10 Declutter Tips For When You Have Too Much Stuff
Feeling overwhelmed by too much stuff? You’re definitely not alone. Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up over time, making our homes feel chaotic and our lives a little more stressful.
But the good news is, you don’t have to tackle it all at once or aim for perfection. With a few simple strategies, you can start clearing out the extra stuff and create a more peaceful, manageable space.
Today I’m sharing 10 practical decluttering tips to help you get started—even if it feels like you’re drowning in clutter right now.
Let’s dive in and make it feel a whole lot easier!
Here is my garage before and after decluttering:
It’s totally okay to start slow when you’re decluttering—actually, it’s often the best way to make real, lasting progress. You don’t have to empty your whole house in a weekend to make a difference.
Even tackling one drawer, one shelf, or one corner at a time adds up over the weeks.
A little bit of decluttering here and there builds momentum and helps you avoid getting overwhelmed. Plus, every small win makes your space feel lighter and more manageable, which can motivate you to keep going.
Remember, it’s not about how fast you go; it’s about moving forward at a pace that feels right for you.
10 Decluttering Tips For When You Have Too Much Stuff:
1 – Understand How Clutter Complicates Life / How it got there
Before you dive into decluttering, it’s helpful to take a step back and consider how the clutter accumulated in the first place. Most of the time, it’s not just about having too much stuff—it’s about the habits, emotions, and busy seasons of life that allowed it to pile up.
Think about how your clutter got into your home. Was it passed down to you? Did you do too much shopping? (Don’t worry, we have all been there.)
Understanding this can make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming and a lot more doable.
Plus, realizing how clutter complicates daily life—making it harder to find things, adding stress, and even taking up mental space—can be the motivation you need to finally clear it out.
When you know the “why” behind the clutter, it’s so much easier to tackle it with purpose. And to keep the clutter from coming back!
2 – Start a clutter Box / Area
One of the easiest ways to stay on top of decluttering is to set up a designated clutter box or area in your home.
Having a specific spot where you can toss things you no longer need makes the whole process way less overwhelming. Instead of wondering what to do with that random shirt you never wear or that extra coffee mug, you’ll already know exactly where it goes.
It keeps your momentum going, saves you from second-guessing yourself, and makes it so much easier to gather things for donation, selling, or tossing.
Plus, seeing the box slowly fill up can be super motivating—it’s a clear reminder that you’re making progress!
3 – Set Times to Declutter
Setting specific times to declutter can make a huge difference, especially when life feels busy and overwhelming.
Instead of waiting for a big chunk of free time (that never seems to come), just block out 15 or 30 minutes here and there.
You’d be amazed at what you can get done in a short, focused session!
Setting a timer helps you stay motivated because you know there’s a clear end in sight. Plus, when you make decluttering a regular part of your week—even in small doses—it starts to feel a lot more manageable and a lot less like a massive, never-ending project.
4 – Try a Declutter Challenge
If you’re feeling stuck or just want a fun way to stay motivated, trying a declutter challenge can be a total game-changer. Challenges give you small, manageable tasks to tackle each day, which makes the whole process feel way less overwhelming.
Plus, it’s really satisfying to check things off a list and see your progress add up over time.
Whether it’s a 30-day challenge, a “one thing a day” challenge, or a weekend blitz, having a little structure can keep you focused and make decluttering feel more like a fun goal instead of a giant chore.
Sometimes a little friendly challenge is exactly the push you need to get going!
Try My 14-Day Declutter Challenge
5 – Throw Away Trash/ Recycle
One of the simplest ways to make quick progress when you’re decluttering is to start by tossing out the obvious trash and setting aside things to recycle.
It’s amazing how much space you can free up just by getting rid of broken items, old papers, empty containers, and all the little odds and ends we tend to hang onto without even realizing it.
Plus, starting with trash and recycling helps you build momentum—it’s easy, it feels good, and it gives you a clear visual win right away.
And don’t worry about making big decisions yet—just clearing out the junk will already make your space feel lighter and easier to work with. Once a month, I go into my kids’ rooms and we fill a trash bag full of things to toss or recycle.
Between all the papers, art projects, and random stuff they bring home from school each week, there’s always plenty to clear out. It’s a simple task that doesn’t take long, but it makes such a huge difference in keeping their rooms (and my sanity!) in check.
6 – Start Small
When you’re staring at a messy room or an overflowing closet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not even know where to start.
That’s why starting small is key! Pick one drawer, one shelf, or even just one small corner and focus only on that.
It might not seem like much at first, but those little wins add up fast and build your momentum.
Plus, starting small helps you stay motivated because you actually finish what you start—and that feeling of accomplishment makes it way easier to keep going.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Tiny steps still move you forward!
7 – Get Rid of Clothes That Don’t Fit
One of the easiest ways to make a big dent in your clutter is to let go of clothes that don’t fit.
I know it can be tempting to hang onto things just in case, but honestly, all those too-small or too-big clothes just take up valuable space and can leave you feeling frustrated every time you open your closet.
Give yourself permission to keep only the clothes that fit you right now and make you feel good. It’s so freeing to look into your closet and see options that actually work for your life today—not a version of you from years ago.
Plus, donating those clothes can bless someone else who needs them!
8 – Find Someone to Help if You Are Overwhelmed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start or what to keep. Having a friend or family member can make all the difference.
They can offer a fresh perspective, keep you on track, and make the process feel less daunting.
Plus, decluttering together can turn into a fun bonding experience. Don’t try to do it all alone—sometimes a little help is all you need to get going!
When I first started decluttering with my mom, it was a slow process, and we only tackled her closet to begin with.
But working together made the whole experience so much more enjoyable and kept her focused.
With me there, she was able to let go of a lot more than she would have on her own, since I could point out things she might have overlooked.
It turned the task into something more manageable and even fun!
9 – Add Decluttering to Your Weekly Routine
Making decluttering a regular part of your weekly routine can make a huge difference in keeping your space organized.
You don’t have to spend hours at a time—just set aside 15-30 minutes once a week to tidy up a few areas.
It could be as simple as clearing off your kitchen counters or going through a drawer or two.
By doing it consistently, you prevent clutter from building up and make it a lot easier to stay on top of things. Plus, when you make it a habit, it becomes second nature and feels less like a chore!
10 – Focus on One Area
Instead of trying to tackle the whole house at once, pick one area to focus on, like the bathroom.
Start with something small, like the counter or the medicine cabinet. Focusing on one space at a time makes it feel more manageable.
When you finish, you’ll feel accomplished and motivated to keep going. Breaking it down into smaller tasks helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and makes the process much easier.
I have found I get super motivated once one whole room has been decluttered and checked off the list.
10 Declutter Tips that Work Conclusion:
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or like something you need to do all at once. By focusing on one area at a time, like starting with your bathroom counter or your closet, and setting aside just 15-30 minutes a week, you’ll make steady progress without burning out.
Whether you try a declutter challenge or enlist a friend to help, each small step will move you closer to a more organized, calm space.
And remember, tossing out things that no longer serve you, like clothes that don’t fit or old papers piling up, can make a huge difference. With each item you let go of, your home will feel lighter, and you’ll feel more in control.
A little decluttering really does go a long way—so take it one step at a time, stay consistent, and enjoy the freedom that comes with a clutter-free space.
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