How Decluttering Looks Different in Midlife with Carrie Powell

In today’s podcast, Tasha talks with Carrie Powell from Method Seattle about how she got started as a professional organizer, where we should start when beginning to declutter, and how decluttering in midlife might look a little different.

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Episode Transcript  

MEET CARRIE

Carrie shares that she transitioned into professional organizing about four years ago after spending thirty years with Nordstrom as an executive in merchandising. Her career focused heavily on the concept of editing—starting with many options and narrowing down to what truly matters for the customer.

TRANSLATING WORK TO HOME LIFE

When the pandemic began and she stopped working, Carrie realized how much she had accumulated after ten years in her home and raising three kids. She noticed the similarities  between editing merchandise at work and editing possessions at home.

STARTING HER ORGANIZING BUSINESS

Carrie has always been naturally organized, even since childhood. But once she began working with clients, she discovered that decluttering was the most challenging part for them and also the most impactful.

FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

She realized that transformation happens in the decluttering process, not just in organizing. This became the foundation of her message and what she began sharing on social media.

When asked how her relationship with her home changed after her children moved out, Carrie explains that she took certain items for granted, assuming they still belonged—like the sports gear that filled the mudroom when her kids were younger.

NOTICING WHAT NO LONGER BELONGS

Carrie describes how she began noticing what no longer made sense to keep. She realized some things had simply outlived their purpose. This awareness led her deeper into decluttering her own home.

BUILDING MOMENTUM

Decluttering in midlife is a gradual process, not a weekend project. The key is small successes, such as clearing one drawer or removing unused items.

Carrie finds satisfaction in seeing a decluttered space and sharing her progress with family, even if they don’t fully share her enthusiasm. She also shares the joy of donating items, and the relief that comes from letting go. By working in small bits, decluttering becomes manageable and easy to integrate into daily routines.

KEEPING IT PRACTICAL

Carrie warns against tackling large, overwhelming projects like garages all at once. Instead, she encourages keeping projects small and realistic, integrating decluttering into everyday life.

WHERE TO START

When asked where to begin, Carrie suggests starting small and focusing on items that aren’t emotionally charged. Working on simple, low-stakes areas helps you gain confidence and prepare for more sentimental decisions later.

PREPARING MENTALLY

Carrie encourages mental preparation before tackling emotionally loaded items. Recognizing that feelings won’t overwhelm you, and even saying affirmations out loud, can help. Letting go of something doesn’t mean letting go of the love or memories attached to it.

SHIFTING YOUR MINDSET

She shares that it is a mindset shift – realizing that keeping something forever isn’t necessary. Some items serve a purpose for a season, and when that time passes, it’s okay to let them go. Attachment can change over time, and what once felt important to keep may later feel easy to release.

STORYTELLING HELPS RELEASE ITEMS

Talking about an item’s story can help people let it go. She shares how her father, while downsizing, found it easier to release items after explaining their history. The act of storytelling becomes a kind of emotional release that frees people to move on.

WHERE PEOPLE FIND SUCCESS

Carrie recommends starting with small, self-contained spaces such as a handbag, nightstand, car, or medicine cabinet. These small victories build momentum and confidence.

She also shares a technique called time boxing—setting a timer for 20 minutes and decluttering within that window. Stopping after the timer helps prevent burnout while still making steady progress.

AVOIDING BURNOUT

Carrie states that it is important to pace yourself to avoid decluttering burnout. Tackling too much too fast can lead to frustration and unfinished projects. Instead, having frequent, smaller wins will create lasting motivation and positive associations with decluttering.

PROTECTING DECLUTTERED SPACES

When asked how to keep a space decluttered once it’s been cleared, especially when other parts of the home still hold clutter. Carrie explains that this comes down to a mindset shift—valuing open space as something important, not as something to fill.

CREATING AN OASIS

We should feel protective of the small spaces we’ve decluttered, even if it’s just a nightstand. That area can serve as a tiny oasis and motivation to move on to other spaces like the dresser. Once surface areas are clear, it’s easier to tackle deeper clutter, like drawers and closets.

In midlife especially, people tend to accumulate years of stored items. She emphasizes that decluttering hidden areas is key to creating true calm and organization throughout the home.

DEALING WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S STUFF

When faced with items that belong to family members, Carrie shares that communication is essential—she lets her family know her plans before decluttering spaces and never discards anything they want to keep. Most family members are happy for her to do the work as long as they’re consulted.

Releasing items doesn’t mean letting go of the memories. Many items we hold onto for “our kids” are really for ourselves.

EMBRACING MIDLIFE

Carrie points out the positives of midlife – more time and freedom to focus on what brings joy. Turning old spaces into new, meaningful areas should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a loss.

CURATING, NOT MINIMIZING

Carrie says that she isn’t a minimalist. Her approach is about curating and editing possessions so that what remains is useful, beautiful, and meaningful. She values open space and doesn’t rush to fill it, preferring a home that feels calm and intentional.

SENTIMENTAL DOESN’T MEAN CLUTTER

Being sentimental is okay. An item only becomes clutter if it no longer serves, brings joy, or holds meaning. The goal isn’t to win a prize for owning the fewest things, but to keep what supports a peaceful, joyful home.

LESS STRESS, MORE PEACE

When asked what’s giving her less stress and more peace, Carrie answers getting outside. She calls it “nature bathing” and says walks in the fresh air help her mental health and overall sense of calm.