How to Declutter When You Have Too Much Stuff

Clutter doesn’t happen overnight. It sneaks in, one item at a time. That sweater you bought on sale, the books you meant to read, or the gifts you couldn’t say no to—they all add up. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by things you don’t use or need.

It’s overwhelming. The piles grow, and it gets harder to imagine a clutter-free space. 

But don’t worry. Clutter is the result of decisions we’ve put off and the habits we’ve built over time, and you don’t have to fix it all at once. Small steps can make a big difference. 

Here are some tips to take control of your stuff and create the calm, organized home you need and want desperately.

1. Challenge the Belief That You Need Everything

First, you have to challenge the belief that you need everything. You don’t. Often, the desire to hold onto things comes from a place of scarcity or anxiety. 

You buy or keep things as a form of security, but they rarely provide the peace you seek. 

Instead of asking, what if I need this someday, ask, do I truly value this now?

Shifting your focus to what genuinely matters can help you let go with confidence. It’s a way to realign your life with what truly brings you happiness and peace.

2. Start Small and Easy

When you’re surrounded by too much stuff, diving into a massive decluttering project can feel impossible. 

You have to start small. Choose a manageable area, like a single drawer, a shelf, or even your bedside table. The key is to keep the task so simple that it doesn’t overwhelm you.

Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and focus only on that space. Do not get sidetracked by other areas. 

Completing even a tiny section can build confidence and give you the motivation to keep going. Small steps add up to significant changes over time.

3. Sort Using the Four-Box Method

Sorting items into categories using the four-box method is one of the simplest ways to make decluttering decisions. Grab four boxes or bags and label them Keep, Donate/Sell, Storage, and Trash. 

Go through each item in your chosen area and decide where it belongs. Be firm in your choices and avoid holding on to “maybe” items—they’ll only add to the clutter.

This method keeps your process organized and gives you a clear system to follow. Once you’ve sorted, take immediate action: throw out the trash, schedule a donation drop-off, or list items to sell. The quicker you handle these steps, the less likely clutter will creep back in.

4. Focus on One Category at a Time

Instead of decluttering an entire room, work by category, such as clothes, books, or kitchen items. This approach lets you see exactly how much you own in each category.

Going category by category helps you make better decisions because it’s easier to compare items side by side. After all, you might not realize you have 15 spatulas or three nearly identical black sweaters until you put them all together.

Start with the category that feels easiest to you and save sentimental or emotionally challenging items for last. If you’re ready to go, start with sentimental items and save the easy stuff for last.

5. Use the One-Year Rule

The one-year rule is a simple but effective guideline–if you haven’t used or worn something in the past 12 months, let it go. 

Be realistic about what adds value to your life and what’s just taking up space. The goal isn’t to get rid of everything but to keep only the things that truly matter.

Of course, there are exceptions, like seasonal items or sentimental keepsakes. But even then, it’s worth asking yourself if those items still serve a purpose or bring you joy. 

Being honest with yourself is the key to making lasting progress. Are you really going to use this stuff in the next year?

6. Adopt the One-In, One-Out Rule

Once you start decluttering, it’s important to stop the clutter from coming back. Try the one-in, one-out rule. 

For every new item you bring into your home, remove one item. This keeps the balance and prevents things from piling up again.

This rule also makes you more intentional about what you buy. Before purchasing something, think about what it will replace. 

7. Get Help if You Need It

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo project. Enlist the help of a friend or family member who can offer support and an objective perspective. Try a declutter challenge or course.

Sometimes, having someone there can make the process less overwhelming and even a little fun.

If you’re feeling stuck or the task is too big to handle alone, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can help you create a plan and provide tips tailored to your needs. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

8. Try a Challenge to Get Started

If you’re overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to begin, a decluttering challenge is a great place to start. Challenges give you a clear plan to follow, making the process feel less intimidating. 

The 30-Day Decluttering Challenge, challenges participants to get rid of one item on day one and two on day two. By the end of the 30 days, you’ve decluttered nearly 500 items.

The beauty lies in starting small. You ease into the process. As the numbers grow, you build confidence and see real space quickly.

The 5 minute declutter is another challenge worth trying. It’s simple: set a timer for 5 minutes every day. That’s it–just five minutes of straight decluttering. Pick a small area like a drawer or a corner, and make steady progress. 

By the end of the year, those five-minute sessions will add up to a remarkable transformation. And who knows? By then, five minutes might just feel like a warm-up, and you could find yourself tackling decluttering marathons with ease. 

9. Shift Your Thinking

All of these tips will help you declutter and let go when you have too much stuff. However, you have to shift your thinking, or you’ll always have too much stuff. 

Once you make this small change, decluttering stops feeling like a sacrifice and starts feeling like liberation. It becomes less of a task and more of a step toward living a simpler, more intentional life.