How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed – 12 Real Steps That Work

Feel like your home is closing in on you?

If the clutter’s piled up and you’ve no idea where to start, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. One drawer turns into a disaster zone, and suddenly the whole house feels like a storage unit.

Here’s the thing: decluttering doesn’t have to be this big, stressful job. You don’t need a full weekend or professional training to begin. What you do need is a clear starting point, a bit of patience, and a plan that actually works.

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Start Small – Seriously Small

Trying to sort your whole house in one go? That’s how most people burn out fast.
Start tiny. One drawer. One shelf. One box.

• Set a 20-minute timer.
• Grab a bin bag or box.
• Toss out anything broken, useless, or that you simply don’t like.

Small wins build momentum. That little sense of progress helps you push through the bigger stuff later.

2. Handle Other People’s Stuff (OPP)

You’ll come across random bits that don’t even belong to you. Megan Ludvinsky calls them OPP – Other People’s Property.

• If it’s damaged, bin it.
• If it’s decent, donate it.
• If it’s not yours, return it or set it aside.

Don’t get stuck dealing with items that aren’t even part of your life.

3. Make a Simple List

Walking around aimlessly? That leads to burnout fast. Make a rough list of:

• Areas that need work
• Rooms that feel the most cluttered
• Specific spots (drawers, closets, shelves)

This gives your day some structure. You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a list that shows you where to begin.

4. Block It Out On Your Calendar

Treat your decluttering session like a real appointment.
Pick a time. Put it in your phone or write it on a sticky note.

Once it’s booked, your brain treats it like something you’re doing—not something you’re “thinking about” doing.

5. Expect the Mess

It’s going to get ugly before it gets better.
Things will be everywhere. It’ll look worse before it looks tidy. That’s normal.

Keep going. Don’t let the mess talk you out of finishing.

6. Ask for Help

Doing this solo? Tough. You’ll run out of steam quickly. Ask:

• Your partner
• A friend
• Your kids (if they’re old enough)

Decluttering can be a great lesson for children. It teaches responsibility. And let’s be honest, the extra hands help.

7. Make Room to Move

You need space to work. Clear the area before you start sorting.

Tripping over piles or working in tight corners? That’s a one-way ticket to frustration.

Give yourself a clear, open space to sort, toss, and reorganise.

8. Tackle Your “Hot Spot” First

Where does the clutter stress you out the most?
That’s your hot spot. Start there.

Could be your kitchen counter, entryway, or coffee table. Clean just one of these and the house already feels calmer.

9. Keep a “Bye-Bye Bin” Handy

Don’t overthink every item. If you don’t love it or use it, let it go.

Ludvinsky has a few rules worth following:

• 20/20/20 Rule: If it costs less than $20, takes under 20 minutes to replace, and is within 20 miles—ditch it.
• If you saw the item in a shop today, would you buy it again? If not, out it goes.

Keep a donation bin nearby. Keep adding to it.

10. Stick With Simple Storage Rules

Want to keep your place tidy after all that work?

Here’s what helps me:

• Store similar things together.
• Everything has a spot.
• Put stuff back right after using it.

This way, clutter doesn’t creep back in.

11. Declutter a Bit Each Day

Don’t wait months before your next clean-up. Build it into your routine.

• Do a quick 15-minute tidy before bed.
• Toss things into your donation bin as you go.
• Reset your kitchen after each meal.

Tiny daily actions stop the big mess from returning.

12. Get a Pro (If You’re Stuck)

Still overwhelmed? That’s okay. Some people need more than tips—they need backup.

A professional organiser won’t just help you clean—they’ll show you systems to stop clutter from building up again.

Hiring one might cost you upfront, but if it saves you stress and time, it’s worth it.

FAQs

How do you start decluttering when you’re overwhelmed?

Start small. Pick one drawer or corner. Set a timer and give yourself a win.

What is the first thing you should do when decluttering?

Make a list of the areas that bother you most. Start with the worst one.

What’s the 90/90 rule for decluttering?

If you haven’t used something in 90 days and don’t plan to in the next 90, consider letting it go.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering when you’re overwhelmed doesn’t require perfection. It just needs a starting point.

You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need a full weekend. You just need to start.
And remember—small steps create big changes.