How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed

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Have you ever walked into a messy room and thought, “Where do I even begin with this clutter?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Starting to declutter when you feel overwhelmed can be as frustrating and exhausting as trying to climb a mountain in flip-flops.

But don’t let that stop you! Feeling buried by clutter happens to everyone, even the most organized individuals. It’s not just the mess that’s visible; there’s also the mental burden that comes with it. Piles of items, forgotten projects, and things you intended to deal with weeks ago can quickly become overwhelming.

When you find yourself in this situation, it’s easy to feel stuck or to avoid the space altogether.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to fix everything at once.

The best way to start decluttering when you’re feeling overwhelmed is to take small steps that build momentum rather than drain your energy. Even tiny progress can make a significant difference in how you feel and how your home functions.

I’ll share simple, stress-free steps to help you organize any space, even when you feel completely overwhelmed.

You’ve got this, and I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way!

We have collected these tips, tricks, and ideas from Donna, the founder of anorganizedseason.com

6 Smart Tips To Declutter When You’re Overwhelmed

1. Shift Your Mindset

Before you start, it’s important to get your mindset right. It’s easy to fall into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking, where you feel you have to finish an entire area in one day or else it’s not worth it. This kind of pressure can lead to burnout and procrastination.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming or exhausting. When I tackled our decor storage room, I reminded myself that making progress is more important than striving for perfection. Waiting for a free weekend never worked for me, so I decided to take a simple approach: doing something is better than doing nothing.

Here are some mindset tips to help you get started:

– Begin small; even dedicating just 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress.

– Let go of the idea of perfection. Your space doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a magazine.

– Focus on what you can accomplish today—whether it’s one drawer, shelf, or box.

Once you release the pressure to finish everything at once, the process becomes much lighter. Honestly, this mental shift is half the battle.

2. Pick a Small Space to Focus On

When feeling overwhelmed, it helps to focus on small areas first. Instead of trying to tackle the entire decor room at once, I began by picking up items from the floor to create space and access the shelves. I sorted those items into similar groups in another area, and then moved on to the TV stand, clearing off candles and picture frames.

Each small victory boosted my confidence to keep going.

Consider starting with:

The top of a dresser
One kitchen drawer
A single pantry shelf
Your nightstand
The bathroom counter

Remember, with every little area you clear, you are building momentum!

3. Set a Timer and Stick to It

Setting a timer is a simple yet effective technique.

I dedicated 30 minutes each day to a task. When the timer went off, I stopped—without any guilt or pressure. Some days, I continued working, while on others, 30 minutes felt sufficient.

This approach has several benefits:

It makes tasks more manageable, even on busy days.
It helps you stay focused and reduces distractions.
It fosters a habit that leads to lasting progress.

After just a few sessions, the feeling of overwhelm begins to diminish, and seeing real results will motivate you to keep going.

4. Sort, Donate, and Toss—Don’t Overthink It

Decision fatigue can occur when you’re feeling overwhelmed. To help simplify your decluttering process, try this straightforward sorting system:

Keep: Items that you use regularly and love.
Donate: Good-condition items that you no longer want.
Sell: Valuable items that you’re ready to part with (for a yard sale or online).
Trash: Broken, damaged, or expired items.
Relocate: Items that belong in another part of your home.

If you haven’t used something in a year or don’t love it, place it in the sell or donate piles. You can hold a yard sale and donate any leftovers to charity.

If a yard sale isn’t feasible, consider scheduling a donation pickup, listing items online, or dropping them off yourself. The goal is to declutter your space so you can focus on what truly matters.

Remember not to overthink your decisions—decluttering is about making progress, not achieving perfection.

5. Improve Your Storage for the Long Term

Once you’ve sorted your items, it’s important to keep your space organized to prevent clutter from returning. Clutter often reappears when there isn’t a designated place for your belongings.

After clearing out our decor room, I realized I needed better storage solutions.

Here are some effective tips:

1. Go Vertical: Utilize tall shelves to display items in an organized manner.

2. Use Clear Bins: These are affordable and allow you to see the contents at a glance.

3. Group Similar Items: Keeping related items together makes them easier to access.

4. Utilize Wall Space: Hang organizers to free up shelf space.

You don’t need elaborate systems—simple storage that meets your needs can help keep clutter under control.

6. Celebrate Small Wins and Build Momentum

Celebrate your progress, even if it’s just tackling one drawer or shelf.

Waiting to celebrate until the entire room is finished can feel discouraging. Instead, try the following:

Take before-and-after photos to visualize your achievements.
Light a candle or play your favorite music to enhance the moment.
Share your success with someone who will cheer you on.
Cross off completed tasks on a checklist to track your progress.

Remember, small wins add up quickly. Each accomplishment reinforces your ability to succeed, even when you start to feel overwhelmed.

The momentum you create will motivate you to keep going, making lasting change possible.

Final Thoughts

If you feel overwhelmed, remember that decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Start small, set a timer, and allow yourself to make gradual progress. That’s how I transformed our cluttered decor room into a space I truly enjoy. You can do the same.

The hardest part is getting started. You can do this—every cleared shelf or drawer brings you closer to a home that feels peaceful and functional.