Is clutter really just about stuff?

In this episode of Beyond the Checklist, we’re unpacking the deeper story behind clutter—especially for neurodivergent folks. If you’ve ever felt ashamed for not being able to “just throw things out,” or wondered why common decluttering advice doesn’t seem to work for your brain, this one’s for you.

We’ll explore:

• Why clutter is not a moral failing—or a sign of laziness
• How decision fatigue, emotional processing, and nervous system overload contribute to disorganization
• The pressure to conform to minimalist or maximalist trends (and why neither works for everyone)
• What I’ve seen firsthand with clients who feel buried by their belongings
• Practical, body-first tools to approach your space with more compassion and clarity

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Clutter is often a symptom of overwhelm, not a lack of willpower
• Your stuff might carry emotional weight, identity, or history—and that matters
• You don’t need to organize for aesthetic perfection; you need systems that actually work for you
• There are gentle, supportive ways to get started—without the shame spiral

📌 Whether you’re dealing with a cluttered room, a messy desk, or the internal pressure to “get it together,” this episode offers a new lens: one rooted in nervous system awareness, lived experience, and practical compassion.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about 1:1 support, workshops, and free tools at simplifyspaceandsoul.com
• Subscribe to the Space & Soul Digest for monthly organizing tips and ND-friendly resources
• Read: Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Randy Frost & Gail Steketee
• Related Episode: Ep 3 – What Clutter, Burnout, and Executive Dysfunction Have in Common

💬 Loved this episode?

Share it with a friend, tag @beyondthechecklist.pod, or leave a quick review to help more folks find support that meets them where they are.

Next up: we’re talking about time—and why it’s rarely the real problem.