What Brené Brown Teaches Us About Creating Space

At Creating Space, we talk a lot about simplifying your home—but the transformation isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s about making room for something deeper.

And no one puts that into words better than Brené Brown, the research professor, author, and vulnerability queen who’s spent decades studying courage, shame, and wholehearted living.

So what does Brené Brown have to do with decluttering a garage or organizing a kitchen?

Everything.

Because at its core, creating space—in your home or in your life—is an act of bravery.

1. Letting Go = Vulnerability

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”
—Brené Brown

Letting go of belongings can feel surprisingly emotional. Maybe it’s an outfit from your “skinnier” days, boxes of your kids’ schoolwork, or a pile of “someday” projects.

It’s not just clutter. It’s identity. It’s potential. It’s guilt.

Decluttering asks us to stand in vulnerability—letting go of who we were, or who we thought we’d be—and make room for who we actually are today. That’s powerful. And brave.

2. Perfectionism Is the Enemy of Peace

“Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. It is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.”

Perfectionism tells us we have to wait until we have the “perfect system,” the “right containers,” or the “energy to do it all in one weekend.” So nothing gets done.

Creating space—real, functional, livable space—requires imperfection. It’s messy at times. It’s human. It’s okay to leave that junk drawer half-sorted if you made progress.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace.

3. Boundaries Are a Form of Clarity

“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

This applies to physical spaces too.

• That pile by the door? A boundary that’s not working.

• That closet that “holds everything”? No clear system, no clarity.

• That guest room turned storage dump? A lack of defined purpose.

Organizing is really about setting clear boundaries—what belongs where, and what doesn't belong at all. It’s kindness to yourself, your space, and anyone who shares it with you.

4. Creating Space Is Creating Possibility

When you declutter a room, you’re not just removing stuff—you’re creating room for something new:

• Room to rest

• Room to create

• Room to think clearly

• Room to be present

Brené often talks about making space for joy, connection, and authenticity. That’s not just emotional work—it’s environmental too. Your surroundings reflect your inner world.

When your home supports how you want to live, you feel safer being who you are.

Final Thoughts: Courage Over Clutter

Creating space in your home isn’t just a chore—it’s a practice of self-compassion, boundary-setting, and intention. Just like Brené Brown teaches, it’s about choosing courage over comfort, progress over perfection, and truth over avoidance.

So the next time you’re staring at a messy closet or a garage full of “maybes,” ask yourself:

“What am I making space for?”

That’s where the magic begins.