How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed (15 Tips)

If you’re like most moms, your home is probably cluttered and chaotic. It can be really overwhelming trying to keep up with the never-ending mess, and it’s easy to feel like you’ll never get ahead. But there is hope!

Here are some tips on how to start decluttering when overwhelmed. Yes, I am going to help you to start decluttering your home – even when you are feeling overwhelmed!

Dreaming of a clutter-free space where you can relax and enjoy life? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with the daunting task of decluttering, but with a step-by-step approach, it’s possible to conquer the chaos and create a comfortable, organized home.

In this blog post, I am sharing my best tips on how to start decluttering when overwhelmed.

From setting a clear purpose to celebrating progress,

I will provide practical advice and inspiring ideas to help you on your journey to a clutter-free home.

How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed:

Begin with a Decluttering Plan
Just start
Start with small manageable tasks
Set realistic timelines and expectations
Establish a daily decluttering routine
Make it fun.
Utilize helpful tools and resources
Prioritize high impact areas
Address emotional roadblocks
Create a sytem for sorting and discarding items
Develop a maintenance plan.
Involve family members and friends
Celebrate progress and reward yourself
Address common challenges and solutions
Make decluttering part of your cleaning routine.

#1 Begin with a Decluttering Plan

A personalized decluttering plan can help you create a tidy and organized space in no time. With the right declutter plan, you’ll know exactly what steps to take in order to simplify your life and the feeling of overwhelm will go away.

The key is to create a plan that works for you, one tailored to accommodate both your lifestyle, as well as any specific challenges or limitations that need addressing when it comes to decluttering.

In this blog post, I break down how creating a unique decluttering strategy can kickstart the process of reducing chaos and bring structure into your living space.

When it’s time to declutter, we basically have too much stuff in our home! Keep reading for my best decluttering tips.

#2 Just Start

The best thing you can do when you’re feeling overwhelmed is to actually make a start decluttering. The more you think about it, the less you will actually do it, and the more overwhelming it all seems.

Are you like me? I tend to build things up in my head, to the point where I get myself completely frazzled and overwhelmed, and make something big, seem ten times bigger!

I think decluttering is like that, but I am going to break the process down into tiny little steps that you can easily do!

I totally understand that right now you don’t know where to start, and you are feeling completely overwhelmed.

I am going to walk you through decluttering your home one step at a time.

You are NOT doing this on your own.

#3 Start with Small Manageable Tasks

Decluttering feels overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with the entire house. Hence, it’s vital to begin decluttering by dividing the process into manageable tasks, such as tackling one decluttering task like clearing one drawer, one shelf, or one pile at a time.

Focusing on manageable tasks helps you evade feelings of overwhelm and maintain motivation throughout the decluttering process.

Ask yourself these questions

Do I use the item in my daily life?
When is the last time I actually used this item?
Is this item benefiting my life?
Do I need this item?

I used to keep so many things in my house in case I needed them, so naturally my house would be cluttered with wires, plugs and so many items I just didn’t need.

So I want you to try the 3 second rule! Give yourself 3 seconds to decide if you need or don’t need the item. When you are decluttering, trash bags are your rind, so make sure you have a trash bag with you at all times.

The important part here is you taking your first step. Nothing will happen until you take the first step, and start decluttering.

Getting rid of things in your home will have a huge impact on your home. It will look like a clutter free home, and you will feel more at home in a house where things are in order.

#4 Set Realistic Timelines and Expectations

Establishing realistic timelines and expectations for decluttering is key in preventing feelings of overwhelm and discouragement. It’s important to prioritize decluttering and make time for it, even when feeling overwhelmed. Setting a completion date and formulating a plan aids in maintaining focus on your objective, helping to stave off feelings of overwhelm. Don’t plan to start in three months, you need to create a realistic plan and start asap!

Remember, progress is more important than perfection. It can be a challenging yet rewarding journey to achieve a clutter-free space, depending on the workload, support, and people involved. So, set realistic expectations, dedicate time to decluttering, and stay motivated by celebrating your progress along the way.

Plus, think of all the extra space in your home after you are done!

#5 Establish a Daily Decluttering Routine

Establishing a daily decluttering routine aids in making the process more manageable and sustaining progress. Allocating just 15 minutes a day to declutter will surprise you with how much you can achieve in small increments. This consistent effort will make your decluttering journey more manageable, ultimately improving your day-to-day life.

Try techniques like the “teeny tiny tidy” for just 1-5 minutes of effort each day, or the 365 challenge to declutter one thing a day. Set a timer and get to it, once the timer goes off, you are done. You can easily tackle one small area in just 5 minutes!

You can also pair decluttering tasks with existing habits, like loading the dishwasher or making your bed, through habit stacking. These strategies make decluttering more enjoyable and help you stay focused on tackling clutter until the timer goes off.

#6 Make It Fun

Try turning decluttering into a fun activity for yourself, or involve other members of the household in on it as well! Get creative with it—put on some music and dance around while organizing your space!

Or maybe you prefer listening to a podcast. Or create little challenges with yourself or others (e.g., how quickly can I finish this task?).

I do this with my son every Saturday. I put on a timer of 90 minutes, and we race each other to finish our chore first! Something that used to take him several hours (he’s a procrastinator), now takes him less than 90 minutes!

Do whatever works best for you. Making it fun will help keep you motivated and will help to make the declutter process easier.

#7 Utilize Helpful Tools and Techniques

Employing helpful tools and techniques can make decluttering more enjoyable and less intimidating. Setting a timer, creating checklists, or playing upbeat music are some fun decluttering strategies to make the process more enjoyable. By following these decluttering tips, you can ensure a more efficient and stress-free experience.

A timer helps you stay on track and motivated by setting a goal for how much you want to achieve in a certain amount of time.

Set a timer for 15, 20, 30 minutes! Doing this will stop you from feeling overwhelmed.

Checklists can be incredibly useful for sorting items into categories, discarding items that are no longer needed, and organizing items into designated areas. Listening to upbeat music can help you stay focused and give yourself a refreshing break from the overwhelm, making it easier to start decluttering when overwhelmed.

Give yourself a reward for all your hard work! This could be as simple as a bubble bath, or 30 minutes of your favorite tv show, or a cup of coffee and a sit down when you finish!

#8 Prioritize High-Impact Areas!

Concentrating on decluttering high-impact areas can yield immediate results and boost motivation. Start with spaces that cause you the most distress and will make the most impact right away, such as the kitchen or your entryway.

Simplifying and clearing clutter from these commonly used spaces results in immediate appreciation and enjoyment of your decluttering progress.

The immediate success and transformation of high-impact areas will inspire you to continue decluttering other parts of your whole house. By experiencing the benefits in your day-to-day life, you’ll stay motivated and committed to achieving a clutter-free home.

#9 Address Emotional Roadblocks

Emotional roadblocks, such as sentimental attachment to items, can make decluttering even more challenging. To overcome these barriers, you can:

Ask yourself tough questions about each item
Focus on the benefits of decluttering
Trust your intuition
Take the initiative
Have confidence in your choices when you start decluttering when overwhelmed.

You don’t need to get rid of all sentimental items. Instead, view yourself as a curator and decide which items are the most meaningful to you and represent the memory. Consider taking pictures of sentimental items to help you let go, while still preserving the memory.

By addressing emotional roadblocks, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the decluttering process.

#10 Create a System for Sorting and Discarding Items

Developing a system for sorting and discarding items streamlines the decluttering process. Start by separating your clutter into categories like donations, trash, and items to sell. This will help you stay organized and ensure unwanted items don’t remain in your house, helping you achieve a clutter-free space.

Consider hosting a garage sale to make some extra cash, selling items online to reach a wider audience, or donating to those in need. By having a plan for unwanted items, you’ll be more successful in your decluttering journey and create a clutter-free home.!

#11 Develop a Maintenance Plan

Formulating a personalized decluttering plan is crucial to maintaining a clutter-free home post-decluttering. This may include:

Regular decluttering sessions
Establishing designated spaces for items
Implementing the “one in, one out” rule, where you donate one item for every new item brought into your home.

By creating a maintenance plan, you’ll be able to keep your home organized and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free space. Remember, maintaining a tidy environment is just as important as the initial decluttering process.

#12 Involve Family Members and Friends

Engaging family members and friends in the decluttering process offers invaluable support, motivation, and decision-making assistance. Their involvement can make the process more enjoyable and help you stay committed to your goal of a clutter-free home.

If your family isn’t supportive, take the initiative and go for it on your own. You can still make a significant impact and create a more organized, clutter-free space. Remember, you’re not alone in your decluttering journey, and involving loved ones can make the process more manageable and enjoyable.

Woman sitting in living room floor organizing clothes into boxes

#13 Celebrate Progress and Reward Yourself

Acknowledging your progress and rewarding your hard work is key during the decluttering process. Acknowledging your achievements, even small ones, will keep you motivated and help you recognize the effort you’ve invested in creating a clutter-free home.

Consider treating yourself to a small reward or indulging in a favorite activity as you reach milestones in your decluttering journey. Celebrating progress and rewarding yourself will not only keep you motivated but also make the process more enjoyable.

#14 Address Common Challenges and Solutions

Decluttering can pose various common challenges, especially when dealing with too much stuff, including:

Time constraints
Decision fatigue
Lack of motivation
Disorganization

Addressing these challenges and finding compatible solutions can make the process less overwhelming for those who feel overwhelmed.

For instance, tackle time constraints by setting achievable timelines and expectations. Combat decision fatigue by breaking tasks into smaller, achievable chunks. Stay motivated by setting goals and rewarding yourself for progress. Stay organized by creating a system for sorting and discarding items. Get help with any big physical work you have to do. If you only have 5 minutes per day – that works. It’s enought time to clean out part of your closet, or to tackle your junk drawer, or small spaces such as your mudroom, or pantry area.

By addressing these challenges, you’ll be better equipped to start decluttering when overwhelmed and achieve a clutter-free home.

#15 Make Decluttering Part of Your Cleaning Routine

Once you’ve finished decluttering your home, make sure that it sticks! Develop habits such as taking five minutes each day to put away items after use. It may sound small but those five minutes can add up over time!

Additionally, get rid of things that are not useful to you, or things that don’t make you happy anymore. If something isn’t working for you anymore, let it go!

I bet your house looks better without all that extra stuff in it, We all have too much stuff in our house! We all need to let go of some things and make our lives simpler!

Also remember that getting organized doesn’t have to be expensive, try using items you already have instead of buying new ones (e.g., mason jars for storage).

Having said that, I would recommend that you do invest in things that will help you to organize your home better. One of the best things I bought when we moved into our house from the RV, was a stackable can organizer for my pantry. It keeps all my cans organized in my pantry and I absolutely love it, it took care of a huge problem for me. I was afraid the wire shelves were going to bend with the weight of the cans, but now they are on the floor, where I can easily get to them, and they keep things tidy!

I also purchased these baskets for snacks for the kids, they hang right on the door, giving me much needed extra space in the pantry.

Overall, take time to appreciate all that you have accomplished instead of dwelling on what still needs doing—you’ve come a long way!

I hope I have shown you how to start decluttering when overwhelmed. I hope the above decluttering strategies will help you to easily get your house in order. Don’t let your overwhelming feelings paralyze you into doing nothing.

You can do this Mama!

Decluttering your home takes time and motivation, but at least you can see the finish line. Now, give yourself a pat on the back and take a break – you’ve earned it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first rule of decluttering when you are feeling overwhelmed?

The first rule of decluttering is to make decisions on each item, deciding whether to keep it or let it go. When decision fatigue sets in, the maybe pile can be used as a last resort.

Where do I start organizing when overwhelmed?

Take a deep breath, do a brain dump, use time-tracking apps, organize tasks by category or action, prioritize what needs to be done, set realistic goals for the day, and make sure your workspace is organized – these are all great ways to get organized at work when feeling overwhelmed. Organizing your work can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Taking a few moments to plan out your day can help you stay focused and productive. Start by writing down all the tasks you need to complete. Then, prioritize them by importance and urgency. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Finally, set realistic goals for the day and stick to them

Where to start decluttering?

To start decluttering, start small by focusing on one room or drawer at a time, and sort items into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Alternatively, you can pick a space or category that is most overwhelming to you and start there. It doesn’t really matter where you start, as long as it makes sense. Attaching the whole house would be too time consuming and wouldn’t make sense at all. Start in an area or room that will make a huge impact on you!

What are some helpful tools and techniques to make decluttering more enjoyable?

Make decluttering fun with motivating music, clear checklists and a timer – it will help you stay on track and enjoy the process! Motivating music can help you stay focused and energized while decluttering. Clear checklists can help you stay organized and on tas, and to not feel overwhelmed! . Setting a timer can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t get too distracted