Feeling Overwhelmed by Clutter?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin—especially if clutter has been building up for years. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to do everything at once. If you’re not sure how to tackle the clutter, try one of these simple methods to get started and build momentum.

In This Guide

Feeling Super Overwhelmed?

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Ways to Start!

Start Small:

  1. Choose one space (a drawer, closet, or single shelf).

  2. Remove everything from that space.

  3. Do a quick sort into four piles: Keep / Donate / Trash / Maybe.

  4. Clean the empty space—wipe it down before putting anything back.

  5. Review the trash pile and discard anything that’s no longer needed or usable. Move any usable items to the donate pile.

  6. Box up donation items. Click here to see where items can be donated.

  7. Revisit the “Keep” pile and separate items that belong in this space from those that should live elsewhere.

  8. Organize what stays, placing frequently used items in the most accessible spots and rarely used items toward the back.

  9. Relocate items that belong in a different space.

  10. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done—you’ve earned it!

  11. Keep the momentum going and pick another space.

Another way to start small is to set a time limit of 15–60 minutes and declutter as many spaces as you can within that window.

A great way to keep momentum going is by committing to 15-minute decluttering sessions each day. Short, consistent efforts prevent burnout, make the task feel manageable, and lead to real progress over time. Every small session adds up—and before you know it, you’ll see noticeable changes without feeling overwhelmed.

Declutter by Category

1. Pick your category (one at a time). Start with something simple (clothes, books, papers) before tackling sentimental items.

2. Choose a “home base” spot to work. A bed, dining table, or clear floor space where you can spread everything out.

3. Gather every item in that category from the whole house. If you’re doing clothes, pull from closets, dressers, laundry room, coats, storage bins, and under the bed.

4. Do a fast sort into four piles: Keep, Donate, Trash/Recycle, Maybe (limit this pile!)

5. Handle the “Maybe” pile immediately.

  • Pick a number limit (ex: 10 items).

  • Put them in a box with a date on it.

  • If you don’t use or miss them in 30–60 days, donate.

6. Clean and reset the storage spot for that category. Wipe shelves/drawers, add bins if needed, and label simply.

7. Put back only the “Keep” items—organized by subcategory.
Examples: Clothes: tops / pants / workout / outerwear

Kitchen: baking / cooking tools / food storage

Paper: action items / to file / to shred

8. Make donations and trash leave your home fast. Trash out the same day. Donations into the car or scheduled pickup within 48 hours. Click here to see where to donate items.

9. Set a simple “maintenance rule.” to keep the clutter from coming back.
Examples:

One in, one out

Keep a donation bag in a closet

Monthly 10-minute category reset

10. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done—you’ve earned it!

Decluttering by category helps you see how much you really have—and makes it easier to make decisions.

Possible Categories:

  • Clothing

  • Paper & Mail

  • Books & Media

  • Kids’ item

  • Hobby items

  • Kitchen gadgets

  • Tool & Home maintenance items

Declutter by Room

1. Pick your goal. Decide what “done” means (clear floor, usable surfaces, organized closet).

2. Grab supplies: Trash bag, donate bag/box, “relocate” basket, “maybe” box, cleaning wipes, labels (optional).

3. Start with a quick reset. Clear one small landing spot (chair/table/bed) to use as your “sorting station.”

4. Do a fast trash sweep. Walk around the room and throw away obvious trash: packaging, papers you don’t need, broken items, empty bottles, etc.

5. Remove items that don’t belong in that room. Use a “relocate” basket and collect anything that belongs in another room. Don’t leave the room—just collect the items.

6. Declutter by zones. Work best in this order so you see progress quickly:

  • Floor (biggest impact)

  • Surfaces (dresser, desk, nightstands)

  • Storage (closet, drawers, shelves)

Pick one zone and finish it before moving on to the next.

5. Use the 4-pile method in every zone. Sort items into:

  • Keep (stays in this room)

  • Donate

  • Trash/Recycle

  • Maybe (limit this pile)

6. Clean each zone before putting items back. Wipe the surface, vacuum/sweep, then return only the “keep” items.

7. Organize what stays. The simpler you can keep the system the easier it will be to maintain. Some options include:

  • Group like items together

  • Put everyday items within easy reach.

  • Use bins/baskets for loose items.

  • Label only if it helps you maintain it.

8. Put “relocate” items away once all zones have been decluttered. Take the basket and return items to their proper homes around the house.

9. Make donations and trash leave your home fast. Trash out the same day. Donations into the car or scheduled pickup within 48 hours. Click here to see where to donate items.

10. Set a simple “maintenance rule.” to keep the clutter from coming back.
Examples:

One in, one out

Keep a donation bag in a closet

Monthly 10-minute category reset

11. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done—you’ve earned it!

How to Determine What to Keep

Keep it if: you use it, it fits your life now, and you’d buy it again if it broke.

Let it go if: it’s broken, expired, duplicate item, or you’ve kept it “just in case” for years.

If you’re unsure, ask:

  • - Have I used this in the last year?

  • - Would I buy this again today?

  • - Does this item support how I live now?

  • - Is this worth storing?

If the answer is “no,” it’s time to let it go!