Embracing the art of decluttering

Embracing the art of decluttering

 

                                                                                      By Lee Hyon-soo

 

“Decluttering is not about losing things – it’s about gaining space for what matters.” - Anonymous

 

In today’s consumption-driven society, it is all too easy to accumulate belongings. When we are surrounded by excessive possessions, finding what we need becomes a time-consuming task. Conversely, a clutter-free space allows us to locate items easily, saving precious time and enabling us to focus on the tasks at hand. By eliminating physical distractions, decluttering creates an organized and tidy environment conducive to efficiency.

 

Possessions can hold sentimental value. Nevertheless, decluttering encourages us to confront our emotional attachments and evaluate whether they align with our current lives. Disposal of excess belongings not only frees up physical space but also liberates us emotionally, allowing us to move forward and make room for new experiences.

 

Decluttering promotes sustainable practices by encouraging responsible consumption. When we become aware of the excess we accumulate, we are more likely to reconsider our buying habits. By decluttering, we reduce waste, minimize our carbon footprint, and contribute to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Decluttering encourages us to adopt a mindset of sensible consumption, focusing on quality over quantity and valuing experiences over material possessions.

 

In a nutshell, not only does the act of decluttering tidy up physical space, but it also liberates us from the burden of excess possessions and fosters a sense of clarity and well-being. By embracing the art of decluttering, we can create a harmonious environment that cultivates a mindful approach to consumption. Ultimately, decluttering empowers us to live more balanced lives, where our surroundings reflect our values and aspirations.

 

On a personal note, my working life spanning 30-odd years as an international banker was a succession of transfers. To work in six cities located in four different countries – more than once in some cities - I relocated 11 times, mostly crossing international borders. Each time I moved, I seized the opportunity to throw away furniture, clothes and other items that had outlived their usefulness or had gone out of fashion.

 

As I retired a long time ago, there is no need for me to move from place to place anymore. Nevertheless, in the belief that decluttering is an ongoing process, I regularly review my possessions and give away items that I no longer use. But I still find myself with more than I need.

 

What’s more, being in my twilight years, I have to prepare myself for my inevitable demise. When I go, I don’t want to leave a cluttered home behind. So I am in the final phase of decluttering my home. The last batch of things to deal with are my cherished books, which I have collected over a long period of time. As I can no longer keep all of them, I am in the process of sorting them out to decide which books to throw away, which to donate to those who need them and which to keep for the sake of my offspring. When this has been done, my children will inherit a clutter-free home.

 

Lee Hyon-soo (tomhslee43@gmail.com) is a retired international banker and the author of “Tales of A Modern-day Nomad” published in the United States, among other books.

 

NOTE: The above essay appeared in the January 27, 2026 issue of The Korea Times.