How to Handle Decluttering Overwhelm

The philosophy of minimalism is being embraced by people everywhere. It’s appealing to consider simplifying your life by getting rid of unnecessary physical possessions and concentrating instead on the experiences that bring fulfillment.

Except, for many, the actual process of lessening their load can be daunting, especially if you’ve accumulated years of stuff all in one place. For me, as someone who came from a long line of people who loved to keep things, it's a challenge even knowing where to begin.

Let’s make things more manageable and take a look at some specific ways that you can handle decluttering overwhelm. 

Know Your Why For Decluttering

In this world of chaos and unpredictability, it's easy to get lost in everything. Many people use the phrase, “Know your why,”  and it's used as a motivator to remind yourself of the reasons why you're doing anything. 

This same concept is essential for keeping you on-task when the decluttering process becomes difficult. Understanding your reasons for wanting to live without so much clutter is crucial to success. 

Set Aside Time To Declutter

The first step to getting a handle on your feelings about decluttering is to understand that nothing needs to be accomplished overnight.

Set aside a general amount of time for the project, knowing that your timeline can be extended slightly, if necessary. Having a time frame provides structure, but allowing wiggle room takes away the pressure.

Make a Plan For Decluttering

Having a plan is essential to the smooth completion of any goal you hope to accomplish. It only makes sense that mapping out your steps to decluttering would also be beneficial.

Write down things like the order you wish to tackle your clutter, how many rooms or areas you would like to complete each week, the manner in which you want to sell valuable items, and where you will donate the rest. This proactive step can go a long way toward making it all seem more manageable.

Visualize Your Ideal Space

One more thing to do before actually getting down to the business of decluttering is to form an idea in your head of how you’d like your finished space to look. It may even help to jot down some drawings and notes.

Doing so will help you decide what to keep and what to discard because you will have a better idea of whether a particular item will complement your vision. 

Over to you: 

What areas of your life do you need to declutter? What will make it easier? What is your why? Let me know. I'd love to support you.

Share this blog post with someone you really care about who may be buried in clutter. 

Related Posts: 

Decluttering and Letting Go...Even When You Don’t Want To

3 Powerful Reasons To De-Clutter Your Home

16 Ways To Declutter Your Digital Life Now

How To Tackle The Shame Of Clutter

Lies We Tell Ourselves About Letting Go Of Things

10 Tiny Decluttering Steps You Can Take Today

FREE 5 Day Clutter-Free Challenge

Also...I invite you to join me in letting go of what you don't need in your life anymore. 

I’ll guide you to declutter in just 10 minutes a day! It's so easy and fun. This challenge will fire you up and help you get rid of all the stuff you don't want anymore AND help you bring in what you do want into your life.  

Join me and let go of the things that hold you back!

Join the waitlist for the FREE 5-day challenge.

1:1 Coaching To Declutter 

Don't want to declutter in a group? Maybe you have something bigger to let go of…mental or emotional clutter. 

I’m offering private coaching sessions to help you declutter whatever you need to in your life. 

Work with me 1:1 to reach your declutter goals.  Go here and make an appointment with me today. Don't wait.