This article is a summary of the podcast conversation “26. Decluttering to Make Space for Simpler Living – with Rachel Louise from Raid my Wardrobe”. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

Decluttering to Make Space for Simpler Living

When you hear the word “decluttering”, what comes to mind? For me, my brain jumps straight to the opposite – minimalism. With clean lines, empty shelves and limited colour & texture.

But actually, decluttering isn’t really about that. It’s not about having that perfect look. It’s about letting go of what you don’t need and making space for what truly matters.

And something kind of magical happens when you do that. Decluttering is about feeling lighter, thinking clearer and living easier.

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Rachel Louise of Raid my Wardrobe. Rachel brings a wealth of life experience in the art of intentional simplifying — where it’s not about having less for the sake of it, but about shifting the focus from quantity to quality and building a healthier, more mindful relationship with the stuff in our lives.

Overview of the Conversation

Rachel got into decluttering when disorganisation started creeping into her own life.

She began with her wardrobe, which led to hosting Raid My Wardrobe events. She realised decluttering was a way to clear space and energy, not just in a wardrobe but in life. This inspired her to help other women declutter their wardrobe and eventually other areas of their homes.

Where to start decluttering.

Begin with a space that’s causing stress or frustration. A place that’s giving you a “headache.” Set aside dedicated time for it by booking it into your schedule. Start small by picking one smaller area within a larger space to make the process manageable and satisfying.

How to Start Decluttering

- Create three piles: Rubbish, Donate, Keep
- Handle the “I don’t know” pile by revisiting them after you’ve worked through the other piles
- Work through emotional attachment by reminding yourself that letting go creates space for what truly matters

Differences between the perceived, emotional, and financial value of items—and how each can be released or embraced

“…with decluttering, magic does come into your life”

Challenges of decluttering, donating, and gifting – especially with family heirlooms

“we need to honour them by either reselling them…where someone is gonna buy them, treasure them and love them as they are, or put them into our own daily use rather than being all packed up in the shed”

Challenges of receiving unwanted gifts
Decluttering can bring overwhelming decisions and ethically-minded regifting

“I had to actually let go of the guilt of knowing that some of my things would actually end up in landfill and that was out of my control. There was nothing I could do”.

Using decluttering as a moment to share family stories and memories, and to practice gratitude and intentional letting go

“there is this huge feeling of a weight being lifted, of this relief, of having permission to let go”

“We cannot have new opportunities, friendships, careers, things, adventures come into our life without letting go and moving on”

Rachel’s one simple tip for decluttering to make space for simpler living:-

✓ Incorporate decluttering in your daily life by decluttering on a regular basis to make it a part of your daily or weekly habit

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Awabakal country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story here at Spotify podcasts and here at Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

Decluttering to Make Space for Simpler Living (S4 Ep26)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S4 Ep26)

Raid my Wardrobe: market style event with hundreds of unique, preloved items waiting to be rediscovered
rachellouise.com.au: working with soul-aligned women (and some men) who are ready to live with greater intention—through their home, personal style, or inner world.
Upcycle Newcastle: saving textile waste from landfill through creative re-use and repair
Australian Mens Shed Association: a place for men with time on their hands and would like something meaningful to do with their time.