Declutter Your Home Without Overwhelm

by | Oct 20, 2023 | Homes & Lifestyle, News and Articles

Organise Your Home With These Decluttering Tips

Everyone has a bit of rubbish lying around the house – and the majority of us have more than a little. Household clutter seems relatively harmless. But many people feel stressed and like life is out of control when they surround themselves with more things than they can manage.

Decluttering your home and taking care of the mess is actually a way to take better care of yourself. According to a survey conducted by Mobile Skips, 65% of Australians have completed a decluttering project in the last year. 

In our incredibly thorough how-to, we’ll help you get started on your own decluttering project. You’ll learn how to clean up any space in your home with organisation ideas and decluttering tips from the industry’s leading experts.

#1 – Just get started!

The first step to decluttering your home without feeling overwhelmed is to simply get started! Often, the hardest part of any task is taking that initial step.  Don’t overthink it or procrastinate, just dive in.

Begin by tackling the easy stuff. Look for items that are expired, broken, or no longer serve a purpose in your daily life. This could include old magazines, expired medication, or kitchen gadgets you never use. By starting with these items, you’ll be able to build confidence and momentum for the rest of the decluttering process.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s okay to start small and work your way up. Overthinking the clutter in your entire house can lead to feelings of overwhelm. Instead, focus on one room or even just a specific zone within a room. Starting with small areas allows you to see progress quickly and prevents those overwhelming feelings from taking over.

Once you’ve gained some momentum, gradually move on to more challenging spaces. This could be an overstuffed cupboard or a junk drawer that requires more decision-making. By starting small and gradually working your way up, you’ll be able to declutter your home with a sense of accomplishment and without feeling overwhelmed.

So, take that first step, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free, organised home!

#2 – Start small

When it comes to decluttering your home, starting small is the key to success. Breaking down the larger space into small, manageable tasks will make the process feel less overwhelming. Instead of tackling the entire room or house at once, focus on decluttering one drawer, one shelf, or even one box or pile at a time.

By starting small, you can easily see progress and stay motivated. You’ll be amazed at how decluttering just one small area can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your space. Plus, it’s much easier to make quick decisions and stay focused when you’re only dealing with a small section at a time.

One effective approach is to declutter for just 10 minutes a day. Set a timer and dedicate that short amount of time to decluttering a specific area. Whether it’s a junk drawer, a shelf in your cupboard, or a pile of papers, commit to decluttering it for just 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short amount of time.

Starting small and decluttering for 10 minutes a day ensures that the task is manageable and doesn’t consume all of your time and energy. It’s a tangible and achievable goal that can easily fit into your daily routine. So, grab a timer, focus on one small area, and declutter your home without feeling overwhelmed.

#3 – Create a habit

Creating a habit of decluttering is essential to maintaining a clutter-free home. By starting small and adopting minimalist habits, you can make decluttering a regular part of your daily routine. Consistency is key when it comes to keeping your home organised and clutter-free.

To create the habit of decluttering, begin by tackling small areas or specific items each day. Start with your sock drawer, a kitchen cabinet, or a stack of papers. By starting small, you’ll prevent feeling overwhelmed and stay motivated to continue. As you consistently declutter these small areas, the habit will become ingrained in your daily life.

Practising daily decluttering has several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to identify clutter more easily, as you’re actively engaging with your living spaces every day. Additionally, daily decluttering prevents clutter from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Taking simple steps each day removes the need for major decluttering projects later on.

By regularly decluttering, you’ll notice an improvement in the quality of your life. A clutter-free space brings a sense of calm and reduces stress. It also makes it easier to find and access the items you need, saving you time and energy in your daily routine.

Creating a habit of decluttering may take time, but by starting small and committing to regular efforts, you’ll gradually transform your space into a clutter-free haven. Keep in mind that consistency is key, and even a few minutes each day can make a significant difference in decluttering your home.

#4 – Create a plan

Once you’ve gained some momentum from starting small and creating a habit of decluttering, it’s time to create a plan that will help you stay organised and on track. A clear plan provides structure and allows you to make progress towards your goals in an efficient and effective way.

Creating a plan for decluttering involves setting specific objectives, breaking them down into achievable tasks, and assigning deadlines.   Just doing 10 mins once a week is enough to build momentum.

#5 – Focus yourself

When it comes to decluttering your home, it’s essential to focus yourself and take things one step at a time. The thought of tackling an entire house can be overwhelming, so it’s important to break the process down into manageable tasks. Here are some steps to help you stay focused and not feel overwhelmed during the decluttering process:

  1. Start small: Begin with one area or room at a time rather than trying to tackle the entire house in one go. This approach allows you to see progress and prevents feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Set realistic goals: Define what you want to achieve in each decluttering session. Having a clear goal in mind helps you stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenging spaces.
  3. Create a decluttering plan: Develop a schedule or timeline that outlines when and how you will tackle each area. This helps you stay organized and ensures that you allocate dedicated time for decluttering.
  4. Break it down: When working on a specific area, divide it into smaller categories such as clothes, books, or kitchen items. Focusing on one category at a time makes decision-making easier and prevents getting overwhelmed by the entire space.
  5. Take baby steps: Decluttering doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Start with small, manageable tasks, like decluttering a junk drawer or organizing a stack of papers. Celebrate each accomplishment to stay motivated and encouraged.

Remember, decluttering is about improving the quality of your life and creating a more organized and enjoyable space. By focusing on one thing at a time, you can maintain your momentum and avoid feeling overwhelmed throughout the process.

#6 – Start in the place that will make the most difference

When embarking on a decluttering journey, it’s important to start in a place that will make the most difference in your daily life. This strategic approach allows you to quickly see the impact of your efforts, providing motivation to continue decluttering throughout your home. Consider starting with areas that tend to accumulate the most clutter and have a significant impact on your everyday routine. For example, your kitchen counters, which often accumulate various items like mail, keys, and other odds and ends, can easily become a cluttered space.

By decluttering and organizing this area, you’ll create a clean and functional space that sets the tone for the rest of your home. Similarly, tackling your bedroom or living room may have a significant impact on your overall sense of calm and relaxation. By prioritizing the areas that will make the most difference, you’ll build momentum and create a clutter-free home one space at a time.

#7Get an Accountability Partner

Decluttering your home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re doing it alone. That’s why it’s a great idea to get an accountability partner to help you along the way. Having someone to check in with and provide support and encouragement can make a world of difference in your decluttering journey.

An accountability partner is a trusted friend or family member who joins you in the decluttering process. They are there to lend a helping hand, offer a fresh perspective, and keep you motivated. When faced with difficult areas or items that hold sentimental value, having someone by your side can make the task feel less overwhelming.

Well done on taking charge of Making Room for What Matters.   You’ve got this!