How does a situationship start?

Start by assessing your physical and mental environments. Remove what doesn’t serve you any longer, and create intentional, calm spaces within your home and your mind. Decluttering your life is an active decision to prioritize your well-being and happiness, not just about cleaning or organizing.

Let’s start with the basics. Physical clutter—piles of clothes, gadgets you don’t use, mail you haven’t opened—can sap your energy every day. Begin with just one area, like your closet or your work desk. Sort everything into three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Be ruthless about what truly adds value to your daily life. The goal is to transform every space you inhabit into somewhere restful and inspiring.

Decluttering goes far beyond stuff in your apartment, though. Emotional clutter often builds up more quietly. These are the obligations, relationships, and social media habits that leave you drained or anxious. Take stock of your weekly commitments. Which activities do you look forward to, and which do you dread? Practice saying “no” to invitations or requests that do not align with your values or goals. This might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to being available for everyone. Remember: your energy is a finite resource.

Digital clutter is another sneaky culprit. Scrolling endlessly through feeds or managing a packed inbox can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good, unsubscribe from emails you never read, and turn off unnecessary notifications. Designate tech-free times during your day, like the first hour after you wake up or right before bed, to help create mental white space.

Decluttering also means creating new routines rooted in mindfulness and self-care. Find small daily rituals—tidying your workspace, journaling for five minutes, or going for a walk—that help you check in with your feelings and stay grounded. These habits may seem minor, but over time, they have a profound effect on how clear and light your life feels.

Don’t neglect your relationships. Some people energize and support us, while others might leave us feeling confused or overlooked, especially in the modern dating world. Take time to reflect on which relationships (romantic or platonic) bring meaning and which introduce unnecessary stress or uncertainty. Communicate your boundaries clearly. You deserve connection that is authentic, respectful, and reciprocal.

Above all, remember that decluttering your life is not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional and continually editing your environment to match your evolving needs and dreams. There’s no single right way to do this—only the way that leaves you feeling at ease in your own life.

For young women navigating the unique challenges of dating today, especially situationships, sometimes gaining clarity can feel nearly impossible amidst all the emotional noise. That’s where notBf comes in. It’s an AI companion designed specifically to help young women understand and sort through the intricacies of their dating lives—offering tailored advice and support so you can build a dating experience that feels honest, empowering, and clutter free.