How to Get Started Decluttering (Even If You’ve Tried Before)

Let’s be honest—starting to declutter is hard. And if you’ve tried before and “failed,” it can feel even harder. Maybe you made a little progress and then life got busy. Maybe you got stuck in one corner of your closet and never made it out. Maybe the advice you followed didn’t work for your brain or your lifestyle. You’re not alone.

The truth is, decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about overwhelm, energy, emotion, and often executive function. So let’s talk about how to start in a way that actually works for you, especially if it hasn’t in the past.

Forget Perfection—Focus on Progress

Decluttering doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You don’t need to spend a whole weekend buried in trash bags or turn your house upside down to make meaningful change. Try reframing your goal: instead of “decluttering the whole kitchen,” try “clearing out one drawer I use every day.” Small progress adds up, and consistency matters more than intensity.

Tip: Set a timer for 10–20 minutes and stop when it goes off. It counts.

Pick a “Kind” Starting Point

Start with something neutral—not the hardest pile, not the box you’ve been avoiding for years. Choose a space that feels emotionally easier: a junk drawer, a coat rack, or your car. Success builds momentum. The goal is to remind yourself that you can do this, even if it’s just one shelf or surface.

Avoid: Starting with sentimental items, storage areas, or paperwork unless you're feeling particularly resourced.

Create a Clear Finish Line

One of the biggest energy drains is not knowing when to stop. Before you begin, define what “done” looks like. Is it clearing off your nightstand? Emptying one tote bag? Sorting your laundry shelf?

Bonus: Write it down or say it out loud before you start. It makes the task more concrete and less slippery.

Have a Plan for What You Let Go

Decisions are easier when you know what happens next. Do you have a donate bin set up? A trash bag ready to go? A friend who can help you drop things off? Make those systems as easy as possible—your future self will thank you.

Idea: Keep an empty box labeled “to donate” near your front door or in your car so you can let go without the pressure of dealing with everything immediately.

Be Compassionate with Your Pace

Maybe you’re someone who declutters best in little spurts. Maybe you need someone with you to talk it out. Maybe you need to listen to music or take breaks every few minutes. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of your method.

If you've struggled before, it doesn’t mean you're bad at this. It probably means the approach you used wasn’t aligned with how your brain or body works.

Still Stuck? You’re Not Alone.

Sometimes, the hardest part of decluttering is getting started again. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like your space just doesn’t reflect the way you want to live, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. This is the kind of work I do with clients every day—especially those who’ve tried before and need a different kind of support.

Want to take the first step? Let’s talk about how we can make progress together—gently, realistically, and without the pressure to be perfect.