How Decluttering My Home Helped Declutter My Mental Health

There was a moment between working full-time, solo parenting two kids, and trying to carve out a sliver of time for myself when I realized I was spending too much of my energy just cleaning up. It felt like I was stuck in a cycle of mess, stress, and burnout. I wasn’t just picking up toys or wiping down countertops, I was mentally carrying the weight of it all and it was physically exhausting me.

That’s when I decided to declutter. Not for Pinterest-perfect aesthetics, but for survival. And it changed everything.

The Real Cost of Clutter as a Solo Parent

For solo moms, the emotional load is already sky-high. You’re managing schedules, meals, doctor’s appointments, work deadlines, bedtime routines, and often doing it all without consistent support. The last thing we need is a home that drains us instead of restoring us.

What I didn’t realize was how much the physical clutter around me was contributing to my mental clutter.

Each pile, each stack, each drawer overflowing with stuff was a silent to-do list. It whispered: “You’re behind.”

And I was tired of feeling behind.

My Breaking Point

The shift started the day I realized I was spending so much of my already-limited time cleaning. Picking up, organizing, tidying, repeating. The energy it stole from me was energy I could have spent with my kids or on myself.

So I started small. I gave myself permission to let go of what no longer served us.

Why I Always Start in the Kitchen

I began with the kitchen. It’s where we spend the most time. It’s where things tend to pile up and create visual noise. Cleaning out drawers, donating mismatched storage containers, clearing the counters, underneath the sink, etc. Suddenly, I could breathe again in the place where I used to feel most overwhelmed.

That one shift gave me more than a clean space. It gave me:

More calm: I no longer feel visually overstimulated the moment I walk in.

More energy: With less stuff, there’s less to maintain.

More time: I spend less time cleaning, and more time being present.

Decluttering as Self-Care

As solo moms, we don’t always get a break. But we can take control of the spaces around us. And when we do, we often notice a shift on the inside, too.

Decluttering isn’t about perfection. It’s about reclaiming our peace. It’s about creating a home that feels like a soft place to land—not another task to manage.

If you’re feeling buried right now, mentally or physically, start with one drawer. One cabinet. One countertop. You don’t need hours. You need intention. Start small. Slowly these small changes will have a big impact.

You’re Not Alone in This

To every solo mom reading this: I see you. I know how hard it is. I also know that tiny changes can lead to powerful emotional relief. Let this be your reminder that you’re allowed to choose peace and that starts at home.

Want to get started?

Download my free Self-Care for Solo Moms guide on WellWithSamantha.com. It’s packed with simple ways to protect your energy—even when life feels chaotic.