Decluttering for Beginners: Where to Start and How to Stay Motivated

Decluttering your home can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially if you have never tackled a decluttering and organizing project before. Many people consider it, but few actually begin the challenging process. Whether you start with bedside drawers, bathroom cabinets, or that dreaded junk drawer, taking one step at a time keeps the process manageable and less daunting. After all, you eat an elephant one bite at a time. If you have a large house, a stuffed storage unit, or simply own a lot of stuff, it’s hard to know how or where to begin. But sometimes, taking the first step is all it takes. Today, we’ll highlight a few simple actions to get started and ways to keep you motivated throughout the daunting decluttering process without added stress. Even if you’ve never decluttered before, you can embark on this clutter clean out journey! Keep scrolling to learn more about decluttering for beginners below.

Clear the clutter: The negative effects of the mess

Close your eyes and take yourself to a place where you are surrounded by an unorganized mess. This place could be a cluttered attic, a garage in disarray, an overstuffed drawer, or something entirely different.  Now, take a moment to think about how it makes you feel to be in this place. Do you feel overwhelmed? Stressed? Anxious? Wherever the memory took you, the feelings were likely similar. It doesn’t take a psychology degree to see the connection between clutter and chaos and the feelings of being stressed. In medical terminology, those cortisol levels rise.  Here’s more about the negative effects of clutter:

• Clutter hinders focus. It competes for real estate in your brain, making it impossible to give your full attention to what you should be focusing on.
• Clutter can make you feel inadequate. Excess belongings restrict your ability to live as you wish. A chaotic space often results in depression and low self-worth.
• Clutter affects your behavior and that of others. Our environments energize or drain us. Starting your day in a tidy, purposeful space versus one filled with useless items makes a huge difference. Clutter clouds your mind, mood, and actions and affects those around you.

To sum up: a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind.

Clutter clean out: How and where to start

It’s always better to start now instead of postponing your decluttering tasks. Any mess you handle today benefits you tomorrow, even if it’s small. In fact, starting small and remaining consistent is key.  Knowing where to start might feel impossible. We totally understand. Rest assured, this feeling is common. Decluttering for beginners is daunting! Our cleaning professionals have found that the best place to start is wherever the chaos bothers you the most. It doesn’t have to be the main clutter culprit. It could be your car’s center console or the top of your dresser. It doesn’t always have to be the overwhelming playroom mess or the desk in your home office, though it could be. Tackling even a tiny, messy spot that triggers your anxiety brings relief and the drive to continue. Once you’ve picked your starting point, the next challenge is deciding what to do with everything you find. This can feel intimidating, especially if you have a lot of stuff. One of our favorite insider tips for this is to dedicate bins in your home for specific items. For example, keep an ongoing bin for items you wish to donate, a bin for items that go upstairs or downstairs, a bin for items that go into the kids’ rooms, etc.  This helps you avoid clutter from sneaking back into the space and skip over second-guessing your decisions. This also enables you to stay on task without having to leave the project to put something away every few minutes.  When determining what you should keep and what to get rid of, follow this simple rule: if you do not use it or love it, it is likely time to get rid of it. This will help you clear the clutter quickly and effectively. Another helpful question is, if you did not own this particular item or something similar and saw it in a store today, would you buy it again? If the answer is no, then it’s probably not worth keeping. If the answer is yes, that’s great! It means it’s a necessary part of your life, and you need to find a home for it. Taking it a simple step at a time and being 100% honest with yourself about what adds value and brings joy into your life will make decluttering feel more manageable.

Clear the clutter: 5 simple steps to clarity

If you are on your first clutter clean out journey or need a little help getting through your current one, follow these simple steps to stay focused and reduce overwhelm. Here are five clear steps to make decluttering easier and more manageable:

1. Make a plan

Before starting, identify your decluttering goals. List the areas in your home that require attention, and set a realistic timeline for completing each space. Let’s say you’ve decided your bedside table is your first project for today. Now, your first step is to narrow it down further. Make a plan of attack. First, gather the trash and toss it. Collect any items that do not belong on your nightstand and put them in a bin (don’t distract yourself by putting them away; use those bins we talked about!). Any dishes, papers, medications, books, etc., that do not have a “home” in your bedside table go in the bin. Of course, this is an example, so customize it according to your plan.

2. Assign a home for what stays

With clutter gone, organize what remains. Give each item a designated place. If anything lacks a proper home, it will contribute to future clutter. If you can’t find a spot, consider donating it or relocating it so it has a home in a different space.

3. Take breaks when necessary

Trying to declutter your entire house or even a room in one day can be overwhelming. Break it down into small tasks instead of pushing yourself too much and burning out. Set timers for 15 or 20 minutes to focus on small areas. You can do anything for 15 or 20 minutes! If that feels like too much, break it down further. Try the 5 x 5 organizing method, which involves five different zones and setting a timer for five minutes, working for a total of 25 minutes.  This quick, high-intensity organizing method focuses on clearing and decluttering rather than a deep clean. It is fast-paced, makes a big impact over time, and prevents overwhelm.

4. Skip feelings of guilt

It’s not uncommon to feel guilty about donating or tossing things, especially when they are gifts or hold sentimental value. But, in reality, holding on to items you do not need or use takes up space and causes clutter, resulting in stress. Instead of feeling guilty, focus on how someone else could benefit from these items. This will give you clarity and give your items a new life.

5. Make it a habit

Decluttering is not a one-and-done task, but rather something that is ongoing to keep things under control. By spending a few minutes every day tidying, you can avoid getting back into a state of overwhelm and keep your space organized.

Decluttering your home: how to stay motivated

Keeping the train moving and staying motivated isn’t always easy. The best way we’ve found to stay motivated is to notice the difference. Take note of how it feels to have a clean, organized closet versus a chaotic one. Is your mind at ease?  How does it feel to open your designated “junk drawer” and not have to dig around through a bunch of junk to find something? It probably feels pretty good. Let that feeling fuel you. Another key to staying motivated is maintaining your progress. Don’t fall back into the decluttering for beginners class — you’ve graduated! If you’ve organized your coat closet, ensure everything remains in its place. Your effort deserves lasting results — keep up the good work to prevent backsliding.

Daisy Maids helps you stay on top of the mess

Once you’ve finished decluttering your home, Daisy Maids will take your space to the next level with expert deep cleaning. Don’t let your hard work go to waste — book our professional cleaning service today and experience a spotless, refreshed home without the hassle. Whether you need ongoing maintenance, a one-time deep clean, or another cleaning service, the professionals at Daisy Maids are ready to keep your home along the Wasatch Front and Back looking spotless and refreshed. Don’t wait — call or schedule your cleaning today to enjoy the full benefits of your decluttered space.