Aspirational Clutter: The Dreams Taking Up Space

We all have hopes and dreams for the future—whether it’s learning a new skill, living a healthier lifestyle, or exploring a creative hobby. But sometimes, those dreams quietly turn into clutter. This type of clutter even has a name: aspirational clutter.

What Is Aspirational Clutter?

Aspirational clutter consists of the things we buy or hold onto in hopes of becoming the person we want to be someday.

Maybe you’ve saved your smaller-sized jeans, hoping to fit into them again. Or perhaps you’ve stocked up on art supplies because you planned to start painting—but never found the time. You might even have a drawer full of fancy kitchen gadgets inspired by your favorite cooking shows.

Each item represents an aspiration—a version of ourselves we want to achieve.

Why We Hold On to It

We keep aspirational clutter because it’s tied to our identity and our dreams. Letting go can feel like giving up on those goals—or admitting we’ve failed to reach them.

But holding onto these items can have the opposite effect of what we intend. Instead of inspiring us, they often create guilt, shame, or disappointment. They become constant reminders of what we haven’t done, rather than what we’ve accomplished. Over time, this can weigh us down emotionally and make it harder to move forward.

How to Let Go (Without Losing Your Dreams)

Decluttering aspirational items doesn’t mean abandoning your goals—it means redefining them to fit the life you’re living now.

Start by taking a clear look at who you are today and what truly matters to you. Life changes, and so do your priorities—and that’s perfectly okay.

For example, maybe you once planned to learn crocheting and bought every color of yarn imaginable. But now, you’re a new parent, and your time and focus have shifted. Letting go of those supplies isn’t failure—it’s recognizing that your life has evolved.

When it’s hard to part with aspirational clutter, try this approach:

  • Designate a small space for your aspirational items.

  • Prioritize what’s most important. Keep only the things that still align with who you are and what’s realistic.

  • Scale it down. Instead of keeping bins of unused supplies, hold onto a small crochet kit. This way, your dream stays alive without overwhelming your space.

The Takeaway

Clearing out aspirational clutter makes room—both physically and mentally—for the life you’re living now. By letting go of what no longer fits your goals, you create space for new opportunities and realistic aspirations that truly reflect you.

Back-to-School Prep: An Organizer’s Guide to a Routine Even Your Child Can Do!

1. Create a Drop Zone 

After a long day at school, kids want to come home and relax, grab a snack, go play a game outside, or sit in front of the TV.  The last thing they want to do is unpack their bag and put it up.  So help the little ones out.  It doesn’t take much, just creating a drop zone.  Think of where the kids enter and leave the home.  That is where the drop zone should be located.  If you don’t have a place for hooks, get an oversized basket.  It looks nice, yet you will know exactly where to find their bag, lunch box, and any papers you may need to view before the next morning.  

2. Meal-Prep Those Lunches & Snacks 

Meal prep is not just for adults.  In your cabinet, pantry, or fridge, designate an area for the kids' snacks and lunches.  Label the bins, allowing your child the ability to pack their own lunch.  If they are too young, streamline it so that you can pack a lunch like an assembly line.  Think of it as your own little “lunch-making station.”

3. Set Up Clothing Stations 

All too often, we wake up and think, “What should I wear today?”  Try planning outfits on Sunday for the week.  Think about events that you will be dressing for, whether it's a school concert or a sporting activity.  Lay out the clothes, and for younger children, get a hanging organizer.  Label the slots for each day of the week.  This will allow you to find their clothes quickly, but as the child gets older, they can read the days of the week and begin getting ready on their own.  

4. Create a Work Station 

Every morning, parents head off to their jobs, just like kids head off to their own important job: school! Just as parents need their office supplies, children need their own tools to tackle their schoolwork. It’s super important for them to have a cozy, quiet space where they can really concentrate on their homework. To make sure they don’t spend the first ten minutes searching for pencils, paper, crayons, scissors, or calculators, why not set up a friendly and organized area just for them? Let your child help choose the bins and accessories they like best; this will make them feel proud and excited to use their new supplies!

5. Family Calendar 

School events, practices, projects, playdates—it’s a lot to keep up with. There are many options when it comes to family calendars.  Are your children reading the calendar?  Or is it primarily for parents?  Color-coding each child, along with their events and parents, will help keep daily activities running smoothly. This can be done either on a large wall calendar for the entire family to see, or a digital calendar shared between parents or those responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs.  

6. Don’t Forget the Evening Reset 

Remember that Drop Zone from #1, now it is time to tackle it.  Set a timer and spend 10 minutes to:

  • Empty and repack backpacks

  • Restock lunch supplies/and or pack up non-perishables

  • Tidy up the kitchen

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season can be exciting, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! A little organization now can help your family enjoy smoother days and more relaxed mornings. Remember, kids might need some practice to get into their routines, but with a bit of consistency, you’ll be on your way to a fantastic school year!