Every one of us faces a situation where our surroundings become hopelessly disordered. Many times, throughout the day I view my home space and wonder how to begin clearing away this heap of clutter from its walls and floors. The excess of things causes a feeling of suffocation at both home and workplace locations. I’ve been through that moment and now I want to show you the all methods that allowed me to recover management and reach a peaceful state of mind.
How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed at Home
You are similar to many people who consider home decluttering to be an enormous task. You don’t have to handle everything during a single attempt. The approach I take involves defining specific targets. Breaking big goals into small portions becomes my approach when I experience overwhelming feelings. Eventually I want to tidy an entire room and at minimum a drawer throughout an ordinary day. The sizeable approach keeps everything within reach while stopping burnout from occurring.
One of my favorite tricks is using the 80/20 Rule (the Pareto Principle). I reduce clutter so that 80% of the space is clear, leaving just 20% filled. This makes everything feel so much more spacious and easier to maintain. And don’t worry about doing everything in one go. I set a timer for 15 minutes, and that’s it! Little by little, things start to come together.
How to Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed at Work
You know those days when your desk is covered in papers, pens, and half-drunk coffee cups? I’ve definitely been there too. When I’m feeling overwhelmed at work, I prioritize the tasks that matter most. I don’t try to do everything at once. I focus on the 20% of tasks that will give me 80% of the results (yes, the 80/20 Rule strikes again!). It’s amazing how much more focused and productive I feel when I clear the clutter from my desk and only keep what I truly need.
Sometimes, though, the clutter isn’t just physical—it’s digital too. I make sure to organize my digital files and emails too, which can easily get out of hand. And I set boundaries for checking emails—no multitasking, just focused work during my dedicated times.
How to Declutter When You're Depressed
When I’ve been feeling low or stressed, decluttering can feel like the last thing I want to do. But the truth is, starting small can help build momentum. I might begin by simply making my bed, or washing a few dishes. Sounds simple, right? But it works! Over time, I start to feel like I can take on more.
I remind myself to set achievable goals, because if I try to do too much, I’ll just end up feeling more overwhelmed. And hey, it’s okay to take breaks. I try to be kind to myself—sometimes, that means letting go of the guilt and just accepting that small progress is still progress.
How to Declutter When You Want to Keep Everything
I have a confession: I tend to hold onto things. Sentimental items, things that I think I’ll need “someday,” or just stuff I’ve accumulated over time. But here’s what’s helped me: I’ve learned to assess the value of each item. Does it serve a real purpose? Does it bring me joy? If not, it’s time to let go.
Setting limits on how many things I keep in each category has been a game changer. For example, I give myself a certain number of books I can keep, or a set amount of kitchen gadgets. And here’s one of my favorite tips: for sentimental items like old photos, I digitize them. That way, I can preserve the memories without keeping the clutter.
Declutter a Room in 30 Minutes
If you’re short on time but need to see some quick results, this is a method I swear by. First, I gather supplies—trash bags, donation boxes, and cleaning products. Then, I set a timer for just 30 minutes. It’s amazing how focused I become when I know I only have half an hour to work with.
I focus on the visible areas first—things like countertops, tables, and shelves. Sorting through these spaces usually makes a big impact right away. In the last few minutes, I quickly clean the surfaces. After 30 minutes, you’d be surprised how much fresher and organized everything looks!
Declutter Your Home Checklist
If you’re wondering how to get started on a more comprehensive declutter, here’s a quick checklist based on what worked for me:
- Entryway: Organize shoes, coats, and mail. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer the space feels without piles of clutter.
- Living Room: Sort through magazines, books, and electronics. Get rid of items you don’t use regularly.
- Kitchen: Declutter countertops and organize the pantry. Trust me, a clean kitchen can work wonders for your mental state!
- Bedrooms: I always start by making the bed, then I go through my closet and drawers to organize clothes.
- Bathrooms: Toss expired products and organize toiletries. A clutter-free bathroom is like a mini spa.
- Home Office: I organize my paperwork, sort through office supplies, and tidy up my desk to keep distractions at bay.
Remember, decluttering doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether you're overwhelmed at home or work, dealing with clutter during tough emotional times, or trying to let go of things you want to keep forever, there’s no right or wrong way to declutter. Find what works for you, take it step by step, and soon enough, you’ll feel the benefits of a more organized space.
So, go ahead—take a deep breath and get started. You’ve got this!
