decluttering

How You Can Start Decluttering Your Home Even When It Seems Impossible

September 19, 2021 by Kim O'Bier Leave a Comment

A house full of clutter can keep us from having the life we want. But doing something about it can sometimes feel impossible.

These tips will help you declutter your home, even when you’re overwhelmed and have no idea how to start!

Stack of towels with basket text overlay 10 tips for decluttering when you are overwhelmed by too much stuff

If you’re tired of living in a house full of clutter, and stressed out by the piles of stuff that are all over your home, I know how you feel.

Clutter takes over our space. It steals our peace. And it can even keep us from participating in the simplest of life’s pleasures.

We know how awesome if would be if the mess was gone. But thinking about tackling all of that stuff is overwhelming.

In fact, right now I am looking at a corner of my office/bedroom that is getting way out of hand and desperately needs my attention.

And it’s driving me nuts.

I might even put a picture of it right here so you’ll understand what I’m dealing with.

stack of clutter on white carpet, boxes, blue tote bag of stuff

But, hey. I’ve uncluttered worse disasters.

And if there’s one sure thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s that the key to getting clutter under control is making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

The trick here is to have some easy and practical strategies to help you along the way.

How to Declutter Your Home When You’re Practically Paralyzed by Too Much Stuff and You Don’t Know How to Start

Whether you’re diving in with a full-on decluttering fest, or taking it slow and one bite at a time, these tips I’m sharing on how to declutter when you are seriously overwhelmed will help you reclaim your space, and your sanity.

This post may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE.

1. Identify your clutter

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to take a look around and decide what you’re dealing with.

Do you have a lot of excess items to get rid of?

Or is it really just a matter of cleaning up and shuffling things back to where they belong?

Most of us have a little of both.

But if yours happens to fall into the “things I’m keeping that just need to be put away” category, you may need a good tidying or cleaning up before you start getting rid of stuff.

(By the way, here’s a guided messy house clean-up can help you with that! How to Clean a Really Messy House)

2. Start small

I am a big fan of micro-decluttering.

It’s not overwhelming. And I like how it doesn’t involve making a mess. Or pulling tons of stuff out all at once.

Best of all, micro-decluttering methods don’t require huge chunks of time from your already busy schedule.

Here are a few ideas for you:

5-7-9 Method: Set a timer for 9 minutes and declutter 5 to 7 items from one specific area. This works great for drawers, cabinets, flat surfaces like countertops etc.
One Thing Fling: Pick something from one category to declutter each day.This could be knives, mugs, pens, party supplies…narrow it down so it’s simple and doable in a short amount of time.
Declutter Dash: Using a timer, set aside 5, 10 or 15 minutes to unclutter as many items as you can from a single room. (Or your entire house if you wish)

Try one or all of the above ideas if you’re short on time or having trouble focusing on the task at hand.

They can help you to see progress quickly and have small wins along the way.

PRO TIP: Once you start filling bags or boxes, donate or take them to the garbage right away so no one is tempted to pull items out again.

3. Skip sentimental items (for now)

Nothing can throw a wrench into a good decluttering session like coming across Grandma’s crocheted doilies or Aunt Mary’s thimble collection.

It’s hard to make decisions around objects that have meaning to us. And it can add stress to an already un-fun project when decluttering.

So if sentimental things are slowing you down, save them for the second go-round when you have already built up some decluttering muscles.

4. Boxes, Bins and Containers…Oh My!

“You can’t organize clutter.”

It’s a saying said often in the world of minimalism and decluttering, but only because it is always so true.

Putting stuff into containers might feel good for a little while. But even if we make more space by hiding things, that weighty feeling of having all of that stuff always creeps back.

Plus, the added task of organizing at the same time can make us want to quit decluttering altogether.

So hold off on investing in a bunch of plastic bins and organizational tools for the time being.

Instead, take that mental energy and motivation that you’ve been saving up for this project and use it for getting rid of things that don’t add to the peace and harmony in your home.

gold coffee cup, pen on wooden table, words on white napkin, keep, recycle, declutter, trash, sell, donate

5. Don’t be afraid to throw things out.

Why is it that some of us have trouble putting things in the trash? Even when they’re broken, unusable or just plain worn out!?

There are a lot of reasons why people don’t want to throw things away.

We might feel guilty about putting it in the landfill.

Or we might be afraid that we’ll need it for some purpose down the road.

I even know someone who has such a connection with things that it’s hard to throw obvious trash away.

This is your official permission to throw stuff out.

I know it can be hard.

But the fact is, holding on to those things is not going to solve your problem. And it’s certainly not going to make your life easier. Or better.

Toss it and move on.

6. Choose the least cluttered area

If you’re really having a hard time getting started, pick an area of your home where there’s not a ton of work to be done.

So instead of going for the overstuffed closet that you can barely shut, try setting your sights first on a less intimidating project. Maybe your bedside table/nightstand, silverware drawer, or some other space where you’re confident that you could knock it out in a hurry.

Starting in the least cluttered area first can give you little wins sooner than later. And little wins can trigger those mental shifts that lead to BIG WINS!

And then you’re on your way to decluttering victory!

box of stuff, game controls, old clock, clutter

7. Box it up

You’ve tried everything. But you still can’t get started with decluttering.

That’s okay. It happens.

In fact, I’ve been at that place before where I’ve just stood in the middle of a room and said to myself, “I absolutely cannot deal with this. It needs to go. Now.”

So I just put everything in boxes. Or bags. Just boxed that stuff up.

And, guess what happened! NOTHING happened! Well, nothing bad anyway.

Yes, I had to deal with it later when I was in a better place mentally and physically.

But that’s okay. It all worked out.

Maybe, for whatever reason right now, whether it be depression, chronic illness, little ones using all your time and energy… you need a quick fix for a better quality of life.

So, if you’ve been waiting for permission, here’s your chance.

Go ahead and box it up. Label it with a sharpie.

And store it away for a time when you have the energy to take it on.

(Learn how to declutter your kitchen like a boss: How to Quickly Declutter Your Kitchen the Easy Way)

8. Divide it up

Large areas and entire rooms of clutter can be so overwhelming that you want to stop before you even get started.

Make those daunting spaces feel doable by dividing them into sections or manageable tasks that will work for you.

You can do this in your head. But you could also get fancy and sketch out a quick diagram of the room with sections on paper.

Or just make a written list of each zone.

Either way, check off each thing as you go and remember to take brakes in between tasks.

Because decluttering fatigue is real!

9. Recruit help

The thought of asking for help with decluttering your home can be absolutely terrifying.

I get it. Clutter can make us feel incompetent and even ashamed.

And letting people in on our “messy secret” can leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable, making the shame too much to bear.

You could choose to get over all of that and ask your family and friends for help anyway.

But let’s face it. Not all of us are ready for that. (I’m not sure I’ll EVER be ready for that)

Here are some suggestions to help lessen some of the anxiety that can happen with getting a decluttering helper.

Have a “runner” that can take items to where they belong as you cull through them. This person doesn’t have to be involved in the actual process of sorting or making decisions. Kids and husbands make great runners!
Hire a sitter to watch young kiddos while you concentrate on larger decluttering projects.
Ask someone you trust to hang out with you while you declutter… Just for moral support

Get creative and think of other ways that you can lessen your load on days that you put a lot of time or energy into decluttering.

10. Just start

I know. You’re probably reading this and thinking “WELL, DUH. If I could just start then I wouldn’t be reading this page right now.”

But so many of us have this little perfectionist voice telling us we need to have all our ducks in a row before we can even begin to declutter.

And sometimes, to get past that little voice, we just have to grab a grocery bag and start putting stuff in it.

No preparation. No fleet of boxes with labels.

Just you and a plastic bag. Or a paper bag. Or whatever works.

Go for it!

How To Quickly Declutter Your Kitchen The Easy Way

May 15, 2021 by Kim O'Bier 3 Comments

Simple Stress-Free Guide to Help You Clear the Clutter From Your Kitchen Right Now

Cooking in a cluttered kitchen can be frustrating and stressful, making it difficult even to fix meals. But trying to get it uncluttered and under control can be just as overwhelming.

Here’s how you can easily declutter your kitchen and take back the space, and the peace, that you deserve!

white kitchen sink, silver faucet, cluttered countertops

If your cluttered kitchen makes you feel like giving up and ordering take-out every night, you might have a case of Maxed-Out Kitchen Madness.

Believe me, I get it.

It can be difficult to cook ANYTHING when you have to dig through stacks of noisy pots and pans. Or adjust everything in the utensil drawer at least three times before it will close all the way.

And, my favorite: trying to pull something out of an upper cabinet while holding the rest of the dishes back with your other hand so they don’t all come crashing down on your head.

(See the most amazing ways to organize cookware here: 10 Simple Ways to Organize Pots And Pans)

The good news here is that you don’t need to hide your coffee maker or ditch every extra plate and cup to make your kitchen a more pleasant and productive place in your home.

And you don’t have to become a minimalist or a member of “The Clear Counter Club.” In fact, I still have lots of stuff in my kitchen, even after decluttering!

***Looking for a Kitchen Decluttering Checklist? Click Below to Print One for Free!

Amazing Things Happen When You Purge Your Kitchen

I could see the benefits of simplifying pretty early on in the process.

An uncluttered kitchen saves money. Cooking is easier and more enjoyable when you free up space in your kitchen. So, you’ll probably cook at home more often and order less take-out.
Decluttering your kitchen saves time. It’s amazing how much faster meal prep goes when you don’t have to sort through tons of utensils and cookware to find what you need.
Less “stuff” in your kitchen means more space. Which means you have more room to cook and create. But, the added visual space that results from decluttering is important as well. It just looks and feels nicer to walk into a kitchen where every inch of countertop isn’t covered with stuff.
Organizing is a breeze with fewer things in the kitchen.

You probably already know that a kitchen without clutter will make your life easier. It’s just the actual “getting it done” part that can be difficult.

We think we don’t have time, and that it will be stressful. Or we’re afraid we might pull a ton of things out and then get stuck with a mess.

Just thinking about it all can be so overwhelming that we can’t even get started! Oh boy, do I get it!

(You can find steps to clean any messy room here: How to Clean Your Messy House When You Don’t Know Where To Start)

But, no worries here!

Because this strategy is going to help you to break down the process into small manageable bites so that you can move on to enjoying your kitchen more, and stressing about it less.

(This post may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE.)

Where to start decluttering your kitchen

What area in your kitchen really, REALLY bugs you?

Is there a certain drawer, or cabinet, or a shelf somewhere that just drives you nuts?

Drawers with cutlery or gadgets and utensils are good places to begin if you’re unsure. You can work through those spaces fairly quickly and see progress right away.

***PRO TIP: Keep it simple by working with one drawer or cabinet at a time. This makes it easier for you to manage your time and helps to avoid overwhelm.

So, how CAN you quickly and easily simplify your kitchen, one step at a time, without the stress?

It’s really just a matter of actually going through the things in your kitchen and getting rid of what doesn’t belong anymore.

Here are some simple steps to help you get it done.

How To Declutter Your Kitchen: Quick Start Easy Guide

1) Gather what you need

We’re not going full on organizing at this point. So don’t worry about going out and buying special boxes, bins or caddies. In fact, you probably already have everything you need right there in your home.

Here are a few things that will help you declutter your kitchen:

Donation bag or box
Trash can or trash bag
Cloth or paper towels (for wiping shelves and inside drawers)
Kitchen declutter checklist (print here)
Vacuum (for dust and crumbs)
Drawer or shelf liner (if you’re planning to replace it)

***PRO TIP: Don’t get caught up in the preparations. Really, all you need is to jump in and go!

2. Empty everything from one small space

Remove all the things from one drawer, one shelf, a utensil caddy or other small area and place them on a counter or table.

Group “like items” and duplicates together as you go. Set aside anything that doesn’t belong in that space, but that you plan to keep.

Throw out any obvious trash and unusable items so they will be out of the way.

***PRO TIP: Studies show that the longer we “handle” things, the harder it is to let them go. So, resist picking up the items and reminiscing. (I know, like that’s going to happen. But try your best)

(For keeping your kitchen under control on the daily, check out: 10 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Cleaner Every Day)

3. Prepare your space

Before you start sorting and putting things back into your vacant space, you’ll want to make sure it is clean and prepped.

Use your vacuum or a dry cloth to get all of the dust, crumbs, and other nasties.

Grab a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces. A little dish soap or all-purpose cleaner will help with any greasy film or stuck-on gunk.

Once the surface is clean and dry, you can go ahead and replace the drawer or shelf liner.

***PRO TIP: I’ve had pretty good luck with the small rolls of shelf liner from Dollar Tree. For longer widths (just more convenient to apply with fewer pieces and seams), Amazon has a great selection. I have used this one and it works great!

4. Cull and sort

Now it’s time to evaluate what you have left, and choose what you need to keep.

Look over the things you have sorted on the counter and start the process of putting items either in the donation box, trash bin, or back into the clean space.

Use the criteria below to help you with this process.

Deciding what to get rid of:

No matter what part of your home you are decluttering, choosing what to let go of can be one of the most stressful parts of the process.

Here are a few things to consider that will help take the pressure off when you’re purging items from your kitchen.

Does it belong in the kitchen? If it’s not kitchen/cooking related, banish it either to where it belongs or the donate box.
Is it broken? Missing parts? I held onto a hand mixer once because I was planning to replace the worn out beaters. Never happened. Meanwhile, I was constantly moving that mixer around to get to something else. It’s better just to let it go unless you KNOW FOR SURE that you’re going to fix or replace parts right away.
Is there something else that could take its place? Could you use another tool just as easily? When our fancy pizza cutter broke, I didn’t replace it because I have knives that work just as good, or better!
Do I have use for this anymore? Maybe you don’t make bread anymore but the breadmaker is still on the counter. Or the immersion blender is taking up space in a drawer, but hasn’t been used in months. You’ll probably never miss it!
Is it a duplicate? How many of these do you have? Can you do without extras?
Is it worth the space it uses? Decide if the value that the item is to you is worth the real estate it inhabits. One way to do this is to ask yourself “Would I buy this again? Today?” If the answer is NO, then you can probably let the item go.

***PRO TIP: If you’re agonizing over an item, put it in a “probation box” and store the box out of sight. You can always go back to that box if you really do need the item after all.

5. Get rid of your decluttered items

Shew! The hard part is done!

Return anything that you set aside in the “belongs somewhere else” section to its rightful place.

Put your donation box in the car so that you can drop it off the next time you go out.

***PRO TIP: Get your decluttered items out as soon as possible so you(and other family members) aren’t tempted to pull things back out. Because that happens. Even if you think it won’t. (GUILTY!!!)

So now you have decluttered an entire space in your kitchen!!!

Doesn’t it feel so awesome?!

Totally congratulate your amazing self on taking the time to follow the steps and get the job done.

Use this guide over and over to transform your kitchen, one space at a time.

Have you recently used this or any other method to declutter an area of your kitchen? Let me know how it went in the comments!

For tips on keeping your entire house under control on the daily, you can check out 5 Simple Habits for a Cleaner Home.

For Meal Planning Ideas: Family Meal Planning Master List & Free Printable

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