Living With Illness and Clutter. How to Create a Home That Supports You (Even on Low-Energy Days) #197

What happens to your home when your energy disappears?
And what if clutter isn’t the problem you think it is?

This episode was recorded in recognition of World Cancer Day and is for anyone living with illness, chronic fatigue, long COVID, or going through a season where just getting through the day takes everything you’ve got.

When illness enters your life, priorities change.
Energy becomes precious.
And suddenly, the clutter that’s been sitting there for months or years feels heavier than ever.

In this episode, I talk honestly about decluttering and organizing when you’re unwell and why “keeping on top of the house” is not the goal in hard seasons. I share what I’m seeing right now while supporting women going through cancer treatment, living with chronic illness, or dealing with completely depleted energy levels.

This isn’t about perfect home organization.
It’s about creating an intentional home that supports you and your family when capacity is limited.

We explore why clutter can feel overwhelming during illness, how organizing can actually become an act of self-care, and why small, thoughtful declutter strategies can make daily life easier without pushing yourself.

I also talk about something many women struggle with. Asking for help.
What if asking for support isn’t failure?
What if it’s the missing piece when overcoming overwhelm?

If you’ve ever felt guilty because your home doesn’t look the way you think it should.
If tidying feels impossible on low-energy days.
Or if you want a calmer, more supportive environment without adding pressure.

This episode is for you.

I also reference an earlier episode with my friend Jane, episode 24, where we talked about adapting your home while living with serious illness. Jane was living with MS and using a wheelchair at the time. That conversation is still incredibly powerful, and I’ve linked it below.

You’ll also hear why getting your paperwork and everyday systems in order now can support you and your family in ways you might not expect.

This is about decluttering with compassion.
Organizing with intention.
And creating a home that works with you, not against you.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 24 with Jane on adapting your home while living with illness
• Join my free Facebook group for podcast listeners

If this episode made you think of someone else, share it with them.
None of us are meant to do this alone.

Thanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:
Join my online membership Clutter Free Collective
Join my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | Facebook
Visit my website www.caroline-thor.com
Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor
Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer