Ever walked into a room and felt overwhelmed just looking at the mess?
I know that feeling too well.
You often tell yourself that you’ll get to it later. However, later turns into next week… Then next month…
And suddenly, it’s been years, and the clutter just keeps piling up.
But here’s the thing…
The mess itself isn’t the real problem. Instead, it’s the mental weight it carries.
Every unfinished project, every “just in case” item, every pile of things you don’t know what to do with…
It’s all a series of decisions YOU haven’t made yet.
And that’s what makes it feel so exhausting before you even start.
But you don’t have to stay that way.
Let’s talk about all the things you can do to address it.
Why Decluttering Feels So Hard
Most people think the hardest part of decluttering is physically getting rid of things.
But that’s not it at all.
The hardest part? It’s how it affects you emotionally and mentally.
Everything sitting in your home represents something you have to deal with:
A pile of papers? Decisions you need to make.
Clothes you never wear? Money spent, regrets, or guilt.
Boxes of sentimental items? Fear of letting go and losing memories.
This is why decluttering feels too overwhelming.
And it’s not about “stuff,” it’s about the emotions attached to it.
Clutter Fuels Procrastination & Guilt
You might think, “I’ll get to it this weekend.”
Then, when the weekend comes, you’re too tired.
So you push it to next weekend. Then next month.
And the longer it sits there, the more guilt you feel. You beat yourself up for not doing it, which only makes you want to avoid it even more.
Clutter Waste Not Just Your Time, But Even You’re Energy
Ever feel exhausted just being in your home?
Like no matter how much you clean, it’s never enough?
That’s because your brain never fully “rests” in a cluttered space.
Instead of relaxing, it always processes the mess, trying to figure out what needs to be done.
No wonder you feel drained before you even start.
So, How Can You Start Decluttering When You’re Completely Overwhelmed?
The reason decluttering feels impossible isn’t because you don’t know how to do it.
It’s because your brain is already exhausted before you even begin.
If you’ve ever looked around, felt completely stuck, and then walked away…
That’s not laziness.
You’re just mentally drained.
So instead of trying to “figure out where to start,” try this instead:
Change The Way You Think
Most people think decluttering is something you do once and you’re done.
But in reality, it’s a skill you build over time.
The more you practice letting things go, the easier it gets.
So instead of putting pressure on yourself to “finish,” focus on learning how to make easier decisions.
Stop Thinking About Getting Rid of Stuff
If the thought of throwing things away makes you panic, don’t focus on that.
Instead, think of decluttering as choosing what to keep.
Ask yourself: “If I were starting fresh today, would this be part of my life?”
That shift in perspective removes guilt and fear.
Because think about it. You’re not “losing” things, you’re just curating your space.
Declutter in a Way That Works for Your Brain
There’s no “one right way” to do this, but here are a few methods that work when you feel stuck:
- The “First Pass” Method: Go through a space quickly and without overthinking, pulling out anything that’s an easy yes to let go of. No emotional decisions yet—just the obvious stuff.
- Should you keep it or not?: Instead of sorting into piles, hold each item and decide if it stays. If it doesn’t, put it straight into a donate or trash bag.
- Make it “Decision-Free”: Give yourself a time limit (like 15 minutes) and remove anything you already know you don’t want. Don't think too deep, and just focus on quick wins.
And whichever method you use, the key is this…
“Decluttering should feel freeing, not draining. “
How to Make Sure Your Space Stays Clutter-Free
Getting rid of things is one thing. And keeping them from piling up again?
It’s entirely different.
So, here are 3 things that you can do:
1. Put it away, Not Put it Down
This is the simplest habit that makes the biggest difference… Stop setting things down “for now.”
Mail? Sort it immediately.
Clothes? Back in the closet or laundry.
Dishes? Straight into the sink or dishwasher.
It takes seconds to do but saves hours of cleaning later.
2. Set a Decluttering Check-In
Clutter has its way of sneaking back in slowly.
So, set a reminder (monthly or quarterly) to walk through your home and clear out anything you no longer need.
Think of it as maintenance, not another big project.
3. Stop thinking about “Someday”
If you haven’t used it in the past year, you won’t use it next year.
If you forgot you had it, you don’t need it.
If you’re keeping it out of guilt, you don’t actually want it.
Always be honest with yourself, and remember.
You don’t want to deal with this same mess again in the future, right?
Need More Help? Here’s the Easiest Way to stop getting overwhelmed
If you’ve tried decluttering before but always end up feeling stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed… you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why I created the Declutter for Self-Care Course.
To help you stop running in circles with clutter and make real progress.
For the next few days, you can get the entire course for just $67 (this is a limited-time promo).
🔹 No more guessing what to do first.
🔹 No more wasted weekends trying to figure it out alone.
🔹 No more feeling like you’re failing before you even start.
With this course, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Make decluttering easier on your brain so you don’t feel paralyzed by decisions.
✅ Create a space that stays clutter-free, without constant effort.
✅ Let go of things without guilt, stress, or second-guessing.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a real approach that actually works, now’s the time to jump in.
👉 Get instant access to the Declutter for Self Care Course for $67 now!
FAQ
What Is The First Rule Of Decluttering?
The first rule of decluttering is about making decisions.
Clutter builds up because of delayed decisions, so the key is to focus on choosing what stays instead of stressing about what to get rid of.
Where Do I Start Decluttering When Overwhelmed?
Instead of overthinking where to begin, start with the easiest decisions first.
Walk through your space and remove items you already know you don’t want—expired products, broken items, or things you’ve been meaning to donate.
This builds momentum without draining your energy.
How Do I Stop Feeling Overwhelmed By Decluttering?
Overwhelm happens when you try to do too much at once or put pressure on yourself to “finish.”
Instead, shift your focus to progress, not perfection. Set a short timer (even just 10 minutes), tackle a small win, and walk away feeling accomplished.
How Do You Mentally Prepare To Declutter?
Forget the idea that you need to “get motivated” first. Motivation comes after action, not before.
Instead, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do right now to make my space feel lighter? Then, do that one thing—without overthinking.
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