We’ve all been there. You look around your home and all you see is stuff. Piles of paper, overflowing cupboards, and drawers you haven’t opened in months. You know you need to start decluttering, but the sheer volume of it leaves you paralysed. Where do you even begin?
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter is incredibly common. But the good news is, you don’t have to tackle everything at once. With a few simple strategies, you can break the process down and regain control of your space, and your peace of mind.
It’s also important to acknowledge that clutter isn’t just physical, it can be deeply emotional. Sentimental items, gifts, or things tied to past versions of ourselves can feel difficult to part with. By understanding your emotional connection to clutter, you can approach decluttering with more compassion and purpose. This mindset shift is often what helps people finally move forward.
Step 1: Start Small. Really Small.
When you’re overwhelmed, the idea of decluttering your whole home can feel impossible. So don’t start with a room. Don’t even start with a cupboard. Start with one drawer. One shelf. One surface.
The key is to start. You might surprise yourself with how much momentum you build once you take that first small step.
This could mean tackling the junk drawer in the kitchen, the top of your nightstand, or even the pile of mail by the front door. Choose something visible and quick, it gives an instant sense of accomplishment.
Step 2: Set a Timer
Give yourself just 10 or 15 minutes. Set a timer and see how much you can do in that short window. You’re not committing to hours of tidying, just a few minutes. Often, you’ll find that getting started is the hardest part, and once you’re in the groove, you’ll want to keep going.
Use music, a favourite podcast, or even a decluttering playlist to make it feel more fun. You can even treat it like a mini challenge: How much can you clear in 10 minutes?
Step 3: Create Clear Categories to Simplify Decluttering
When decluttering, it helps to sort items into simple categories:
- Keep
- Donate
- Throw away
- Unsure
Be honest with yourself. If something hasn’t been used in over a year and doesn’t spark any joy or serve a practical purpose, it’s probably time to let it go.
For the “unsure” pile, box those items up and set a reminder to revisit in a month. If you haven’t needed or missed anything in the box, chances are you don’t need it at all.
Having labelled boxes or bags ready can make this step smoother. Keep them near your workspace so decisions feel quick and decisive.
Step 4: Avoid the “Maybe Later” Trap When Decluttering
One of the biggest sources of clutter is indecision. “I might use this one day” or “This could be useful eventually” can keep you stuck in a cycle of holding onto things you don’t need.
Ask yourself: Would I buy this today if I didn’t already own it? If the answer is no, consider letting it go.
Another helpful question: “If this item disappeared today, would I go out and replace it?” If not, it’s probably safe to part with.
Step 5: Make Decluttering a Habit, Not a Marathon
You don’t need to declutter your whole house in a weekend. Instead, try building a small daily habit. Declutter one area each day for a week. Or commit to one bag of donations a week. The consistency will add up, and before long, you’ll see real progress.
Keep a donation box in a closet or laundry room. Every time you come across something you no longer use, drop it in. When the box is full, take it out.
Step 6: Celebrate Your Wins
Decluttering is emotionally and mentally taxing. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. Took one bag to the op shop? Brilliant. Cleared off your kitchen bench? Well done. These small wins will help keep you motivated.
You can even keep a “declutter diary” or take before-and-after photos of small spaces to track your progress. It’s satisfying and helps build momentum.
Step 7: Get Support if You Need it to Get Started with Decluttering
If the clutter is tied to deeper emotional struggles or you simply don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Consider enlisting a friend, family member, or even a professional organiser. Sometimes, a little encouragement from the outside can make all the difference.
Professional organisers can offer not just practical help, but also accountability and emotional support. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s not about achieving perfection, it’s about creating space in your home and your mind. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that progress is more important than perfection.
One drawer. One shelf. One item at a time. That’s how you start.
Remember: your home should support your wellbeing, not stress you out. Even the smallest change can have a big impact on your daily life.
Decluttering also empowers you to take control of your environment and make intentional decisions. Over time, it becomes less about “getting rid” of things and more about choosing what truly belongs in your space.
You deserve a home that feels peaceful, not chaotic, a place where every item has a purpose and supports your lifestyle.
Transforming your space starts with one simple step.
Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation and start creating a home that works for you!
