How to Declutter When Overwhelmed With 5 Simple Steps

Decluttering your home does not have to happen overnight or all at once. It can simply start with one tiny space – like an overcrowded countertop or one cluttered drawer.

Instead of feeling like you have to tackle the whole kitchen today or organize the entire pantry overnight, let’s look at taking on a more gentle approach.

Simply ask yourself one question.

Which space in the kitchen do I want to declutter the most?

Or which part of my pantry do I want to clean out and tidy the most?

Don’t overthink it! Just keep it simple!

Today, I’m sharing a gentle, five-step approach to creating a calmer home. These simple decluttering steps will help you learn how to declutter when overwhelmed and create a calm, peaceful, and organized home that you will love and enjoy!

If you prefer to watch a video, I share more in a YouTube video here.

Why Overwhelm Happens and How to Feel Better

When our spaces are cluttered, our minds can feel overwhelmed, too. Emotional attachments, indecision, and not knowing where to start are normal feelings.

After all, it took days and months, maybe even years, to get here. The key is to begin with small, intentional steps so you don’t burn yourself out before you even begin.

Remember to give yourself grace, move slowly, and celebrate each win. Each small step will lead to bigger wins. Over time, your home and all the spaces will transform into the calm, peaceful sanctuary you are looking for.

Let’s walk through some easy, manageable steps on how to declutter and make your space feel lighter and more peaceful.

Step 1: Choose A Space That Feels Right

Choose one space or area you are ready to declutter. If you seem unsure where to start, I have included a list of common areas to help you choose. Don’t overthink it! Simply focus on choosing the space that you would love to declutter now.

Here is a list of common areas that get messy and unorganized fast:

• A cluttered drawer-like kitchen utensils or junk drawer
• A kitchen counter or desktop
• A cozy corner or section of your closet
• Kid’s toys or playroom

Pick the area that comes to mind first and just get started. Each small win adds up, and soon you’ll feel the joy of your decluttered space.

Step 2: Set a Cozy, Peaceful Mood

Before you begin to declutter your chosen space, set a calming atmosphere:

• Clear a space around to create a sense of calm before you start (this will allow you to move around and place items here that you choose to keep)
• Brew a warm cup of coffee or make your favorite latte
• Light a cozy candle or turn on a diffuser with your favorite essential oil
• Turn on soft, cozy music or your favorite podcast

Make your decluttering feel like self‑care, not a chore. Setting a cozy mood helps keep the momentum going while you are decluttering.

Step 3: Try the Simple 3‑Step Declutter Method

This simple method makes your decisions easier and helps keep the momentum going:

To help you build momentum quickly, begin by pulling out items that are worn, broken, or damaged. Place these items in the “toss” category. This initial step will help you start to reduce the clutter and feel like a quick win.

Then go through every item within the space and place them in the correct category.

Gently used items can be placed in the “donate” category. It always feels good knowing someone else who needs it gets to use the item in their home. Or maybe you could sell some of the items and make extra money. After all, who doesn’t want a little extra cash!

If you haven’t used it or worn it in a year, it’s probably time to get rid of it. It’s OK to let it go to another home or someone else who will get more use out of it.

If you are unsure about an item, don’t stress over it. Just put it in the “unsure” category and come back to it later. Consider keeping a box or tote for unused items. Revisit the box in 1 to 3 months and then decide if it’s time to donate or keep those items.

Here’s a simple tip: If you have duplicates, such as 5 spatulas or 20 pairs of jeans. Keep the ones you use the most and donate or toss the others. This will simplify your utensil drawer and jean category – and help keep items easy to find.

This simple declutter method helps ease the decision-making process without feeling stuck.

Step 4: Keep It Short and Simple

Large decluttering projects can feel impossible or overwhelming. Instead:

• Work in 15–30 minute time blocks
• Take breaks – sit down and enjoy your cup of coffee or favorite latte
• And remember- Celebrate the small wins!

Using timed blocks and breaks will keep the momentum going. This also helps to keep the overwhelm at bay and keeps motivation high. You will begin to see the rewards soon!

Step 5: Make Your Space Easy To Maintain

Once you’ve decluttered and pared down:

• Assign a home for each item. This makes it easier to place the item where it goes.
• Label baskets or bins. Your family and kids can see exactly where things go, especially in the pantry or toy space.
• Return things to their place each day. This keeps things organized and back where they belong.

These maintenance steps prevent clutter from creeping back into your cozy space.

It’s Time To Celebrate Your Wins

Take a moment to enjoy that clutter-free drawer, a clear counter, or organized closet space – you can see the calm and finally breathe a little easier. Each small win is another gentle step toward a calm and peaceful home. It may take 6 months or a year, and that is O.K. Remember to celebrate the small victories, knowing you are creating an intentional and peaceful sanctuary you deserve.

Decluttering FAQ:

How do I know what room to start with when decluttering?

Choose a space you have been wanting to declutter for a while. If the pantry shelf is crowded and you can’t seem to find the cereal, start with this shelf. If your closet is so crowded that you can’t find your jeans. Start with the jeans-only section.

Don’t get caught up in the whole space. Only focus on one small area within the space.

What should I do with items I’m not sure about keeping?

I recommend using a box or tote container. Place the unused items here. Revisit them in one to three months. If you did not go looking for them, it’s probably time to go. Remember, we want to create a calm and peaceful home.

Sharing my own personal decluttering journey: I used to have around 20 pairs of jeans, which I held onto for years. I kept thinking I would wear them again, and I just never did. I finally got rid of almost all of them, but a few, which I kept. The few I had left were the only ones I was wearing. This freed up lots of closet space and allowed me to purchase a few more that i truly enjoy wearing.

Do I need fancy organizers to get started?

Absolutely not! First, you want to focus on decluttering all the spaces. If you already have mason jars or baskets, use those first. Don’t go out and buy more stuff. Remember, it may take 6 months to a year for a whole-house declutter. You will most likely come across empty organizers when you declutter. These can be repurposed throughout your home.

Sharing my own personal story: When I started decluttering, I would use jars or baskets I already had. I also love to reuse or repurpose organizers we already have throughout our home. When I do choose to purchase a new organizer, it’s only when I want to update the system I am using. Then I will donate or reuse the old organizer. I try not to bring more into our home unless it’s a need or an update. Remember to keep it cozy and within your budget.

How do I maintain a Cozy Clutter-Free home?

Decluttering is not about removing stuff – it’s about making room for what matters the most and what truly brings you joy. Once your space and home are clutter-free, you can now focus on keeping it cozy. Add an intentional basket – this not only makes it cozy, but also adds storage and keeps items organized. A candle or diffuser brings in a cozy element, too. A simple vase of flowers can help to brighten a space.

Remember to keep it simple, don’t add more stuff just because. Keep it the calm and peaceful sanctuary you have been waiting for!

Sharing my own personal declutter journey: I have decluttered my home decor category a lot! It’s nice to have less where you can actually see the spaces around you. Now I enjoy putting out a few cozy decor items. I love to keep it calm and peaceful!

Remember, decluttering does not happen overnight. It takes time and progress. Choose one small space and start decluttering today. Don’t stress – just start! I hope you will start your decluttering journey today and share with me which space you choose to declutter in the comments below. Happy decluttering, and remember to celebrate each small win!

I’ve learned that a peaceful home isn’t about having less — it’s about making room for what matters the most and what truly brings joy.

With joy, Bridgette 🤍

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE:

• Simple Tips for Cozy Home Organizing
• Pantry Declutter and Organizing
• How To Simplify Your Closet – Declutter Tips

IF YOU PREFER TO WATCH A VIDEO:

I share more decluttering tips on YouTube here.