Remember when I said I was building an AI tool that will change the way you plan your room makeovers? Well, it’s happening. I’ve been testing and refining Room Visualizer™ AI, and the results are honestly wild. You upload a photo of your actual room along with some furniture and/or inspiration, describe the vibe you want, and in under a minute, boom. The tool utilizes our method to ask the right questions, ensuring the results aren’t random AI-generated nonsense—they’re tailored to your actual space. I’m opening early access soon, and if you want first dibs, sign up for the waitlist here. I’ll be sending invites to the first group once the tool is live. Alright, onto today’s email about why decluttering turns into an emotional battle (and the method that actually works) Ever start decluttering and end up in a weird emotional standoff with a broken lamp you haven’t used in 7 years? You might tell yourself:
Suddenly, your “quick tidy-up” turns into a soul-crushing guilt spiral. Sound familiar? I used to think decluttering was about being ruthless. Just chuck everything and move on. But that approach left me paralyzed every time I opened a cupboard. Then I discovered something called the Dissolving Caterpillar Method. (Yes, weird name. But stick with me.) What Is The Dissolving Caterpillar Method?Interior designer Olga Naiman coined this term, and it changed how I think about clutter entirely. Here’s how she puts it: “Dissolving is how we let go of outdated identities, unwanted patterns, and low self-worth, in order to step into a more expanded version of ourselves.” Like a caterpillar liquefying before it becomes a butterfly 🦋 How It Actually WorksHere’s Olga’s approach (and why it’s brilliant): 1. Start With The ObviousIf your space is drowning in random papers, wires, broken gadgets, and clothes you know don’t fit, start there. Removing surface-level clutter calms your nervous system and creates enough breathing room to go deeper. 2. Spot the “Old You” ItemsThese are the emotional landmines. Clothes from another life. Decor from a past relationship. Things you’re scared to let go of because they tie you to who you used to be. Ask yourself:
3. Handle the Sentimental StuffThis one’s tough. Gifts you didn’t like but kept. Objects you feel guilty about discarding. But here’s the truth: “Love exists outside of those objects, not within them.” – Olga Naiman Ask:
4. Confront Your Beliefs Around WastefulnessAnother reason why we hold onto things is that we don’t want to be wasteful. But if something is making you feel meh, it might not be worth holding onto it. Naiman suggests making a list of items you love. How many of your things actually make that list? Start donating the rest. Why This Works So WellDecluttering is rarely about the stuff. It’s about the emotional friction tied to it. This method removes the pressure to decide on the spot, breaks the guilt cycle, and creates space before committing. It’s paced, and that’s what actually works. 👇 Want to learn more? Watch this video on decluttering.
Cheers,
|
5 minutes every fortnight to take your home from boring to beautiful.