How To Declutter When You're Away

There’s something about going on holiday that instantly makes us feel better. We unwind, breathe deeper, and suddenly the weight we didn’t even realise we were carrying starts to lift. And while yes, the sea views, fresh air, and slower pace all play a part, there’s something else at work:

We’re away from our stuff.

We’re away from the piles, the mess, the clutter that constantly whispers for our attention.

Many of us crave holidays not just for rest, but for relief — relief from the overwhelm of our homes. It’s as if our physical environment has become another source of mental noise, and when we step away, we can finally breathe again.

But what if we could use this time away for more than just escape?

What if a holiday became a powerful tool in our decluttering journey?

The Gift of Perspective

Distance brings clarity. When we’re immersed in our daily routines, it’s easy to become desensitised to the clutter around us. We stop seeing it. But take a week away, and suddenly we notice everything when we return: the overstuffed drawers, the surfaces covered in things we don’t really use, the wardrobe that’s full but uninspiring.

This is where the magic happens.

A break from your home isn’t just about rest — it’s about resetting your perspective.

When we return, we have a short window of insight where we can see our space with fresh eyes. We can use this moment to ask: What kind of home do I want to return to? Not just to live in — but to thrive in?

Turning Time Away Into Something Powerful

If you're heading off for a holiday this week — whether it’s a proper trip or even just a staycation where you intentionally step back from your normal routines — try this:

Use your time away to reflect on your home from a distance. Let it be a sacred pause, not just from work or routines, but from clutter. Let yourself feel what it’s like to live with less for a little while — fewer objects, less noise, fewer visual demands.

Journaling Prompts for Your Holiday

Take a notebook or your notes app and explore a few of these:

• How do I feel in this uncluttered, simplified space?

• What do I not miss from home right now?

• What parts of home life do I want to change when I return?

• What do I imagine when I picture a calm, spacious, supportive home?

• If my home reflected my current values, how would it feel?

• What is one small shift I want to make when I get back?

Journaling while away gives your mind a chance to gently process, dream, and design — without pressure.

Use Pinterest With Purpose

If you find yourself scrolling during downtime, turn that time into something intentional. Use Pinterest (or even Instagram Saves) to gather ideas not for the perfect aesthetic, but for a life that feels like yours — calm, aligned, and free from excess.

Search terms that might help:

• “Minimalist cozy living room”

• “Calm decluttered bedroom”

• “Organised art studio” (if you're creative)

• “Clutter-free home inspiration”

• “Simplified lifestyle”

Create a board titled The Home I’m Creating and only save images that feel soothing, not overwhelming or aspirational. This is your vision — not someone else’s idea of perfection.

A Week Away Isn’t Just a Break — It’s a Portal

You don’t have to declutter during your holiday. But you can use this time to plant seeds. To tune into the kind of home and life you want to create. To feel how good it feels when you're not weighed down by things. And to return with fresh eyes, ready to take aligned action, one small step at a time.

Welcome the space.
Welcome the insight.
And most of all, welcome yourself back, changed.