Clearing Chaos: How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed?

This blog is all about how to start decluttering when overwhelmed with these 20 simple steps.

I know it can be hard to start because decluttering your home can seem overwhelming.

The good news is that you don’t have to do this all at once!

The recommendation below will help you start a decluttering project, even if you feel overwhelmed.

Here’s how to begin decluttering when you don’t know where to start:

I don’t recommend the following to start all at once. But choose what suits you and your schedule.

Keep reading to dive deeper into each point. 

1) Clarify your purpose

Why do you want to declutter? What’s your purpose?

Pause for a moment to think about your why. When your purpose is clear, it’s easier to stay focused.

One thing I like about this approach is that when I know my why, I can stay focused on one task and not get distracted by all the pretty things. 

It is helpful for Type A personality types (like me), who tend to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff and have difficulty prioritizing. 

2) Develop a strategy

Setting and developing a strategy was helpful when I began the process. It helped me focus and accomplish my decluttering journey.

To succeed in decluttering:

• Focus on one area at a time.
• Start by creating a plan. 

You can use a decluttering worksheet or make your own.

Include all the details:

• How much time it takes
• The money you’ll need
• Set completion dates for each task.

Having a strategy helps you stay on track.

Friendly Tip: Use a decluttering worksheet or make your plan.

3) Seek guidance from a mentor

Every aspect of life needs a mentor. Your home is no exception. 

Knowing where to start or how to do it right can be difficult if you’re new to decluttering. If you need help, contact someone in decluttering. 

Ask for an experienced friend or family member. They can assist you in setting up your plan. 

You can also find helpful resources online. 

Remember, you’re not alone.

Marie Kondo’s book suggests that we are untidy because no one has ever taught us how to tidy up. And most of us are self-taught!

I agree with this statement. I was self-taught how to declutter my home, and it took me years (and tons of YouTube tutorials) to figure it out.

Do you know someone who can guide you in decluttering?

4) Begin with easier tasks

Start small and gradually tackle larger tasks. 

Begin by sorting out clothing and items you no longer use. You can sell or donate them, freeing up space. Look for things you don’t need. 

Happiness doesn’t come from having lots of possessions.

This newsletter reinforces this idea. Materialism impacts happiness and success.

It is a harsh lesson to learn.  You don’t need much to be happy, so start purging!

Friendly Tip: Start by decluttering your clothes and unused items.

5) Learn to delegate decluttering

If your house feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional organizer. 

It can free up your time and energy.

I find it challenging to delegate chores at home, which stresses me more. I’m unsure why, but I feel it won’t get done if I don’t do it myself.  

If you are like me, there are many ways to delegate decluttering, though—from hiring a professional organizer to using an online service like TaskRabbit or Handy.

I watched the video below a few months ago, and it’s amazing how much clutter can build up over time. This story is an excellent example of why decluttering and delegating are important.

Friendly Tip: Be bold and ask for help or hire a professional organizer.

6) Tackle your primary source of stress first

You’ll probably have a lightbulb moment when you realize that your most stressful tasks are also the easiest to eliminate.

For example, you may have too many tasks and feel overwhelmed by your to-do list. If this is the case, eliminate tasks by deleting or delegating them. 

If you don’t want to delete something, put it on a separate list so you don’t overwhelm yourself with the big picture.

Once you’ve tackled the most stressful tasks, move on to your secondary ones.

Tackling my primary source of stress first has helped me de-stress and declutter in the past. I’d highly recommend this strategy if you’re overwhelmed by your to-do list.

Friendly Tip: What is your biggest source of stress? How can you tackle it?

7) Initiate with a thorough decluttering with breaks

Start with small steps and take frequent breaks. 

It’s better to take 5 minutes every day to declutter than spend all day on one big project that ends up overwhelming and unfinished.

This is the best way to keep decluttering going. Once you’ve decluttered your whole house, cleaning will be a much easier task.

Most minimalists I listen to online emphasize breaks as the most critical part of their journey. 

Friendly Tip: Listen to their advice. They have been there and done that.

8) Begin at the entrance and proceed clockwise

Did you know that starting with the entrance can significantly impact how people perceive your home?

Begin by clearing out the entrance and entryway of your home. It is the first impression visitors get, so it’s essential to make it clean and organized. 

Throw away anything broken or useless. Put items where they belong and recycle any reusable items. 

Then, move on to other rooms, starting at a corner and working around clockwise.

I promise you, it’s worth the time and effort.

9) Prioritize decluttering more oversized items

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, prioritize the oversized items first. These items take up more space and can be more challenging to store. 

If you tackle them first, you’ll create more room and gain a clearer perspective on what you must declutter in other areas of your home.

I’ve tried this, and it does free up my space and lighten my load!

Friendly Tip: Start with beds, sofas, cabinets, books, decorations, and sports equipment.

10) Establish a decluttering routine

Did you know that creating a routine can make decluttering easier and more effective?

Find a decluttering routine that works for you and stick to it. Make it a regular part of your day, week, or month. 

Consistency is definitely the key! Just like brushing your teeth, decluttering regularly becomes a habit that brings lasting results. 

Set aside dedicated weekly time for decluttering, whether Sunday afternoons or Monday nights.

11) Should I donate or sell my unwanted items?

Part of decluttering is deciding what to do with unwanted items. If an item doesn’t hold much value or use for you anymore, consider donating it.

However, selling it might be a better option if it still has a monetary value.

I donated 90% of my unwanted items and sold the 10%. The only thing I regret is not giving it to people who need it most.

If you are still overwhelmed, do the 12-12-12-12 challenge: Throw away 12 things, donate 12, sell 12, and return 12 things to their proper place.

Friendly Tip: If an item doesn’t fit, donate it. But if it’s in good condition, consider selling it.

12) Organizing comes after decluttering

Choose one room and go through each item you own. 

Ask yourself if it serves a purpose or brings you joy. Sort them into different piles: donate, throw away (including expired items), repair or replace, and sell online. 

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to organize what’s left. Group similar items together into categories for easier future access.

Decluttering my house helps me to stay more organized, especially when I’m too lazy to do the household chores. It saves me much effort and time and makes me feel like a more responsible adult!

Clutter-free means easier to organize!

13) Focus on the positive aspects

Can you imagine life is easier with less stress and more space?

Instead of dwelling on what you’ve lost during decluttering, focus on the positive side. Think about the reduced stress and the increased space you’ll gain. 

Picture how much easier it will be to find items like keys, wallets, and documents.

Decluttering also creates a more harmonious household, as everything will have its designated place.

If you think I’m exaggerating, just watch this video.

Friendly Tip: Embrace the benefits of decluttering and enjoy a more organized life!

14) Keep it concise and efficient

Decluttering is practical. 

Consider the purpose, frequency of use and lifespan of each item. 

• Rarely used
• Unlikely to last long
• Doesn’t serve a vital role in your life

It’s time to let go. 

To decide what to keep, imagine a scenario where your house is on fire. 

What would you grab as you rushed out the door? If an item doesn’t make the list, it’s probably not worth keeping.

Friendly Tip: If it’s not essential or something you’d grab in an emergency, it’s time to say goodbye.

15) Don’t strive for perfection

Why is perfectionism a thief that can hinder your progress?

Perfectionism can steal your time, energy, and happiness. Don’t let it get in the way of your decluttering journey. 

Embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Remember, the goal isn’t to achieve perfection immediately but to learn to live with less. 

Be patient with yourself and your home. Progress is more important than perfection.

Friendly Tip: Embrace imperfection, learn from mistakes, and be kind to yourself!

16) Make the experience enjoyable

How can you make decluttering enjoyable and satisfying?

Believe it or not, decluttering can bring joy and satisfaction. 

Don’t view it as a chore. Instead, focus on enjoying the journey.  In fact, it’s one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done. 

So while you’re working on simplifying your life and reducing the amount of stuff in your home, ensure you’re enjoying yourself too.

Avoid fixating solely on the result. Embrace the feeling of freedom that comes from simplifying your life. 

And imagine how much easier cleaning and moving will be with fewer things to manage.

Friendly Tip: Find joy in decluttering and create a positive experience for yourself!

17) Set a deadline for completion

How can setting a deadline helps you stay motivated and on track?

Having a deadline will boost your motivation and keep you focused. Ensure the deadline is close in the future, as it can lose its meaning. 

For instance, if your goal is to reduce clutter by 50%, set a two-week deadline starting today. 

If that feels overwhelming, start with a smaller plan, like reducing clutter by 10%. Once you achieve it, set new goals and continue until you reach your ultimate target.

I’ve overcome this obstacle, and so can you.

Friendly Tip: Set deadlines to stay motivated and break your decluttering journey into manageable steps.

18) Prepare a list of questions for when you feel stuck

When you feel stuck or unsure of what to do, having a list of specific questions can be incredibly helpful. These questions act as a guide, helping you navigate through the confusion and find clarity.

• What is the most important thing I need to do right now?
• What would happen if I did nothing at all?
• What is the worst thing that could happen if I didn’t do anything?
• What would be the best thing for me to do right now?

Asking these questions will reinforce your desire to declutter and overcome feeling overwhelmed. Jot down your answers so you can refer to them later and stay focused on your goals.

I still use these questions to see if I’m staying true to why I started.

Friendly Tip: Questions are the signposts for decluttering that lead you in the right direction.

19) Capture before and after photographs

Taking before and after photographs are essential to see your incredible progress. 

Whether it’s capturing the entire room or breaking it up into sections, photograph the furniture before you start organizing. Then, take another picture once everything is in its new place.

These photographs will show you the transformation you’ve achieved, boosting your motivation to keep going. 

You can even record a video to share your journey and express what organizing means.

Friendly Tip: Capture the journey through photos and videos to celebrate your achievements!

20) What if the clutter isn’t mine?

What should you do if the clutter doesn’t belong to you? How can you support others in their organizing projects?

If the clutter belongs to someone in your home, tell them about your organizing project and offer help. However, respect their autonomy and ideas about organizing their belongings. 

Provide suggestions and ideas, but if they decline your assistance, be supportive and let them handle their things.

Remember, as Marie Kondo explains in her book, you shouldn’t take charge of someone else’s organizing project. It’s their stuff; you can only offer help if they want your advice. 

If they prefer to do it their way, respect their decision.

Friendly Tip: Support others by offering ideas, but respect their choices and boundaries.

How To Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed (FAQs)

What to do next?

Congratulations! 

Reading my entire post gives you the knowledge you need on a successful decluttering journey. 

You know the steps to begin, the tools to use, and how to overcome challenges.

You have a solid plan; now it’s time to act. There’s no better moment than the present, so dive in! 

You might have questions or unique decluttering methods that aren’t covered here. That’s absolutely fine! 

This post reflects my personal experience and what has worked for me. If you have helpful tips or tricks for decluttering, I invite you to share them in the comments below. 

Let’s support and inspire each other on this journey!