How to Declutter Your Home When You’re Overwhelmed
Did you know the average American home contains over 300,000 items? It’s no wonder so many of us feel paralyzed at the thought of decluttering it.
When every surface and every drawer feels like a hidden challenge that will never end, it’s easy to feel stuck. However, you don’t have to do it all at once.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can start with a single drawer, a single cabinet, or five minutes. Here’s how to declutter when you’re too overwhelmed to start.
Table of Contents
Start With a Reset, Not a Plan
Feelings of overwhelm come from overthinking, and detailed strategies can feel like just another pile to sort through. Instead, focus on resetting your mind and your space.
Pick one small, easy area, like a single drawer in your nightstand or the top of your coffee table. Clear it completely, wipe it down, and only put back what you use or love.
This small victory can create momentum and shift your mindset. You’ll learn to think of clutter in categories, not rooms. Instead of focusing on an entire space, focus on single categories like books, kitchen cabinets, spices, personal items in the bathroom, or one closet. This will simplify decision-making and give you a clear finish line.
Let Go of Perfection
If you’re waiting for the perfect time to declutter or aiming for an Instagram-worthy after-photo, you’ll stay stuck. It’s never going to be the perfect time to get started.
Progress is more important than aesthetics. Even the smallest improvements will make a difference.
Lean Into Your Emotions
Clutter isn’t just physical stuff–it’s emotional. Every item in your home holds a story, and that’s why letting go can feel so difficult.
You bought everything (or it was gifted). You have some type of connection with all of it. So, lean into your emotions to get through the decluttering process.
Instead of ignoring your emotions, acknowledge them. Hold each item and ask yourself if this still fits into your life today.
Create Micro-Goals That Fit Your Energy
If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or short on time, commit to decluttering for just five minutes.
Set a timer and work until it dings. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in those tiny bursts. And more often than not, you’ll find the motivation to keep going.
Find Your Dopamine Boosters
When the time comes to declutter and you feel overwhelmed, try pairing the task with a dopamine-boosting activity. These activities release a rush of dopamine, the brain chemical linked to feelings of reward and motivation. You know, those activities that don’t require tough decisions and make you feel good afterward–they’re just simple actions you know will make you feel better.
What little pick-me-up can you do that makes you feel good? Perhaps it’s making the bed, washing dishes, or clearing off the bathroom counter. While these activities might not be fun at the moment, how do they make you feel afterward? The key is how you feel when they’re done. These quick wins should give you that spark of motivation to tackle the next thing, creating a positive cycle of progress.
Use a Checklist
Using a checklist can be a game-changer when it comes to decluttering, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. There’s something inherently manageable and satisfying about checking off a task.
The beauty in the list lies in its simplicity. You’re not deciding in the moment what to do next–the decisions are already made. Start with easy, bite-sized tasks and watch your list shrink.
Bring in Support
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission. A friend, a family member, or even a professional organizer can help you see your space through fresh eyes.
Your support person is there to provide encouragement when decision fatigue sets in, and creative solutions when you don’t know what to do.
Realize That Mindset Matters More Than the Mess
When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to focus on what you’re losing rather than what you’re gaining. However, decluttering isn’t just about having less–it’s really about making room for what matters.
This mindset shift changes everything. Suddenly, the process becomes less about deprivation and more about intention. You’re creating space for the things you value, the experiences you want, and the peace you deserve.
A clutter-free home doesn’t happen overnight and it certainly doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board. Each step forward is a win, no matter the size. Progress is what matters, not perfection.
That’s it…your Path to a Clutter-Free, Energized Life Begins Now
Clutter leads to stress and anxiety. It’s normal. However, it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle to get rid of it.
Every step you take–no matter how big or small–is a step closer to a more organized space and a clearer mind. So, start where you are, lean into the little victories, and watch how quickly those small changes add up to a big transformation. Your clutter-free life is waiting.
Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.
