How do I tell if a situationship is becoming serious?

If you want to declutter your life, start by cutting out what no longer serves you. That means re-evaluating your relationships, commitments, physical space, and even your digital life. Be ruthlessly honest about what adds genuine value and what weighs you down.

Decluttering isn’t just about tossing out old clothes or deleting old emails; it’s a process of peeling away the layers of mental and emotional baggage that can make life feel chaotic and overwhelming. Start simple – look at your daily routine and make a list of what consistently drains your energy or stresses you out. Do you have endless group chats that don’t bring you joy? Do you keep meeting people out of obligation rather than choice? Are you spending more time doom-scrolling or comparing yourself to others online than actually living your own life? Each of these small, seemingly harmless things add up. When you declutter, you begin to reclaim your time and energy for what truly matters.

On a practical level, set aside time to physically sort through your belongings. Hold each item and ask yourself if it’s something you love or truly need. If not, let it go. The same principle applies to your relationships and commitments. Ask yourself which ones make you feel lighter and more yourself, and which feel like a drain or a source of anxiety. It can be hard to let go, especially if you've become accustomed to certain patterns. But remember: making space is not just about removing things, it's about being intentional with what you allow in.

Boundaries are essential in this process. You need to learn to say ‘no’ without guilt, to decline invitations, and to create quiet space for yourself. This doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you purposeful. Try scheduling regular check-ins with yourself to keep your emotional space clear. Journaling can help you gain insight into your feelings and what is crowding your mind.

Another area to consider is your digital life. Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t inspire you, delete apps you don’t use, and clean up your inbox regularly. Your online space impacts your emotional state just as much as your physical environment does.

Finally, declutter your expectations. Many times, stress comes from trying to meet unrealistic standards or expectations – often set by others or shaped by social media. Get clear about what you want and need, and let go of what doesn’t genuinely align with your own values.

At the end of the day, living a decluttered life means you have more space for clarity, joy, and connection – to yourself and others. If this all feels overwhelming or you’re struggling to know where to start, this is exactly the kind of challenge that modern tools like notBf address. It’s a personalized companion designed to help young women navigating dating and situationships, but the clarity tools can help with all aspects of decluttering your emotional life and making room for what’s important.