arwen-dropmann-professional-organiser-brisbane — “After eight years helping people clear their clutter and reclaim their spaces, I’ve learnt that decluttering isn’t just about stuff, it’s about mindset, habits, and self-compassion. I’ve worked in homes big and small, with clients facing all kinds of challenges, and along the way, a few key lessons have stood out.
*Here are the top eight insights I’ve gained from eight years in this work, lessons that I hope will ecourage you on your own journey.”*

**Arwen Dropmann, Professional Organiser & Declutter Coach**

Organising Alone Isn’t Enough, You’ll be Okay with a Bit Less Stuff

Letting go can feel overwhelming at first, but the truth is: most people don’t miss what they release. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients and seen tens of thousands of items leave their homes. In nearly every case, people feel relief, not regret. And in the rare moments of second thoughts, the mindset shifts, and self-compassion developed during the process helps them through it.

It’s also important to remember: no amount of clever organising will fix having too much stuff. Overfilled cupboards and bursting drawers only add stress and are difficult to maintain. You don’t have a “not-enough-storage” problem, you have a “too-much-stuff” problem.

Decluttering is always the first step. Once there’s space to breathe, organising becomes easier, more effective, and much more sustainable.

2. A Bigger Home Is Not the Answer

And in most cases, neither is an offsite storage unit.

I’ve worked with people in all types of homes, compact units, large houses, and each comes with its own challenges. What matters isn’t how much space you have, but how you manage the space you have.

In small homes, you need to be extra mindful of what comes in and commit to regular decluttering. Smart storage solutions can help but aren’t the whole story. Every organising product must earn its keep or it’s just taking up space or becoming clutter.
In larger homes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of filling the space just because it’s there. That can lead to decision paralysis, overaccumulation, and constant tidying.

More space doesn’t always mean less stress.

3. Stop Clutter at the Source

One of the first things I discuss with the people I work with is their shopping and acquiring habits.

You won’t see lasting progress if new items come in as quickly as the old ones go out. Yet many people haven’t connected their shopping behaviours with the clutter challenges they’re facing.

Mindful acquiring and intentional decluttering are two halves of the same whole. Reflecting on your habits compassionately can help you live more intentionally and align your actions with your values.

4. Feeling Overwhelmed? It May Not Be As Hard As You Think

“Overwhelmed” is the word I hear most from people about their clutter.

That sense of paralysis comes when we view a task as far bigger than our ability to manage it. We feel stuck, stressed and unable to move forward.

Here’s what I’ve noticed: people often overestimate how hard it will be, and underestimate their ability to handle it.

With guidance, encouragement, and consistent effort, you can make progress. In fact, many people say, “It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.”

5. It’s Not About the Stuff, It’s About Your Beliefs About the Stuff

Decluttering often means going deeper than surface-level items. You might need to explore:

Those “Just in case” items
How many belongings are “Sentimental”
Things tied to your identity, style, or status
Aspirational purchases
Gifts from others
Fears about waste or guilt

You may also need to challenge common myths about what we “should” keep. Letting go is as much about mindset as it is about the physical stuff.

Want to explore these more? I dive deeper in on the blog.

quote- if you change the way you look at things the things you look at change

6. Professional Organisers Don’t Have Perfect Homes

We’re human too. We deal with the same competing demands on our time and energy.

The difference? We’ve done the deep work of examining the role our possessions play in our lives, and we bring those insights and practical strategies to our work with you.

7. Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Right Help

Maybe you’ve tried on your own and felt stuck. Or you brought in a friend or family member, but they became impatient, distracted you, or left you feeling worse.

Having the right kind of help is often the key to making progress that you feel good about. Look for someone who is:

Kind, patient, and non-judgemental
Able to keep you on task
Supportive during emotional moments
Provides accountability and encouragment

It doesn’t have to be a professional organiser, but it can be helpful, especially if you're facing mental or emotional hurdles, or don’t have the right support network.

Even just one or two sessions can make a huge difference, helping you gain skills, confidence, and momentum.

8. You’re Not Alone, Even If It Feels Like It

Many people struggle with clutter, but these challenges are often hidden. There’s a lot of shame around mess, especially when people compare themselves to what they see online or feel judged by those around them.

But you’re far from alone. If people didn’t struggle with clutter, there wouldn’t be a growing community of organising professionals serving an increasing number of people seeking assistance.

So be kind and compassionate with yourself. You’re not broken or failing. You just need a little help and a fresh approach.

Ready to make some changes? Whether you’re decluttering for the first time or coming back after a break, you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support and a bit of momentum, you can reclaim a sense of calm in your space.