What should I do when I don’t have the spoons to declutter my home?

Wendy’s Answer:

When you don’t have the spoons, the issue usually isn’t motivation — it’s limited energy.

Spoon Theory is a commonly used way to describe physical, mental, or emotional energy. Each task costs a certain number of spoons, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

One of the biggest challenges I see is trying to declutter everything at once. That’s overwhelming — especially when energy is already limited.

During consultations, I ask clients a simple question that shifts everything:

“If you could snap your fingers and have one space in your home decluttered, which space would that be?”

This question stops the spiral of:

• “My whole house is a mess”

• “I don’t know where to start”

• “I don’t have the energy for all of this”

Instead, it helps the brain simplify.

By choosing one space, you’re intentionally deciding where your spoons go.

That one space may take all your spoons — and that’s okay.

Focusing your energy on a single, meaningful space creates:

• Visible progress

• Relief instead of guilt

• A sense of control

• Momentum instead of shutdown

Massive progress doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from doing one thing that matters.

When we stop spreading spoons across dozens of unfinished tasks and instead pour them into one space, the brain experiences success — and success creates energy.

Decluttering with limited spoons isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about choosing wisely and honoring the energy you have.

If today you only have enough spoons for one space, that space is enough.

💙 Feeling overwhelmed and low on spoons?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re a neurodivergent woman who needs gentle, judgment-free support to declutter your home and build systems that work with your energy, you can explore how we work together on my Neurodivergent Women Decluttering Support page.

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