How to Start Decluttering When You Feel Overwhelmed

Decluttering your home can feel like an enormous task, especially when you’re surrounded by items that seem to scream for your attention. It’s easy to become paralysed by the sheer volume of stuff and the emotional weight attached to it.

The good news? You don’t have to tackle it all at once. Here’s how to take the first steps toward a clutter-free, calmer space when you feel overwhelmed.

Start Small

The biggest mistake is trying to do too much too soon. Instead of aiming to declutter an entire room, focus on a single drawer, a shelf, or even just a corner. Starting small allows you to build momentum without feeling like you’ve taken on too much. It is important to note that you also need to ensure more stuff isn't coming in, otherwise you will be swimming against the tide.

Set a Timer

Commit to decluttering for just 15 minutes. A timer can help you focus on the task at hand without feeling like you need to dedicate an entire day to the process. You’d be surprised how much progress you can make in a short burst of time.

Break It Into Daily or Weekly Tasks

One of the most effective ways to declutter without becoming overwhelmed is to assign yourself small, manageable tasks each day or week. For example, you might decide to declutter just one kitchen drawer today or go through the pile of magazines in the living room this week. This approach helps you make steady progress without the pressure of tackling an entire room in one go, which is often where the overwhelm begins.

To make it even more engaging, try a Decluttering Bingo! Write numbers 1-30 on a sheet and assign each number to the amount of items to declutter. Each day, pick a random number and declutter that many items, then tick it off your bingo card. It’s a fun and interactive way to stay on track, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment with each completed number.

Choose a Low-Stakes Area

Begin in an area that feels the least overwhelming. Spaces like the bathroom cabinet or a junk drawer often hold fewer sentimental items and are easier to sort through. Starting in these low-stakes areas can give you a quick win and the confidence to tackle bigger challenges later.

Use the ‘Keep, Donate, Toss’ Method

Have three boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Toss.” As you go through items, assign each one to a category. This simple system provides clarity and structure, making decisions less overwhelming.

Ask Yourself Simple Questions

When deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?

• Did I know I had this?

• Would I buy this again today?

• If I lost this item, would I replace it?These questions help you evaluate items objectively.

Focus on Benefits, Not Sacrifices

Instead of thinking about what you’re giving up, focus on what you’re gaining. Less clutter means more space, easier cleaning, and a calmer mind. Visualise the result—a peaceful, organised home, to stay motivated.

Create Friction Against Clutter

To prevent new items from replacing what you’ve just decluttered, consider implementing shopping boundaries. For example, unsubscribe from marketing emails, avoid “just browsing” trips to stores, and think twice before buying something new.

Seek Support

If the idea of decluttering alone feels overwhelming, enlist help. A professional organiser can provide encouragement, keep you accountable, take on a large proportion of the work for you and make the process less daunting.

Progress Over Perfection

Your home didn’t get cluttered overnight, and it won’t become clutter-free overnight either. Focus on steady progress and let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect.

Starting small and working consistently will make a big difference over time. With each item you let go of, you’re not just clearing space in your home, you’re creating room for the life you want to live.

Why not start today with a single task or your first Decluttering Bingo number? You might just be surprised at how much lighter you feel.

Do you have a specific area you’re struggling with, get in touch to book a free consultation with me. I work with people from all walks of life who are looking for support along their decluttering journey. https://www.simplliving.co/book-online