Space Invaders is a TV show that follows people as they declutter their homes, and it’s fascinating, not just for the before-and-after shots, but for what it reveals about human behaviour.
The process has three key parts:
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Making the problem obvious
First, every possession is taken out of the house and displayed in a warehouse. The sheer volume shocks people into recognising just how much they’ve accumulated. Until then, the clutter was invisible, spread across cupboards and spare rooms.
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Easing the pain of loss
Next, everything is sorted into three piles: keep, donate, discard. The donate pile is especially clever because it reframes the act of giving something up. Instead of losing it, you’re passing it on to someone else who needs it more. That small shift helps people let go without the same sense of regret.
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Creating a fresh start
Finally, the team gives the home a quick renovation. It feels like a new space, which interrupts old habits of accumulation. People focus less on what they’ve lost, and more on what they’ve gained.
But this show isn’t just about tidying up. It’s a blueprint for change management:
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Make the problem visible.
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Reduce the sense of loss by reframing.
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Create a new environment that reinforces better habits.
Whether you’re decluttering the attic or transforming a business, it’s the same psychology.
The hardest part isn’t identifying what needs to change, it’s designing the process so people can actually let go and move forward.
I can help you with that.
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