Where to start decluttering is a question a lot of people ask.
Overwhelmed with clutter?
You’ve stepped back looked around your house and see that there are things everywhere. Books are piled up, mail on the dining room table, dog leash under the couch. Nothing has a place of it’s own. You ask “Where to start decluttering?”
“This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.”
When You Don’t Know Where To Start Decluttering
A lot of advice that is out there says start out small, take baby steps. That’s good advice especially when you are feeling overwhelmed with too much stuff. The best place to start decluttering is where you start your day even if you want to start out small.
Begin to declutter in your bedroom first. It’s the first space you see when you start your day. Just imagine waking up to a decluttered space not to mention ending your day on a high note with a great looking room.
What would you rather do?
Wake up to clutter, which will make you feel overwhelmed first thing in the morning.
Or
Wake up to a clutter free bedroom that will help you say “Okay world time to take you on!”
Waking up to a beautiful space is a great way to start a wonderful day.
Decluttering Once And For All
Grab your checklist that you printed out. If you haven’t printed out the decluttering check list go do it now I can wait.
Have you got it? Okay lets get started.
You don’t have to go in order. The checklist helps with motivation. Checking off items will help you feel an accomplishment.
You will see you are making progress because when you first start to declutter it will look like you are making more of a mess. Don’t panic and get overwhelmed just know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I always say. “You have to make a mess to clean up a mess.” Just remember it won’t stay messy forever.
5 Steps to Declutter Your Home
- Gather 4 boxes
- Choose where to start decluttering
- Set a timer
- Touch each item when sorting
- Grab your checklist with a pen
Start Decluttering
Step 1
Step 1 was to gather 4 boxes. What you need to do is label each box. One box needs to say Keep. The second box label it with Donate. Third box is Trash and fourth box is Relocate.
You can do another box labeled Maybe if you want to. In case you find something you are not sure about. If you do add this box make sure it is small so you won’t keep a lot of things you shouldn’t. Once this box is full revisit everything in it and decide which of the items you are going to keep then put the rest in the appropriate boxes.
Step 2
Step 2 is choose where to start decluttering. I suggested the Master Bedroom because that is where you start your day. It is up to you where you want to start though. Grab your boxes and put them close to where you are working. If you want to start at your dresser I would start from the top and work down.
Going through the drawers will take some time but it will be so worth it. After you have gone through the drawers fold everything nicely and put it back. Make sure your drawers aren’t overstuffed. Remember you are working at decluttering your bedroom.
Go thru everything in your bedroom and find a place for each item. If you can’t find a place for something you might want to revisit if you really need it.
Step 3
Setting a timer. This is a step you can do if you want too. It is not necessary. I have found some people like to work with a set amount of time. If you have all day no timer is needed.
Step 4
Touch each item when sorting. This kind of sounds crazy but this will help you decide if you need it or not. It also gives you one last moment with it. Kind of like a thank you to it. This helps out if it is a object that has sentimental attachments to it. Like a favorite shirt that has gotten a stain on it that you never wear anymore.
Step 5
Grab your checklist that you printed out. Start checking off the areas that you have decluttered and see your progress. Make sure you keep this where you can see it. If you stop in the middle of going through a room that you are decluttering this will remind you that you have made progress.
Nice and Tidy
Remember hang in there. You will be glad you did. Once you get done with one room. Step back, take a good look and enjoy what you accomplished.
Now on to the next room!
No clutter = simple life
