Summer isn’t just for vacations and iced coffees.
It’s also a great time to pause, take a deep breath, and hit reset. Both physically and mentally. July marks the halfway point of the year, which makes it the perfect moment to reflect, refresh, and refocus.
If your space — or your mind — has started feeling a little cluttered, you’re not alone. Life gets busy. Things pile up. And before you know it, the calm you had in January has been replaced by chaos.
That’s why a mid-year reset can be so powerful.
Not the kind that requires a weekend-long deep clean or a trip to The Container Store. We’re talking simple, doable shifts. Tiny edits to your physical and mental space that can clear your mind, lighten your mood, and even boost your energy.
Because clutter doesn’t just live in overstuffed closets or junk drawers. It sneaks into your inbox, your desktop, your calendar, your thoughts. And when everything feels full, it’s hard to feel calm, focused, or creative.
So if you’ve been craving a fresh start but didn’t know where to begin, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into the mid-year declutter you didn’t know you needed — until now.
Why Decluttering Helps Your Mind
Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why this matters.
Research shows that clutter isn’t just a mess on your desk or in your closet. It’s also a mess in your mind. A study from The Journal of Neuroscience found that visual clutter competes for your attention, making it harder to focus and process information. That “always behind” feeling? Clutter could be a hidden culprit.
On top of that, researchers at UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families discovered that women who described their homes as cluttered or full of “unfinished projects” had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In short, more mess means more stress.
But decluttering, even in small doses, has the opposite effect.
Clearing off a kitchen counter, donating a bag of clothes, or organizing your desktop can give your brain a refreshing sense of clarity and control. It creates mental breathing room, which can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and even boost your mood. There’s something powerful about looking at a clean space and feeling, I did that.
A tidy space sends a subtle but strong signal to your brain that things are manageable. You’re not stuck. You’re taking care of your environment and yourself.
So whether it’s one junk drawer or an entire garage, making space in your surroundings can help you make space in your mind.
7 Easy Declutters to Try
These simple declutters are small but mighty. Think 5–30 minute wins that can make a big difference in how your space feels (and how you feel in it). Just doable tasks that help clear the chaos, lift your mood, and give you a little boost of accomplishment.
And who knows — you might even have fun doing them. Let’s get started!
1. The Junk Drawer Joyride
You know the one. Batteries, receipts, pens that haven’t worked since 2020. Set a timer for 10 minutes and sort what stays, toss what goes, and maybe even add a little drawer organizer.
Bonus Challenge: Snap a “before and after” photo and share it with a friend or coworker to inspire them. Or keep it for yourself as a little high-five moment.
2. Your Digital Desktop Detox
Clutter isn’t just physical. It’s digital, too. A messy desktop can make you feel scattered before your day even starts. Think of it as feng shui for your laptop.
- Delete files you no longer need
- Organize folders by project or theme
- Change your wallpaper to something calming
Bonus Challenge: Create a new folder called “Start Fresh” and drag anything you don’t want to deal with right now into it. Give yourself a clean slate and a date on the calendar to revisit that folder.
3. Clear Out Your Closet (Just One Section)
You don’t have to do a full closet purge. Just choose one category: T-shirts, shoes, or maybe workout gear. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, ask yourself why. Then decide if it gets to stay.
Pro tip: Have a donation bag ready before you start. It makes letting go easier.
Bonus Challenge: Choose one item you’ve been unsure about and wear it this week. If you don’t feel great in it, it’s time to part ways.
4. Say Goodbye to Guilt Piles
We all have them: unread magazines, unopened mail, or that stack of “someday I’ll get to it” items. This month, tackle one pile. Recycle, file, or finally read that newsletter from March. Freedom never looked so tidy.
Bonus Challenge: Turn it into a game. Set a 15-minute playlist and see how much you can get through before the music stops.
5. Mental To-Do List Sweep
Take five minutes to do a brain dump. Write down everything rattling around in your head — errands, goals, reminders, that random idea you had in the shower. Then organize it into:
- Do now
- Do later
- Does this even need to get done?
This simple act can bring instant calm and clarity.
Bonus Challenge: Pick one “Do Now” task and knock it out today. Then cross it off and give yourself a little celebration — dance break, dark chocolate, gold star, you name it.
6. Tidy Your Nightstand
Your nightstand sets the tone for sleep and mornings. Remove anything that doesn’t soothe or serve you (half-drunk water bottles and random receipts, we’re looking at you). Keep only what supports rest: a book, a journal, or a calming essential oil.
Bonus Challenge: Add one thing that brings you joy — like a small photo, a cozy lamp, or a lavender lotion. Make your nightstand a little sanctuary.
7. Unsubscribe + Unplug
Too many email lists? Apps with endless notifications? Give your brain a break. Digital clutter counts, too, and clearing it can feel like a deep breath.- Unsubscribe from five emails that no longer serve you
- Delete three apps you haven’t opened in months
- Try a phone-free hour a day and see how it feels
Bonus Challenge: Turn off all non-essential notifications for one full day. Notice how it feels to be less buzzed and more present.
Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about making space for what matters — your peace, your clarity, your focus. July is your halfway-point check-in. It’s a chance to shift from “just getting through” to feeling more grounded and in control.
So whether you tackle one junk drawer or clear your mental to-do list, every step counts. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to start.
Ready to feel lighter this month? Pick one area to declutter this week and notice how your brain thanks you for it.
We’d love to hear from you!
What’s one small decluttering tip that’s made a big difference for you. Share it in the comments to inspire someone else who’s ready for a fresh start.
