Decluttering Made Simple: The First Step to an Organized Home
As a busy mama, I know how overwhelming it can feel to keep a home organized. Between juggling work, my toddler, meals, and daily responsibilities, clutter has a way of sneaking up before I even realize it. And once it takes over, it’s easy to feel stuck, not knowing where to start.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned: before I can create an organized, functional space, I have to declutter first. Trying to organize around clutter is like trying to pour water into a cup that’s already full—it just doesn’t work.
So, if you’ve been feeling stressed out by the mess and craving a more peaceful home, the best place to begin is with decluttering.
Why Decluttering Matters
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about creating space for what truly matters.
I used to feel like I was constantly picking up, shifting things around, and trying to “organize” clutter. But what I realized is that I wasn’t organizing—I was just managing excess. When I finally committed to decluttering, my home felt lighter, my stress levels dropped, and I actually had time to focus on what I love instead of dealing with messes.
Here’s why decluttering is a game changer:
Less Clutter = Less Stress – A cluttered home leads to a cluttered mind. When my surroundings are chaotic, I feel more anxious and overwhelmed. Decluttering creates a sense of calm and control.
Easier to Clean & Maintain – The less I own, the less I have to clean and put away. Simple as that!
More Time & Energy – Instead of wasting time searching for lost items or shuffling things from one pile to another, I can spend that energy on things that bring me joy.
Where I Start: A Step-by-Step Decluttering Plan
Decluttering can feel like a huge task, but I’ve found that breaking it down into manageable steps makes all the difference. If you’re ready to get started, here’s exactly how I do it:
1. Choose One Space at a Time
I know from experience that trying to declutter the entire house at once can quickly lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, I pick one area to focus on at a time—whether it’s my kitchen, master closet, or home office.
If I’m feeling really overwhelmed, I start small. A single drawer or one shelf is enough to build momentum. Progress is progress!
2. Set a Timer
I used to think I needed an entire free weekend to declutter, but that mindset just kept me stuck. Instead, I started using a 15- to 20-minute timer to make decluttering feel more manageable.
Even just one short session a day makes a huge difference over time. I tell myself, “I only have to do this for 15 minutes,” and once I start, I usually want to keep going!
3. Sort Items into Categories
To keep things simple, I use four categories:
Keep – Only items I truly love, use, and need.
Donate – Gently used items that someone else could benefit from.
Trash – Anything broken, expired, or unusable.
Relocate – Items that belong in another room.
Being brutally honest is key here. If I haven’t used it in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go!
4. Use the One-Touch Rule
This rule changed everything for me! When I pick up an item, I make a decision right away instead of setting it aside to “deal with later.” If I keep delaying decisions, I just end up with a different kind of clutter—piles waiting on a decision.
I remind myself: Handle it once, make the decision, and move on.
5. Ask Myself the Right Questions
When I get stuck on an item, I ask myself:
Do I use this regularly?
Does this item serve a purpose in my life?
Would I buy this again today?
If the answer is no, then I give myself permission to let it go.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
Decluttering is a process, and I remind myself that every little bit counts. When I finish decluttering a space—no matter how small—I take a moment to appreciate the progress.
The more I declutter, the easier it gets. And the best part? The sense of relief and peace that comes from letting go of what I no longer need.
What’s Next?
Once I’ve decluttered, the next step is creating simple systems to keep my home organized long-term. I’ve found that small habits make a big impact:
Designated drop zones for keys, bags, and mail so clutter doesn’t pile up.
Labeled storage bins to keep things easy to find.
A simple cleaning routine to maintain order without feeling overwhelmed.
These systems help prevent clutter from creeping back in, making it easier to keep my home organized without constant effort.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve been feeling weighed down by clutter, I want you to know that you don’t have to tackle it all at once. Start small, choose one space, and celebrate every little win.
Decluttering is the foundation of an organized home. By taking this first step, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success—and a home that feels calm, functional, and stress-free.
You’ve got this! 💛
Peace, Love, & Organizing!