I think I can safely speak for most of the population these days when I say, “we’re overwhelmed!!!” Life is busy, we’re constantly in motion, and the schedule rarely seems to include downtime. While I can’t help you with any of the other overwhelming aspects of life, I do think I can be of assistance when it comes to one of the biggest causes… clutter! Clutter is number one when it comes to overwhelm that is avoidable. So, while I may not be able to move camp pick-up to a more convenient time or have dinner ready on the table for you when you get home, I can help you get over your clutter overwhelm!

It’s almost impossible not to become overwhelmed when you begin the dreaded battle against clutter in your home. However, shrinking the “battlefield” is the best way to reduce that overwhelm. Don’t try to do your entire home all at once; pick one zone to start. This can be a single drawer, a shelf, or the corner of a desk. Keep it small and focused! Set yourself a 10–15-minute timer and stop decluttering when the timer goes off. Tackling this small zone in a short amount of time will help build momentum and motivate you to continue with another focused space!

When decluttering, you should limit yourself to three categories for separation: Keep, Purge, and Relocate. To be most effective, avoid Maybe piles! “Maybe” or “Not Sure” piles are good for bigger projects and purging because they keep you moving along, but they tend to build up quickest and actually diminish your progress when decluttering.

Start with areas you regularly see every day (countertops, nightstands, entryways, etc.) The quick, visual progress you make in these spaces will help reduce your stress and immediately motivate you to keep going!

Establish simple rules to help you make quick decisions. Ask yourself, would you buy this again? Have you used this in the last year? Do you even like this? If you hesitate for more than 10-15 seconds, that’s a good indication that it’s time to let the item go! And remember – it doesn’t need to be perfect! To avoid overwhelm, focus on singular goals of “one less pile”, “one cleared surface”, “one bag taken to donate”, etc. Aim for slightly better. Small progress is still PROGRESS!

You first want to focus on containment. This mindset will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed! To begin, all focus should be on containing (not on organizing). Contain things; first macro, then micro. Group like items together; all cables in one box, all papers in one stack, all tools in one drawer, etc. The goal is to reduce chaos because this allows your mind to overcome any feelings of overwhelm. The organizing detail comes later!

To prevent “trapping” yourself during the decluttering process, you want to establish an “exit” system. Set up a box, trash bag, or “return” basket. Once that pre-determined space is filled, deal with it immediately! Clutter builds up and sticks around because it has nowhere to go, so it’s best not to let it linger! Be cautious of mental traps such as “I might need this someday,” or “I spent money on this”. Clutter = delayed decisions. Stay strong and stick to your plan/timer/system. Remember – you haven’t failed! You are only now “catching up”.

Clutter overwhelm is a powerful feeling, and sometimes the only way to overcome it is by making the process fun. My favorite “trick”? Put on music, a podcast, or an audiobook to increase your dopamine as you go. Pairing the process with something else enjoyable makes it feel more like a low-pressure routine and less like a chore. (I know I immediately feel twice as productive if I’m decluttering and knocking out a good read!)

The other big “pro-tip”? If you feel yourself getting mentally fatigued or burned out…stop for the day! You want to end with some energy remaining so that you are more willing to come back to it tomorrow. Don’t be afraid to split the process into chunks of time!

Our email is open, whether you’re mid-project panicking or feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even gotten started; often, the best way to protect your peace is to let the professionals take the lead. But no matter how you approach it, tackling the clutter in your home will feel GOOD. The process of completing the task may not always be enjoyable, but we can guarantee it’s worth it in the end!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Tonia