Keeping a house tidy is not easy. Clutter makes it even harder. You’re there, facing your pile of stuff—it feels daunting. It sounds tiring, I know. But you also can’t live with that weight any longer.
- Don’t Try to Do It All at Once
You don’t need to declutter the whole house today, not even an entire room. Because first, you’ll have to create a whole mess before it gets better, and that big mess can be very discouraging. We don’t want to give up before we’ve even started.
So, pick something small to start— maybe just your jumpers. I once did this when my sister visited. She gave her opinion (which I ignored completely), but her presence helped me finish the task. Done. Bite-sized victories. - No Need to Go Full Marie Kondo
Trust me, even Marie Kondo gave up on some things. She said it herself, there are better ways to spend time than tidying up your house every day. Don’t overthink it or feel like you have to reach some “perfect” level of tidiness and extreme decluttering.
Do a first pass. Go through all your jumpers today. Give away what doesn’t fit, what doesn’t get warn. In a few months, you can always do a second pass.
Progress over perfection is the key to staying sane when it comes to decluttering.
- Clear the Entrance Drop Zone
This is a quick win that feels like an instant transformation. Clear the clutter around the front door, and you’ll feel so much better. You don’t have a drop zone? Set up one. A small table, a shelf, a tray on top of furniture close to the entrance and you’re all set.
The shoes, all well aligned against the wall (the winter boots can be stored away now it’s Spring). A hook for your jacket so it doesn’t end up on the couch. - Time It!
Set a timer for just 15 minutes. It’s a small, doable commitment. If you feel like going longer, great—but if not, you’re done! Select a cupboard, a drawer, a shelf, or even a box, and go for it. By doing this regularly, you’ll clear your space without the overwhelm. - Mind What Happens Next
As you declutter, take a moment to think about what will happen to the items you’re letting go of. It can feel wasteful to part with something you might have needed once — or thought you would. But deciding whether to donate, recycle, or repurpose them can make the process feel more intentional and less wasteful - It Can Be Emotional…Take it Slow
It’s okay to feel a little tug as you let go of things, mementos, and presents. Decluttering isn’t just about stuff; it can stir up memories or emotions. Go at your own pace, and remember: every small step counts as progress.