L.E.S.S.: Decluttering before Finland, the worst thing you can do, & a mock move
The L.E.S.S. Express - May 6, 2026
Here’s this week’s L.E.S.S. Express to help you live with less stuff and more intention.
Over the next few weeks (April-May 2026), I’m slowly rolling out a brand new design for this newsletter! Same format, same decluttering info & inspo, but a much prettier look! Be sure to check your Spam folder if you notice you don’t see it on a Wednesday since it’ll be coming from a new email address (shannon@shannonleyko.com), which can sometimes trigger Spam. I can’t wait for you to see it!
Paid subscribers: You will likely get both versions until the new version is fully rolled out. I trust you’ll put up with me. ;)
[ L ]isten
What’s new on the Paring Down podcast:
Ep 153 (Classic): 20 Things I’m Decluttering Before Moving to Finland
Ep 152 (Chai Chat): Decluttering Boxes of Old Mail, Moving to Finland, & Is it Bad to Criticize Generosity?
Ep 151 (Good Stuff: Joy): 10 Subtle Things Stealing Your Joy
[ E ]xcerpt
A quote I love about decluttering or intentional living:
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
―Theodore Roosevelt
[ S ]hare
A note from me to you:
This past Saturday, I spent all afternoon decluttering with my husband, and it put me in the best mood ever. I didn’t record anything about it for social media—I just did exactly what I’m always encouraging all of you to do: Start moving your hands to put things into donation bins and trash bags.
As our family prepares to move to Finland, we have some decluttering to do of our own (I shared all about what we’re decluttering before the big move on this week’s podcast episode), and getting it done has reminded me why I started this whole platform about decluttering to begin with. I feel so light! So free! So accomplished!
Even if you’re not preparing to move, I promise you’ll be in the best mood ever after decluttering for an hour or two. You’re moving your hands, off of a screen, and experiencing the satisfaction of visual change. It’s so great. Don’t let this week pass without doing some decluttering in your own life!
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[ S ]implify
A short decluttering challenge for the week:
Instead of making this week's challenge something specific for you to declutter, I want to challenge you to pretend like you're moving. Look around your house and choose 3 things you wouldn't take with you if you found out you have to move to a new city next week. Let them go!
- Shannon
Love the choose 3 things to declutter as if you were loving advice! I did recently move to a one-bedroom vintage urban apartment once leaving the suburbs as an empty-nester but still brought some just-in-case things with me. It’s time to reevaluate those items after being here 6 months.