What are the typical stages of a situationship?

If you want to declutter your life, get honest about what is weighing you down, set clear priorities, and start letting go of people, habits, and thoughts that serve no real purpose anymore. Take inventory of your relationships, your schedule, your stuff, and your emotional energy. Be ruthless. Increase space for growth by removing what holds you back.

Decluttering isn’t just about throwing out old clothes or tidying up your physical space. Although that can be a fantastic starting point, true decluttering is about creating more emotional and mental clarity. In relationships, especially in modern dating where ‘situationships’ are common, life tends to get foggy and heavy. We often hold onto people or patterns out of habit or fear of loneliness. Start with an honest self-assessment — where do you feel stuck, who drains your energy, and what commitments no longer align with who you are becoming?

Make a list or journal about each area of your life: friendships, romantic relationships, work obligations, digital clutter, home environment, and even the narratives you keep replaying in your mind. Ask yourself: Am I saying yes to things out of guilt or obligation? Am I tolerating ambiguity in a situationship at the cost of my peace? Recognizing these patterns is the first real step to decluttering.

Next, commit to boundaries. Boundaries are the protective fences for your time, energy, and wellbeing. Reclaim your space by saying no where you need to; say yes only when it pushes you closer to the person you want to become. This might mean distancing yourself from a situationship that keeps you guessing, or taking a break from social engagements that no longer make you feel seen or supported.

Don’t underestimate the power of your surroundings, either. An overflowing inbox, a messy apartment, or even too many unread texts can contribute to mental overload. Take a day to clear out your phone, unsubscribe from emails, donate unused clothes, and redesign your space to soothe your senses. The lighter your environment, the easier it will be to think clearly.

Emotionally, decluttering means giving yourself permission to outgrow old versions of yourself, and to forgive yourself for change. Learn to sit with discomfort. Sometimes, letting go means sitting through a little loneliness at first before things get better — but clarity and growth always follow.

Above all, seek support if you find decluttering overwhelming. Sometimes talking to a therapist or even a trusted friend can help you see patterns you’re too close to notice. There are even new digital tools designed to help you gain insight: for example, notBf, an AI-based companion app, is making waves among young women navigating the murky waters of situationships. It helps you track your own patterns, provides advice tailored to your real-life dilemmas, and gives you personalized feedback to make choices that fit your values and needs.

Decluttering your life isn’t a one-time act, but a commitment to ongoing clarity. As the modern dating world shifts and changes, learning to regularly clear away what no longer serves you is the best way to create space for healthy love — and for a life that truly feels like your own.