First Step to Decluttering

If you struggle with getting started, then knowing the First Step to Decluttering will get you on track. The one thing you will want to do before you roll up your sleeves and get to work.

How to declutter with a plan that takes you from step one all the way to done!

First Step to Decluttering

Decluttering a room is a pretty daunting job, especially when you are looking in at the start of the project. You might already be stuck not sure what to do.

Where do I begin?

What is the best place to start?

What if I start this only too quickly before I finish?

All of these are good questions, and they can keep you from getting busy and making progress.

Not only is it helpful to know where to start, but it is also helpful to know the best way to approach the clutter and mess so you can stay motivated enough to see the project through to the end.

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How can you stay motivated when decluttering?

Motivation is an important part of decluttering and finding ways to keep your drive strong can be helpful with your success.

#1. Set small goals for yourself. It can be overwhelming to look at the entire room that needs decluttering, so break it down into smaller goals for easier wins. For example, set a goal to declutter one drawer or shelf each day until the room is finished.

#2. Make it fun! Decluttering doesn’t have to be boring and mundane. Put on some energetic music or download a great audiobook to listen to while you work.

woman with headphones on decluttering a kitchen cabinet

#3. Take before and after pictures. Seeing your progress can be very motivating and give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the entire journey.

#4. Reward yourself. After each small goal you complete, reward yourself with something that you enjoy. This can be a tasty treat, a relaxing break, or anything else that motivates you to keep going.

#5. Use a timer. Setting a timer for a specific amount of time and racing against the clock can make decluttering more exciting and help you stay focused.

#6. Donate or sell your clutter. Knowing that your unwanted items will benefit someone else or bring in some extra cash can be motivating and make the decluttering process more meaningful.

First Step to Decluttering

The first and most important step to any decluttering project is to have a decluttering plan. I know this may seem unnecessary, but without a plan, you are only going through the motions, and decluttering requires attention, drive, and a finish line.

#1. Choose a Room or Area

Knowing where your focus will be will help you to stay in one location until you complete it. This will help you stay focused instead of feeling overwhelmed by trying to tackle your entire home all at once.

#2. Set a timeline

Once you have chosen an area to declutter, set a realistic timeline for yourself. This could be a certain number of days, weeks, or even months, depending on the size and amount of clutter in the space.

#3. Set Up a Sorting Area

Designate a space for sorting items into piles. These piles can include keep, put away, donate, sell, and trash. Having a designated area will help you stay organized and make it easier to see your progress.

3 white baskets with labels on the floor of a room that is being decluttered

#4. Start Sorting

Begin by picking up the first item and choose the bin where it best belongs. Remember, if the item will stay in the space you are working on, put it into the keep bin.

By touching every item in an area, you will know for sure you have sorted things completely.

#5. Clean Before You Organize

Once you have completed sorting through all the items, make sure to clean the area before returning things in an organized way. Cleaning is an important part of decluttering as it gives you a fresh area going forward.

a woman cleaning an area on a bookshelf before she begins to organize

#6. Finish Completely

Finally, be sure to finish an area completely before you move on to the next space. This step is crucial to avoid any clutter from returning and will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Extra Tips for Success Decluttering

Having a plan for any time you declutter an area can be helpful and motivating, but what if you get stuck in the middle? Use these tips to help you see a project all the way to done.

  1. Sort small areas first – If you feel overwhelmed, start with a smaller area. This will help build your confidence and motivation to tackle larger spaces.
  2. Take breaks – Don’t try to declutter for hours on end without taking breaks. Giving yourself time to rest and recharge will make the process less overwhelming.
  3. Focus on one space at a time – It can be tempting to jump around from room to room, but this can actually slow down progress. Focus on completing one space before moving on to the next.
  4. Get rid of duplicates – When sorting through items, be mindful of how many duplicates you have and consider getting rid of some. Keeping multiple versions of the same item only adds to clutter.
  5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – If you have a particularly large or overwhelming decluttering project, ask for help from friends or family members. Having someone else there can make the process more enjoyable and speed up progress.

Remember, decluttering is an ongoing process and something that should be done every day as part of your home routine.

By following these tips and developing good habits, you can conquer any cluttered space and create a home that is neat, organized, and easy to keep that way.

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