Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Many people dive into decluttering only to feel stuck, frustrated, and burnt out before they see real progress. The key to successful decluttering starts before you even touch a single item.
If you want a clutter-free home that actually stays organized, follow these five essential steps before you begin decluttering.
Identify Your “Why” for Decluttering
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making space for the life you want to live.
Before you start, ask yourself:
Why do I want to declutter?
What will change once my home is more organized?
How do I want to feel in my space?
Getting clear on your motivation will help keep you focused and committed, even when decluttering feels overwhelming.
Stop Waiting for the “Perfect” Time
Many people delay decluttering because they’re waiting for the right moment—a free weekend, a less busy season, or until they “feel ready.” The truth? That perfect time will never come.
Instead of waiting, start with small, manageable steps: Spend 10 minutes a day decluttering a drawer or shelf. Set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle one small space. Pick one category (like old clothes or expired pantry items) and clear it out.
Set a Simple, Specific Decluttering Goal
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to declutter their entire home at once. This often leads to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on one small, specific goal at a time.
Here are a few easy goals to start with: “Declutter my bathroom counter in 10 minutes.” “Sort through my closet and remove five items today.” “Clear out the junk drawer before bed.”
By setting smaller goals, you’ll build momentum and stay motivated as you see real progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Create a Sorting System Before You Start
Many people begin decluttering only to feel stuck when they don’t know what to do with the items they’re sorting. Having a system before you start will help you move through the process more efficiently.
Try using these four simple categories: KEEP – Items you use, need, and love. DONATE – Good-condition items that no longer serve you. TRASH – Broken, expired, or unusable items. RELOCATE – Things that belong in a different room.
This method prevents decision fatigue and helps you declutter without second-guessing every item.
Let Go of the Idea of a “Perfect” Home
Decluttering isn’t about making your home look like a magazine cover—it’s about creating a space that works for your lifestyle.
Even after decluttering, everyday messes will still happen. Kids, pets, partners, and real life will always bring some level of disorder. The goal is to have systems in place that make it easier to manage the mess, rather than expecting it to disappear completely.
Give yourself permission to create a home that feels functional, not flawless.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Join me in the Chaos to Calm Challenge, where I’ll walk you through simple, step-by-step strategies to create a home that feels peaceful and organized—without spending weeks sorting through stuff.
Comment CALM below, or click here to sign up!
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