By Lorinda Dishington Ortiz – Professional Organizer and ADHD Organizing Specialist based in Groton, MA that provides affordable online home organizing and decluttering services to MA, NH, and nationwide. 

I understand that creating a home that feels calm and functional is a deeply personal journey—and one that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Today, I want to share some insights on an important part of that process: understanding the difference between decluttering and organizing.

This blog post contains the following topics:

• The Difference Between Decluttering and Organizing
• Why Decluttering Matters
• A Note on Valuables and Emotions
• You Deserve Support

Listen to the related podcast below:

The Difference Between Decluttering and Organizing

Think of decluttering as the first step in a wonderful journey. It’s about reducing the excess— the items that no longer serve you and that clutter up your space. Organizing, on the other hand, is the next step: arranging what remains in a way that’s accessible, functional, and reflects your needs.

Let me share a story about my own closet. I had a closet rack that could comfortably hold ten shirts, but I had thirty. I found some clever hangers on Amazon that held three shirts on each hanger. Sounds brilliant, right? Well, not quite.

In reality, those hangers wrinkled because they were crammed in, and I avoided wearing them. I also couldn’t see what I had, so I’d forget what I had and would buy new ones. If I did want to wear one of the shirts, I’d have to move others out of the way—and sometimes, shirts would fall onto the floor, only to stay there for days. Laundry day became a chore, and my closet felt overwhelming.

What I really needed wasn’t just organizing—I needed to declutter. The closet had become a jumble of clothes, and those extra shirts and the hangers were contributing to the chaos. The truth? I didn’t need thirty shirts—I wore less than half and held on to the rest “just in case.” That’s a common story for many of us.

Why Decluttering Matters

If you truly want to get organized, start with decluttering. This means honestly assessing what you have and choosing to keep only what fits comfortably in your space and genuinely brings you joy or serves a purpose. It’s about making space for the things that matter most.

Decluttering isn’t easy. It involves hard decisions because it often brings up feelings—guilt, nostalgia, or uncertainty. But I want you to remember: there is no shame in asking for help. Be gentle with yourself, and seek support from someone kind, patient, and non-judgmental. Having the right person by your side can make all the difference, cheering you on and empowering you through the process. 

A Note on Valuables and Emotions

Even valuable items—expensive clothes, heirlooms, or collectibles—can become clutter if they start to hinder your space’s function. Every item in your home has meaning, and it’s natural to feel attached. The key is to respect those feelings while also honoring your space and your well-being.

You Deserve Support

If you don’t have someone in your life who can help with this sensitive process, consider working with a professional organizer. The goal isn’t to criticize, rush, or judge but to support you with kindness and understanding. Remember, you’re worth that effort. 

In Closing

To sum it up, decluttering is the foundation of a well-organized home, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. Be patient with yourself—this process is about creating a space that nourishes your soul and meets your needs.

You deserve peace, order, and love in your home. Take it one step at a time, and always remember: you’re not alone in this journey.

Organize with Lorinda – Professional Organizer and ADHD Organizing Specialist based in Groton, MA that provides affordable online home organizing and decluttering services to MA, NH, and nationwide.