When it comes to decluttering, the question we often hear is, “Does it spark joy?” But somewhere along the way, many people interpreted that to mean their homes should only contain beige, minimalist, aesthetically pleasing items approved by internet strangers.
Let’s be clear: joy isn’t always pretty…and it definitely isn’t always logical.
The key to a truly personalized space isn’t about getting rid of everything weird…it’s about keeping the weird stuff that makes you smile.
That ceramic frog your college roommate gave you?
The troll doll with neon hair that lives in your junk drawer? (Sorry, Tory. Long story; but I am not sure my niece will ever forgive me for convincing her she didn’t need the blue haired doll she had just earned.)
The chipped mug from your hometown diner?
If it brings you joy…or even a smirk…it belongs in your home.
What Is a Joy Audit?
A “Joy Audit” is like spring cleaning, but for your soul. Instead of focusing on what to throw away, you focus on what to keep. The goal is to reconnect with items that genuinely light you up…even if they don’t make sense to anyone else.
When we allow space for delight and sentiment, our homes become more than organized…they become alive.
The Difference Between Clutter and Character
Clutter weighs us down. But character? Character lifts us up.
Character is what makes your space feel like yours. It’s the stuff that doesn’t match but makes you laugh. It’s the inside jokes in object form. It’s the stories you tell when someone asks, “What’s with the bobblehead collection?”
You don’t have to Marie Kondo your personality out of your home. You can be tidy and still have a touch of eccentricity.
How to Do a Joy Audit
- Pause the Pressure to Be “Perfect.”
You’re not curating a Pinterest board. You’re curating your life. - Notice What Makes You Smile.
If you find yourself chuckling at a dusty photo or odd trinket, that’s your sign. Joy doesn’t always roar…it often grins quietly. - Give It a Place of Honor.
Put your “weird joy” somewhere you’ll see it. A display shelf. A drawer labeled “Just Because.” A corner that’s unapologetically you. - Ditch the Guilt.
You don’t need to justify what you love. You just need to love it.
Final Thought: Let Joy Be the Filter, Not the Rulebook
Decluttering isn’t about becoming someone else…it’s about uncovering the you that’s been buried under all the “shoulds.”
So the next time you’re tempted to toss something just because it’s not beautiful or useful, ask yourself:
Does it make me smile in a ridiculous, inexplicable way?
If the answer is yes, friend…keep the weird thing.