Making space for what's next: decluttering tips from the Founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

As we head into a new season, I’ve been thinking a lot about space…and not just the kind you measure in square feet! Whenever someone asks me for my best decluttering tips, I always start with the why. Most people hear “junk removal” and picture old couches, broken appliances, or boxes of stuff no one’s opened in years. But after more than 30 years of doing this work, I’ve learned we’re really doing something much bigger. We’re helping people get out from under that clutter anxiety - the heavy, stuck feeling that creeps in when your physical stuff starts crowding out your mental clarity.

I’ve always believed it’s hard to move forward when your life feels cluttered. A packed garage. A messy office. Too much mental noise. You can’t clearly see the future if your hands - or your head - are full of yesterday’s stuff!

Whether you’re experimenting with new decluttering methods or just trying to feel more focused, the goal is the same: make space for possibility.

One of my favorite moments is what happens after the junk is gone. That “empty” room? It isn’t empty at all! It’s a home office waiting to happen. A workout space. A nursery. Or simply room to breathe again. That’s not emptiness, that’s potential!

And here’s the thing: empty space isn’t something to be afraid of. The best ideas, the boldest plans, and the biggest breakthroughs all need a little white space to land. That pause. That openness. That’s where growth starts.

I’ve heard so many customers say, “I never realized how much my stuff was weighing me down until it was gone.” And they’re right. You’re not just getting rid of junk, you’re making room for your next chapter.

So this year, let go of what you don’t need. Clear a little space. Lighten the load. Your future deserves room to show up.

Founder’s decluttering tips

When it comes to how to declutter, I’ve found that the best methods aren't just about organizing your past; they’re about clearing a path for what’s next.

Tip 1: Start small to conquer clutter anxiety

Momentum is the best cure for clutter anxiety. Instead of trying to tackle the entire garage in one weekend, start with a single drawer or shelf. Bite-sized wins create energy—and that energy is what carries you to the next project.

Tip 2: The “I never realized” 1-In, 2-out rule

This is a simple discipline for intentional living. For every new item you bring into your home, commit to letting go of two. It’s amazing how quickly a home can turn into a storage unit without this rule in place! The 1-In, 2-Out approach keeps your space curated, purposeful, and under control.

Tip 3: Build your decluttering “mise en place”

In the culinary world, mise en place means “everything in its place.” Your environment should be the mise en place for your life. Of all the decluttering methods I’ve seen, this mindset is the most powerful: don’t design your space for your past self or some hypothetical future version of you. Surround yourself with what you need to thrive right now.

Clear space isn’t about loss, it’s about possibility and making room for more of what matters.

Start small, give yourself some grace, and remember that clear space is about potential, not perfection. If you're ready to clear the way for your next chapter but the physical "stuff" feels overwhelming, let the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? team take care of it. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter you feel once the space is finally yours again.