Episode 605: Why Your Perfectionism is Keeping You Stuck in Clutter (and What You Can Do About it) Part 2

When you bring a new item into your space, do you struggle with where to put it? Have you ever uttered a sentence like this to yourself: “Why don’t I know where this goes?”

Kathi Lipp and co-author, friend, and frequent co-host Cheri Gregory are here to help with the straight line between perfectionism and clutter. Cheri shares her experience as a highly sensitive person (HSP) and someone who struggles with perfectionism, offering practical advice pulled from her recent kitchen and office remodel. In this episode, Kathi and Cheri discuss:

• When is it time to let things go?
• What is valuable enough for you to store?
• What is anti-perfectionism and how to use it to make decisions

They discuss how anti-perfectionism influenced Cheri's decision before purchasing a new office chair, the benefits of function over form, and how changing her mindset on organizing her office and kitchen allowed for more workable, joyful spaces. The conversation delves into practical steps, such as asking, "Why don’t I know where to put this?" and making decisions about what truly deserves to stay in your home.

Later, the discussion expands to releasing objects that belonged to others, embracing imperfection, iteration, and the importance of not being the keeper of other people’s memories. You’ll get actionable guidance on creating a space for the future you, not clinging to the past, and how curiosity and kindness to yourself and your environment can transform your relationship with clutter.

Listen in for actionable advice on decluttering with purpose, embracing experimentation in your organizing, and making peace with letting go of both items and expectations.