If you’ve ever tried to declutter and edit your home, you’ve probably experienced that familiar feeling: overwhelm. Everywhere you look, there’s another pile, another closet bursting at the seams, another drawer full of stuff you forgot you owned.
You don’t know where to start, so you don’t start at all. Time passes, the clutter remains, and your home starts feeling more like a storage unit packed full of stuff you don’t use or need. Less is more, more calm and more space in your home and heart.
Even though I love the idea of living with less, I’ve had spaces that were overwhelming. My biggest organization challenge was our large storage closet, a black hole of seasonal decor, keepsakes, wrapping paper, Christmas trees and more. Every time I walked past or opened the door, I was overwhelmed by the chaos.
I realized I didn’t have to do it all at once. One decision and step at a time. If you take your time you won’t get discouraged or burned out. A small step will help you get out of overwhelm and inspire you to keep going. The secret to decluttering success, One space and step at a time. Small actions create big results. Remember progress isn’t possible if you don’t start.
For this closet I figured out the seasonal storage, found bins with color coded lids then worked on other items. Here is the before and after, which included donating and finding bins that fit my needs.
Instead of trying to tackle your entire home, start small. Pick a space that will make a noticeable difference in your daily life. Here are some easy wins:
Your nightstand
A single dresser drawer
Your kids’ clothing
The junk drawer (we all have one)
The Tupperware cabinet (say goodbye to lid-less containers)
If you’re struggling to choose, think about a pain point in your home. What frustrates you daily? If getting dressed in the morning is a hassle because your closet is stuffed with clothes you don’t wear, start there. If it’s getting your kids out the door clear out the backpacks and edit the shoe shelf. Tossing and donating the shoes that don’t fit or aren’t loved.
Celebrate the small wins, they are the momentum you need to stop the overwhelm and keep you going.
Schedule It and Stick to It
If decluttering isn’t something you love then plan it. Add it to your schedule. Grab your planner or phone and schedule a decluttering session. You don’t have to block off the entire day, in fact please don’t do that. You’ll dread the day. Think small, something you can accomplish quickly with results you’ll love.
It might be:
20 minutes on Monday night
An hour on Saturday morning
A drawer a day for a week
No matter what you decide, honor your commitment to yourself. Just like you’d show up for an appointment or a friend, show up for your home and your peace of mind. The first step is the hardest. It feels hard and overwhelming but once you take that step you see what you are capable of, excited about the next space you want to tackle.
If you only have 10 minutes tackle a space, you’ll be surprised what you can accomplish in a few minutes. Good by junk drawer chaos.
Here are a few of my organization solutions for all the spaces in your home. Bins for a drunk drawer or makeup drawer. Clear stackable bins for your linen closet or pantry. Wicker storage baskets are great for pantry organization or your storage closet. Fabric storage bins are a great option for so many organization challenges.
I always keep a designated donation box, or spot somewhere in my home. Whenever I come across something that no longer serves me, I drop it in the box. Clothes that don’t fit, in the box. A decor piece I no longer love, in the box. Letting go of these items creates space not just in your home but in your mind. And the best part, someone else get to use and enjoy the item you no longer love and need.
Not only will you love the new found space in your home but you’ll love the calm and peace in your mind and heart. A lightness you will cherish. If you want a hit of dopamine fill a box of items you no long need or love and drop the box off at a donation center. Not much feels better than letting items go, gifting them to someone who might want or need them.
A Step-by-Step Example: Decluttering Your Closet
Decluttering your home is a step by step process. Have a plan when you approach the closet, drawer or cupboard.
Here are the simple steps to declutter your closet. It will take a few minutes but the results will be worth the time you invest in yourself.
Pull everything out You will be surprised by what you find. Items you forgot you have, no longer love or haven’t fit in years. While you pull things our sort them into piles, pants, shirts, skirts and dresses.
Try items on Yes everything. Our memories of how things fit aren’t always accurate or we don’t remember why we haven’t worn something in awhile.
Assess with kindness If something doesn’t fit, no shame. Let it go. If you don’t love the way it looks let it go. If you don’t love the style let it go.
Decide Keep what you love and donate what you don’t. If there are items beyond repair toss them.
Quick Decluttering Wins
Short on time? These mini decluttering sessions take 15 minutes or less:
The Junk Drawer: Toss old receipts, dried-up pens, and random bits of who-knows-what.
Tupperware Madness: If it doesn’t have a matching lid, it’s out!
Your Purse or Bag: Dump it out, sort, and only put back what you truly need.
Bathroom Cabinet: Say goodbye to expired beauty products and half-used samples.
Mindset Matters: Be the Watcher
One of the biggest obstacles to decluttering isn’t the stuff itself—it’s our mindset. Instead of frustration, I want you to approach this process with:
Compassion – You are not messy or lazy; you’re just someone figuring this out.
Curiosity – Why did I keep this? Do I still need it?
Fascination – Look at how much space I’m creating.
Anticipation – I can’t wait to enjoy this room without all the clutter.
Success isn’t about perfection. It’s about continuing to show up, one space and step at a time. So pick your first spot, schedule the time, and just start. Your future self will thank you.
What’s the first space you’re going to tackle? If you want a little more motivation check out this blog post to organize a small closet.
