How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people, including myself, feel this way when they start their journey into minimalism. The good news is that there are a few tips that can help make the process a little bit easier.

1. Acknowledge your feelings

Decluttering can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to deal with the physical act of sorting through your belongings, but you also have to deal with the emotional challenges that come with letting things go.

Before you start decluttering your house, it’s important to take a moment to acknowledge your feelings. Are you feeling stressed about getting rid of things? Are you worried about making the wrong decision?

Recognizing and accepting your emotions will help you to approach decluttering with a clear head. Once you’ve taken the time to process your feelings, you can begin the task of decluttering with confidence.

2. Begin with the end in mind

Envisioning the end result of your decluttering project is a crucial first step. What do you want your home to look and feel like when you’re finished?

Trying to declutter without a clear vision is likely to lead to frustration, as you’ll be constantly second-guessing your decisions.

Once you have a clear idea of your goal, you can start making plans to achieve it. Break the project down into smaller tasks, and focus on one area at a time.

As you declutter, be sure to ask yourself whether each item brings you joy or serves a purpose in your life. If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your home into a clutter-free oasis.

3. Set a timer

When it comes to decluttering your home, setting a timer can be a helpful way to stay on track. By working in small increments, you can avoid getting overwhelmed by the task at hand.

Start by setting a timer for 15 minutes and focus on one area of your home. Once the timer goes off, take a break and then set it again for another 15 minutes.

Repeat this process until the entire area is decluttered. This method can also be applied to decluttering other areas of your life, such as your desk or inbox. By setting a timer and working in small increments, you can declutter your space quickly and efficiently.

4. Start in the bedroom

Most people spend the majority of their time at home in their bedrooms, so it makes sense to start decluttering there. Not only will you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your own space, but you’ll also be less likely to let clutter build up again if you keep on top of it.

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can go to relax and escape the stress of daily life, so it is important that it stays organized.

Once you’ve tackled the bedroom, you can move on to other areas of the house with confidence, knowing that you’ve already made a great start.

5. Make your bed

One of the easiest ways to start your day off on the right foot is to make your bed as soon as you get out of it. That way, no matter what happens the rest of the day, you can at least take comfort in knowing that your bedroom is clean and tidy.

Plus, it only takes a few minutes to straighten up your sheets and plump your pillows, so there’s really no excuse not to do it.

If your bed is always neat and tidy, it sets the tone for the rest of the room. Once you’ve made your bed, you’ll be more likely to pick up other items and put them away, keeping your bedroom clean and clutter-free.

6. Clean flat surfaces first

One of the most daunting tasks when decluttering your home is knowing where to start. In many cases, it can feel like the entire house is a mess and that you’ll never be able to get it all sorted out.

However, there is one simple rule that can help to make the process less overwhelming: start with flat surfaces and tables.

By clearing off these areas first, you’ll create a sense of order and calm in the space. Additionally, it will be easier to see the progress you’re making as you go along.

With the flat surfaces and tables decluttered, you can then move on to cleaning other areas of your home. Before long, you’ll have the entire house neat and tidy.

7. Celebrate your progress

The process of decluttering your home can be overwhelming, but it’s important to celebrate your progress along the way.

Just think of all the things you’ll be able to accomplish once your home is decluttered! You’ll be able to find things more easily, and you’ll have more space for the things you love.

Not to mention, decluttering can be a great way to reduce stress. So go ahead and pat yourself on the back for every little bit of progress you make. Soon enough, your home will be the sanctuary it was always meant to be.

Bottom Line

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when decluttering your home if you are trying to accomplish too much all at once. Trying to get rid of everything in a weekend is an unrealistic goal, and it can lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration.

The best way to adopt a minimalist lifestyle is to take it one step at a time. Start by identifying the areas in your home that need the most attention, and then focus on those areas first. Tackle one room or area at a time, and don’t try to do too much at once.

When you’re finished with one area, take a break before moving on to the next area. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

About the Author: Ryan Hart writes about helping people understand themselves better – so they can enjoy happy, fulfilling relationships for years to come. Connect with him at RyanHart.org