How to Declutter When You’re Overwhelmed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written By Alison DeCamp

Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.  Know that you are not alone, and I have your back!  Try these simple steps to help curb the overwhelm, reduce clutter, and reclaim your space (both mental and physical!). 

Before we start, I think it is important to highlight three things to keep in mind.

  • Needing to declutter is not a moral failure.  It does not make you a bad or unworthy person.  You have inherent worth as a human that does not depend on how much stuff you have.

  • Decluttering is about progress and not perfection!  Every step, big or small, gets you further down your path.

  • Celebrate your wins, aka your progress, at every step of the way!  Celebrate the trash you get out of your space - whether 5 or 50 pieces.  Celebrate decluttering part (or all!) of your space during your round of decluttering!

Step 1. Choose It

Start by choosing a specific area to declutter based on your current capacity (e.g., energy, time).  Your chosen area could be a 2 x 2 sq. ft. area of the floor, a surface like a kitchen counter, or a container such as a specific shelf, drawer, or bin. 

Tip - If you pick a place that’s visible to you on a daily basis, then you’ll get a hit of dopamine every time you see the progress you’ve made.  This will improve your mood and make you more inclined to keep up the good work.

Step 2. Trash It

If you have trash in the area, then start by identifying all the obvious trash and throwing it away (or recycling it) to get a quick win.  

Tip - Keeping a trash can or bag with you will make decluttering easier and quicker.  It also tethers you to the task-at-hand thereby reducing distractions.  Tricks like this can help you conserve mental and physical energy.  And remember to give yourself kudos for what you’re able to accomplish!

Step 3. Take It (Home)

Identify items in your chosen area that already have homes in a different part of your house.  You can either put the items away one-by-one (so it’s done immediately) or use a dedicated bin as a temporary holding place until you’re ready to take them where they belong.  

Tip - See which method works best for your brain.

Step 4. Question It

When working with clients on deciding whether they will keep or get rid of items that still remain in their chosen space, I have found that it can be helpful to get curious.  So ask yourself some questions. For example:

  • Does this fit my life now?  Does this item represent you as you currently are, e.g., current interests, hobbies, projects, clothing sizes, etc., or does it belong to a past or future version of you?

  • Will I remember I have this item?  If you won’t remember and would go out to buy a duplicate, then it may be worth donating the item.

  • Have I used this in the last 6 months? If you’re unsure, put it in a box to keep for 6 months and see if you pull it out again.

  • If I’m not using this item, could someone else give it a second life or love it more than I do currently?  Could this become someone else’s treasure?  

  • If I’m holding on to this item for sentimental reasons, would having a picture of this suffice? Taking a picture can help us feel like we won’t lose the associated memory or emotional connection by parting with the item.

  • Is it worth paying “rent” to keep this item?  You pay to rent, own, or maintain your home.  Do you want to pay for this item to take up space in your home and your life?  Or is the space and simplicity worth more?

  • Is the mental clarity and freedom that comes with decluttering this item worth more than keeping it?

Step 5. Donate It

Keep a donation box or bag with you as you identify items to donate.  This keeps you focused on decluttering and conserves time and energy during the decluttering process.  Make the box or bag something you can donate too when you drop items at your local donation center, like Community Forklift, Salvation Army, or Value Village in the Hyattsville, MD, area. 

Tip - When you’re done with the decluttering session, consider putting the donations in your car.  This gets them out of your house and ready to drop off.

Final Thoughts

Start managing your overwhelm and your clutter today by picking a place to start (start small), taking a step, and celebrating your progress.  I’m celebrating with you!  If you would like more support or a partner in the process, please reach out for a free consultation.  I would love to team up!



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Alison DeCamp