I’m so excited to share that I was recently interviewed by freelance journalist Emily Latimer from Cape Breton Island, and the article is now live on Yahoo Style.
The piece, titled “Downsizing or Decluttering? 7 Useless Things in Your House You Can Get Rid Of,” highlights one of the most common struggles I see as a professional organizer in Halifax, Nova Scotia and beyond: knowing where to start and what to let go of.
Why Decluttering Feels So Hard
Many people want a calmer, more functional home—but feel stuck before they even begin. Decluttering isn’t just about “getting rid of stuff.” It’s emotional, personal, and often overwhelming, especially when you’re downsizing, moving, or simply trying to regain control of your space.
This Yahoo Style article breaks the process down making it easier to identify items that are no longer serving your current life.
How This Article Can Help You
Whether you’re:
- Downsizing your home
- Feeling overwhelmed by clutter
- Preparing for a move
- Or just craving a lighter, more organized space
This article offers practical guidance you can apply immediately. Even small changes—letting go of just one category of items—can create momentum and make your home feel more manageable.
I’ve shared the full article below for my blog readers because it reflects the same thoughtful, judgment-free approach I use with my organizing clients every day.
Read the full article here: “Feel like your home doesn’t have enough space? It’s time for a change. Whether you’re downsizing to a smaller space or reorganizing your current home, there are several ways to make your space feel more open and manageable — regardless of the square footage you’re working with.
Decluttering can feel like a fresh start, but experts say rushing the process or trying to get rid of everything at once can backfire. According to professional organizer and ADHD specialist Julie Witherell of Julie’s Organizing Services in Halifax, N.S., downsizing isn’t just about purging belongings. It’s about being intentional with what you keep, being realistic about your existing space, and being thoughtful about the emotional weight many items carry.
“It can be very overwhelming,” Witherell says. “There are so many things we’ve accumulated over time, or maybe items we’ve inherited or received as gifts. Being intentional about what we hold onto and what we let go of can also help us really hone in what we want for ourselves.”
So before you start filling donation bags or booking a dumpster service, Witherell offers some helpful tips on how to approach downsizing — or a major clean out — without the burnout. Plus, she shares some common items that people hang onto longer than they need.
Downsizing or decluttering your home: Where to start
Witherell suggests starting at the entranceway of your home and working around the room in a set chunk of time, like 20 minutes. Decluttering should be done when you have the most energy — and make sure you set aside some time at the end to tidy up.
“A lot of people will say, ‘I tried to tackle it myself, but I got so overwhelmed, I just wanted to get a dumpster and just get rid of everything,’” Witherell says. “I call that rage cleaning.”
To avoid that feeling, tackle small sections when you’re well-energized. Clear out the space as soon as you’re done decluttering.
For example, if the first room on your list is the bedroom, get donation bags ready and take all those unused sweaters to a donation centre right away.
“The more you can remove from the space as you go, the more you’ll feel encouraged to keep going,” she advises.
What to get rid of
Witherall says to ask yourself one question.
“I really encourage clients to base their decisions on this: Do you have the storage space for it?” she says.
With that in mind, here are several items she suggests getting rid of when downsizing or decluttering your home.
1. Broken items or things you keep meaning to fix ‘later’
Whether it’s furniture that’s falling apart or clothing that needs alterations, this category is a biggie. “If an item isn’t in good shape, a lot of times it becomes a project for later,” Witherell says.
That broken blender you’ve been saying you’ll get fixed for two years? You can probably toss it. Witherell says it’s worth thinking about whether you really have the time, resources or motivation to fix them. If not, let them go.
“But when you’re already downsizing or decluttering, adding another project, or multiple projects, can feel very overwhelming. You can get stuck in the cycle, and it’s hard to let things go.”
If you don’t have the capacity, skills or resources required to fix, repair or upcycle an item, it’s OK to let it go.
2. Clothing that doesn’t fit
Clothing is a tricky category, but being intentional about what you keep can free up space — physically and mentally.
“If it’s clothing: does it still fit you?” Witherell asks. “Don’t hold onto too many things that aren’t your current size.
Witherell says curating a capsule wardrobe can also help make decisions about other items to keep or let go of — rather than accumulating many pieces that won’t actually make an outfit.
3. Duplicate items
Back-ups, refills or duplicate items should be grouped together and considered thoughtfully.
4. Outdated items
If the item no longer serves you, or is not compatible with your current life, it can be shortlisted for decluttering. Ditch the age-old tech or dated bedding you haven’t used in years.
“Bring more intention into what you want for yourself, while being realistic about where you’re at now in life,” she says.
5. ‘What if I need this someday’ items
“People can get themselves in trouble by holding onto too many of those ‘what-if” items. Consider letting them go,” Witherell says.
6. Inherited items you don’t like or use
Witherell says this is the “hardest” category to clear out. Something passed down, or passed on, from family or friends, isn’t the first thing you might think to chuck in the trash. But Witherell says these items often take space up in our homes — without being liked or used.
You don’t have to throw out Grandma’s spoon collection — but you could store them in a bin if they don’t fit the vibe of your space. And there’s no harm in taking that old floral couch to the curb.
“If we’re holding on to too many things from the past, is it allowing us to live in the present and also make space for the future?” Witherell asks.
7. Bulky furniture
Furniture takes up a lot of space, and inherited furniture can be particularly difficult to part with. But Witherell reminds clients that donating underused furniture to a local charity or furniture bank can truly help the community. “Someone else might find it and it’s a new treasure for them,” she says.
The bottom line
Witherell says decluttering sessions can be made easier with uplifting background music, a good night’s sleep, eating a proper meal and getting help from a friend.
“The more you can let go, the lighter you’re going to feel,” she says.
However, people should be realistic and work in set shifts, rather than trying to get rid of everything in one go. “Sometimes people get so overwhelmed, they’re just like ‘Get rid of all of it.’ And then they backtrack and feel regret.”
Ready for Help Decluttering Your Home?
If reading the article makes you think, “I could really use help with this,” you’re not alone. I offer onsite and virtual professional organizing services in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia, whether you want:
- Done-for-you or hands-on help tackling large projects
- Virtual guidance and accountability
- Support with downsizing or decluttering at your own pace
👉 You can learn more or book a consultation through my Contact Us page.
Trained Professional Organizer & ADHD Specialist 