one corner of a room. Set realistic goals, such as “I’ll sort through these three shelves today” or “I’ll give myself 20 minutes and stop when the timer goes off.” Bite-sized tasks prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the decluttering process and allow you to make the right choices instead of emotional, hasty ones.

2. Honor The Memories, Not The Clutter

When you come across sentimental belongings, the question often isn’t whether you still need an item. You usually don’t. The real question is whether you are ready to let go. And that’s an entirely different kind of decision. It’s okay to feel sadness, joy, or nostalgia as you sort through your items.

One helpful approach is to separate the memory from the object. For example, your child’s first soccer jersey may remind you of weekends cheering from the sidelines, but you don’t need to keep every piece of sports equipment to preserve that memory. Simply keep just one or two meaningful items. You could frame that jersey, for example, and display it on a wall. Or, you could take photos of the items and then create a digital or printed memory book. This way, you’re honoring the memory without letting your home become a museum of the past.

3. Find Empathetic Support

Decluttering during big life transitions can feel like a deeply personal process. However, you don’t have to do it all alone. Enlisting support from loved ones can make a huge difference. Ask for help from a friend or family member who understands your emotions and won’t rush the process or pressure you. Their presence will make you feel more supported as you navigate the decluttering process. If you’re struggling to part with belongings, having someone listen to your stories about them can be healing. Sometimes, simply sharing why it’s hard for you to part ways with certain belongings makes it easier to let them go.

Professional help might also be a beneficial idea in some situations. Some transitions are particularly difficult, such as, for example, sorting through belongings after the loss of a loved one. A professional organizer or a grief counselor may provide the combination of practical and emotional support you need during such times.

4. Give Yourself Some Breathing Room With Self-Storage

If you’re not ready to part with certain items but don’t have space to keep everything in your home, self storage can provide a valuable buffer. It allows you to clear your house so you can breathe and live comfortably while still giving you time to decide what to keep long-term.

Self-storage is especially helpful during moves, remodels, or when children are transitioning to new stages. You don’t want your child to take over your spare room, but you also don’t want to give away their crib and other baby items. Storing it buys you time to make that decision later, when the emotions aren’t so raw and you know for sure whether you’ll be needing them again or not.

5. Listen To Your Body

Decluttering can take a real physical toll on you. You’re lifting boxes, carrying bags, bending, reaching, and standing for long stretches. More than that, stress, sadness, or decision fatigue can trigger headaches, tight shoulders, shallow breathing, or even that heavy, wiped-out feeling at the end of the day.

Pay close attention to your body’s signals. If your back starts to ache or your energy drops, take a break. Indulge in moments of rest: drink some water, step outside for fresh air, or stretch your muscles. Don’t underestimate the power of snacks and a satisfying coffee to reset your energy levels.

6. Focus On The Next Chapter

Decluttering isn’t just about saying goodbye to what’s behind you. It’s also about creating space for what’s ahead. Shifting your mindset to the future can ease the sting of letting go.

Instead of focusing on what you’re losing, think about what you’re gaining: more breathing room in your home, a calmer environment, or a sense of readiness for the new chapter in your life. If you’re moving, imagine how your belongings will fit in your next space. If you’re repurposing a child’s room, imagine how the new setup will support their growth and independence. You’re not just clearing space. You’re actively shaping a new environment that will carry you (and others) forward. Holding onto that perspective can transform the process from one of grief into one of hope and anticipation.

Decluttering during a big life change isn’t easy. It stirs up memories, emotions, and sometimes even grief. But it can also be a turning point. You’re not just letting go of things. Keep in mind that you’re, in fact, clearing space for new experiences, new routines, and a new chapter in life.