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Feeling overwhelmed by clutter is a common experience that can leave even the most organized individuals feeling stuck and unsure of where to begin. Whether it’s an overflowing junk drawer,
a dining room table buried under paperwork, or an entire room packed with too much stuff, tackling it all can feel paralyzing. The good news is that the decluttering process doesn’t have to be daunting.
Starting small with manageable sections and focusing on tiny steps can help anyone begin making progress toward a clutter-free home. This guide offers practical tips and simple steps to help you focus, overcome decision fatigue, and create more space—so you can start decluttering with confidence and hope.1
Starting with a small area can make the decluttering process feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Tackling an entire room or even a large space all at once can feel paralyzing, so it’s crucial to focus on manageable sections. A single drawer, the top of a small shelf, or even the items on your dining room table are great places to begin. These tiny steps build confidence and help you realize progress is possible.
Small successes create momentum. Clearing out one junk drawer or a small space can inspire you to keep going without feeling pressured. Over time, these small efforts will add up, helping you regain control and create more space in your home.
Setting a timer for 10 to 15 minutes is a simple yet effective way to start decluttering without feeling overwhelmed. Knowing that you only need to commit a short burst of time makes the task seem less daunting and helps you focus. Short bursts of effort also prevent decision fatigue, which often comes from tackling too much at once.
When the timer ends, decide whether to stop or keep going if you feel motivated. Stopping after the timer ensures the task doesn’t become too time-consuming, but continuing can provide a sense of accomplishment if you’re in the right frame of mind. This strategy helps make progress manageable and avoids burnout.
Focusing on one item at a time can make decluttering feel less overwhelming. This method simplifies the decision-making process and provides a clear plan of action. Sort items into categories to stay organized and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Keep: Items you love, use regularly, or need for your daily life.
Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need but could benefit someone else.
Discard: Items that are broken, expired, or no longer serve a purpose.
Relocate: Things that belong in your house's different room or space.
Unsure: Items you’re hesitant about—place them in a box to revisit later.
This step-by-step approach allows you to focus on practical solutions, stay organized, and make progress without becoming overwhelmed.
Decluttering by category instead of by room can simplify decision-making and reduce overwhelming feelings. For example, focus on clothing, books, or kitchen items rather than an entire room. Sorting similar items together allows you to clearly see how much you have and decide what to keep or get rid of.5
Focusing on one type of item at a time also minimizes distractions. For instance, tackling clothes first lets you evaluate your wardrobe without worrying about other clutter in the house. This method streamlines the decluttering process and helps you make thoughtful choices.
Creating a decluttering checklist can bring structure to the process and keep you on track. Listing specific areas, like the junk drawer, a closet, or the dining room table, gives you clear tasks to complete. A to-do list helps you focus on manageable sections, reducing decision fatigue and making progress feel achievable.
Checking off completed tasks can boost motivation and build momentum. Seeing what you’ve accomplished creates a sense of pride and encourages you to keep going. Over time, the checklist becomes a tool to organize your decluttering session and track your progress toward a clutter-free home.
The Four-Box Method is a simple way to organize items during a decluttering session. Placing each item into one of four categories gives you a clear action plan and reduces hesitation. Label the boxes to ensure decisions are easy and consistent:4
Keep: Items you use regularly or value deeply.
Donate: Unwanted items are in good condition and can be used by others.
Sell: These things could bring value through a garage sale or online platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Trash: Broken, expired, or unusable items must be thrown away.
This method makes it easier to declutter even large spaces by giving every item a clear destination, helping you stay organized and make progress.
Starting with quick wins, like throwing away trash or getting rid of unwanted items, can make the decluttering process feel manageable. Decisions about broken items, expired products, or things you no longer use are usually easy and can quickly clear a surprising amount of space.
Quick wins create momentum. Tackling easy tasks first boosts confidence and makes moving on to larger decluttering challenges easier. Progress, even on a small scale, helps reduce overwhelming feelings and keeps you moving in the right direction.3
Dedicating five minutes daily to decluttering can break the process into manageable sections. Spending a short amount of time sorting one drawer or clearing off a shelf helps avoid decision fatigue and keeps the task from feeling overwhelming.
Daily decluttering sessions add up. Building this habit can lead to noticeable progress over time, even in large spaces. With consistency, these small efforts will help create a clutter-free home without requiring a significant time commitment.
Asking for help from a friend or family member can make decluttering less overwhelming. Having someone there to offer support, provide a second opinion, or even keep you company can make the process less isolating.
Support can also help you stay motivated. A family member might help sort through shared spaces like the living room, while a friend can help with decision-making when dealing with too much stuff. With the right help, decluttering feels more manageable and less time-consuming.
Recognizing small victories, like clearing one drawer or organizing a closet, helps build motivation and keeps the decluttering process positive. Celebrating each milestone, no matter how small, reinforces your progress.
Rewarding yourself for these achievements can keep you focused on your goal of creating a clutter-free home. Take a moment to appreciate the space you’ve reclaimed, and let those successes encourage you to keep going. Every step forward matters.
Starting to declutter when feeling overwhelmed is possible with small, practical steps. Focus on manageable areas, like one drawer or category, and use tools like a checklist or timer to stay organized and motivated. Quick wins, daily habits, and support from family members or friends can make the process easier and help reduce overwhelming feelings.2
Decluttering doesn’t need to be completed all at once. Tiny steps can create big changes, and every bit of progress brings you closer to a clutter-free home. Start small today—even dedicating just five minutes to the task is a success. Remember, every decision you make to get rid of unwanted items or organize your space is a step in the right direction.
What is the best way to start decluttering when overwhelmed?
Start small by focusing on a single area like a junk drawer or one shelf. Using methods like setting a timer or sorting items into "keep," "donate," and "discard" categories can make the process feel more manageable.
How can I avoid feeling overwhelmed during the decluttering process?
Break the process into manageable sections and focus on short bursts of effort. Setting a timer for 10–15 minutes or tackling one category of items at a time helps prevent decision fatigue and overwhelming feelings.
What should I do with items I no longer want?
Donate items in good condition to charity, sell valuable pieces through a garage sale or online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, and discard anything broken or unusable.
How can I make decluttering a habit?
Dedicate just five minutes a day to decluttering. Consistent daily efforts build momentum and lead to significant progress over time.
What if I feel guilty about getting rid of items?
Focus on the benefits of creating more space and the positive impact of donating items to someone who may need them. Let go of guilt by remembering that your goal is to create a home that supports your well-being.
Can I hire a professional organizer?
Yes, a professional organizer can help guide you through the decluttering process, especially for large spaces or when feeling stuck. Their expertise can make the process more efficient and less stressful.
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Jägholm, S., Lindstedt, S., Andersson, E., Mataix-Cols, D., Fernández de la Cruz, L., Rück, C., & Ivanov, V. Z. (2023). Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of in-home decluttering augmentation of group cognitive-behavioral therapy for hoarding disorder: the Joining Forces Trial. Trials, 24(1), 483. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07509-4
Marugg, L., Atkinson, M. N., & Fernandes, A. (2014). The five-box method: The "four-box method" for the Catholic physician. The Linacre quarterly, 81(4), 363–371. https://doi.org/10.1179/2050854914Y.0000000032
Prevo, L., Kremers, S., & Jansen, M. (2020). Small Successes Make Big Wins: A Retrospective Case Study towards Community Engagement of Low-SES Families. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(2), 612. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020612