I Just Want to Throw Everything Out and Start Over
I legit woke up with the idea today of… I want to throw everything in my house out and start over because it’s easier than dealing with all the sh*t. Or maybe, I’ll just sell everything. Is it only me?
I had to take a beat and journal for a few minutes to figure out what was really going on. I’m tired, I probably need more water…
Leading to… a nervous system on overload and an executive function system waving a white flag.
It’s that very specific brand of ADHD or stress-induced mental clutter where:
Every object feels like a decision
Every pile feels like a failure
Every drawer you open starts a spiral
So you fantasize about the impossible: Starting fresh. Clean slate. Monastic simplicity. Because dealing with it feels harder than replacing it all.
Let’s unpack what that feeling really means—and what you can do instead of hauling everything to the curb.
🧠 First: Why This Urge Hits So Hard
When your brain is:
Tired
Hormone-rattled
Overstimulated
Under-supported
...then every bit of clutter turns into friction.
The pile of papers isn't just a mess.
It’s a decision loop.
A shame trigger.
A symbol of everything you meant to do but didn’t.
And that’s when the urge kicks in: “If I just got rid of everything, I wouldn’t have to deal with this.”
Spoiler: That urge isn’t about stuff. It’s about needing relief.
🔥 Before You Go Full Matchstick Mode...
Here’s what to do when you’re ready to throw everything out:
1. Name What’s Actually Overwhelming You
Hint: It’s rarely the whole house. It’s usually:
Paper piles
Clothing chaos
The junk drawer that bites back every time you open it
The “I don’t know where this goes” pile
👉 Ask: What zone or category is screaming the loudest right now?
2. Pause the Guilt Spiral
This one’s important: You are not bad at life.
You are managing more than your brain can currently hold.
Feeling the urge to get rid of everything is your brain asking for LESS.
Less pressure. Less decision-making. Less friction.
Give yourself permission to stop blaming yourself.
3. Pick ONE Micro-Zone
Not the whole kitchen. Not the closet.
Try:
One drawer
One shelf
One bin
The floor of the closet—not the whole thing
Set a timer for 10–20 minutes. Nothing more. This contains the task, and calms the “I have to do everything” panic.
4. Make It Easy to Let Go
Give yourself permission to let things go without needing a perfect plan.
Not sure where to donate it?
Label a bag “Deal With Later.” The win is getting it out of your main space.
Not sure if you’ll regret tossing it?
Use a “Maybe” box and revisit in 30 days. (Spoiler: You usually won’t miss it.)
5. Add in a Brain Reboot Ritual
After you finish? Don’t just move on to the next task.
Do something that feels like closure and reward:
Light a candle
Wash your hands and drink some water
Sit for 5 minutes and notice what feels different
Small win. Nervous system reset. Mental declutter.
🧠 TL;DR
If you want to throw everything out and start over, it’s not about the stuff.
It’s about your brain begging for relief, clarity, and less.
Start small.
Shrink the task.
Support your brain, not just your space.
What I Actually Did
I spend ALOT of time in my office so I decided to do ONE thing. Move the big dog bed and slide the vanity over. That’s it. Once I did that, I actually felt a lot better. It inspired me to do some filing (just one pile at a time) and I actually made progress. (Oh and I drank some water)
💛 Ready for a Reset That Actually Works With Your Brain?
Join me in The Balanced Life Lab—a cozy ADHD & hormone-friendly membership for people who are tired of living in chaos, but even more tired of trying to fix it alone.
Inside, you’ll get:
Weekly gentle structure (built for real-life brains, not Pinterest boards)
Support for energy, clutter, systems, and mindset
A community that doesn’t expect you to show up “fixed”—just to show up
🎯 Because you don’t need to burn it all down. You just need a better way forward.
