How to Declutter Without Getting Overwhelmed: Simple Steps for a Calmer Space

It starts innocently enough. You open that drawer—or maybe it’s a closet—intending to finally clean it out. But before long, you’re sitting in a pile of old notebooks, tangled cords, and that sweater you haven't worn since last winter, feeling more overwhelmed than when you started. I’ve been there. We all have.

Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning up. It’s about emotional weight, too—the memories, the attachments, even the fears of letting go. So, when the urge to create space arises, it can feel paralyzing. How do you move forward without getting lost in the process?

Step 1: Start Small and Set Simple Intentions

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that decluttering doesn’t have to be a huge project. In fact, trying to tackle everything at once is probably the fastest way to burn out. Instead, start with something manageable. Maybe it’s a single drawer or just one corner of the room.

Pick a small space where the stakes feel low.
Decide on a specific timeframe—15 to 30 minutes works well.
Keep your goal simple: clearing out anything you no longer need or use.

I’ve noticed that when I start with these tiny steps, it feels less overwhelming. It’s almost like I’m tricking myself into starting, knowing that the task won’t consume my entire day. And sometimes, that’s enough to keep me going longer than expected.

Step 2: Be Mindful of What Comes Up Emotionally

Decluttering can stir up emotions. Sometimes, it’s a wave of nostalgia as you stumble across an old photo album, other times, it’s guilt over things you’ve held onto for too long. I’ve often found myself caught between wanting to let go and not wanting to feel like I’m erasing a part of my life.

Here’s the thing—decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything. It’s about creating space for what matters now. But before you dive in, take a moment to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Ask yourself:

What am I holding onto this for?
Does this item reflect the life I want today, or is it tied to something I’ve already let go of?

It seems like the hardest part is not the act of decluttering itself, but dealing with these deeper emotions. And it’s okay to sit with them for a while. You don’t have to rush through it.

Step 3: Sort into Categories, Not Decisions

One trick I’ve found incredibly helpful is to avoid making hard decisions in the moment. Instead of staring at an item and trying to figure out its fate on the spot, start by sorting things into categories. You can decide what to do with each pile later.

Keep: Items you use regularly or that bring real value to your life.
Maybe: Things you’re unsure about. You can revisit these later.
Donate/Recycle: Items that are still useful but no longer serve you.
Trash: Things that are broken, expired, or have outlived their purpose.

This process creates a sense of momentum without forcing you into tough decisions right away. I’ve found that when I let myself make these choices over time, it feels less like a stressful decision and more like a natural process.

Step 4: Set Boundaries for Future Clutter

The reality is, clutter often returns. But setting small boundaries can help keep it in check. I once read that for every new item you bring into your home, it helps to let go of one that no longer serves a purpose. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but it’s a gentle way to stay mindful of what’s coming in versus what’s going out.

Consider these simple boundaries:

One in, one out: Whenever you buy something new, let go of something old.
Designated spaces: Assign a place for everything. If there’s no room for it, reconsider whether it belongs in your home.
Regular check-ins: Set aside time every few months to reassess. Not a big overhaul, just a quick sweep.

These small habits can help you maintain the progress you’ve made without ever feeling like you’re slipping back into chaos.

Step 5: Give Yourself Permission to Keep Some Things

There’s an unspoken pressure in the world of decluttering that everything must go. Minimalism is often held up as the goal, where bare walls and empty shelves symbolize success. But I’ve found that this idea can sometimes lead to unnecessary guilt—like we’re failing if we can’t pare down to just the essentials. The truth is, some things hold meaning beyond their function, and it’s okay to keep them.

If a particular item still sparks joy or brings you comfort, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into a category of “useful,” that’s reason enough to hold onto it for now. A balance between intentionality and sentimentality might be where your peace lies.

Sentimental items: Keep the things that truly feel irreplaceable, but consider storing them in a way that honors them—perhaps in a memory box or a designated corner of your home.
“Just in case” items: These can be tricky. If you’ve been holding onto something because you might need it one day, try setting a time limit. If it goes unused for a year, perhaps it’s time to let it go.

I’ve noticed that the goal isn’t always to have less, but to have more clarity around why we keep what we keep. When I focus on what these items mean rather than how many I should have, the process feels less overwhelming and more like a natural reflection of who I am right now.

Step 6: Celebrate the Small Wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the bigger picture and forget to acknowledge the progress you’ve already made. But I think there’s something powerful about taking a moment to appreciate the small steps forward. Maybe you’ve cleared out one drawer or a single shelf—that’s still progress. Each small win is a step toward creating the space you want, both physically and emotionally.

Pause and reflect: After a decluttering session, take a moment to breathe and enjoy the clarity of that newly organized space, even if it’s just a tiny part of the room.
Gratitude for what remains: I often find myself feeling a sense of gratitude—not just for what I’ve let go of, but for the things I’ve chosen to keep. These are the items that serve a purpose, or hold a special meaning, and that feels worth celebrating.

Step 7: Create a Decluttering Routine That Fits Your Life

One of the challenges with decluttering is that it can feel like a one-time event—a big, overwhelming project that we have to finish before we can relax. But what if, instead of tackling it all at once, we thought of decluttering as an ongoing practice? A gentle routine that fits into the flow of our everyday lives.

Daily or weekly resets: Take five or ten minutes at the end of each day (or week) to tidy up small areas. Maybe it’s clearing off your desk, putting away laundry, or organizing the mail. These tiny actions can prevent clutter from building up in the first place.
Seasonal deep dives: Every few months, consider dedicating an afternoon to a deeper decluttering session. This could be a time to go through a closet, revisit old keepsakes, or let go of anything that no longer fits the season of your life.

I’ve found that making decluttering a gentle routine, rather than a one-off task, helps to keep things manageable. There’s less pressure to “finish,” because it’s no longer about perfection—it’s about creating a flow that feels sustainable.

Step 8: Acknowledge When It’s Time to Ask for Help

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, decluttering can feel like too much. If you find yourself stuck, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s a close friend who can lend a fresh perspective, or even a professional organizer, there’s no shame in admitting that you might need some support to move forward.

A second set of eyes: Often, someone who isn’t emotionally attached to your things can help you see what’s truly important and what’s just taking up space.
Sharing the load: Sometimes, just having someone there to sort through things with you can make the process feel less overwhelming.

I’ve noticed that when I ask for help, not only does the task feel lighter, but I also feel more connected to the people who support me in it. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Sometimes, it’s an opportunity to share stories, memories, and even a few laughs.