How to Start Decluttering in a Few Simple Steps, Even If You're Overwhelmed

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Whether you live alone, with a roommate, or with a family, it’s common for homes and apartments to become cluttered over time. But fear not, because there are simple steps you can take to start decluttering and getting your space back in order. In this article, we’ll explore expert tips and practices from professional organizer Megan Ludvinsky to help you tackle the task of decluttering, beat the stress, and transform your home into a space you love.

Table of Contents

Meet the Expert

Before we dive into the tips, let’s introduce the expert who will be guiding us through the decluttering process. Megan Ludvinsky is the owner and founder of About Space Organizing, located in Central Arkansas. With her expertise in decluttering and organizing, Megan will provide valuable insights to help you kickstart your decluttering journey.

Start Small

One of the most important pieces of advice when it comes to decluttering is to start small. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your entire home in one go, focus on tackling one room at a time or working in “chunks”. According to Ludvinsky, setting a timer for 20 minutes and working on a single drawer, corner, or small space can help you ease into the process. By starting small, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and build momentum to keep going. Remember, keeping it small means keeping the mess manageable.

Relocate “OPP”

As you declutter, you may come across items that no longer serve a purpose in your home. Ludsvinsky refers to these items as “OPP”, or Other People’s Property. She recommends throwing away anything broken or damaged, creating a donate pile for items in good condition that you no longer need, and organizing items that should be relocated within your home.

Make a List

Before you embark on your decluttering journey, it’s helpful to make a list of the areas and rooms you want to tackle. This list will serve as a guide to help you prioritize where to spend your time during the decluttering process. Take a walk through your home, identify problem areas that need attention, and create a bullet list of decluttering goals for each room. This will help you stay organized and accountable as you work through your space.

Decluttering List Tips:
– Clean out drawers
– Take inventory of your closet
– Discard expired foods and household items
– Reorganize shelves

Save the Date

Once you’ve created your decluttering list, it’s essential to officially save the date for your decluttering day. Write it down on your phone calendar or a physical calendar in your home to make it a concrete appointment. By scheduling your decluttering day in advance, you’ll stay accountable and mentally prepare yourself for the task at hand. This simple step can help you stay motivated and focused on decluttering your home.

Know What to Expect

It’s important to set realistic expectations when it comes to decluttering. While you may envision a perfectly organized space as the end result, the process itself can be messy and chaotic. According to Ludvinsky, decluttering your home will make the space look worse before it looks better. Remember that it’s normal for things to get a bit messy during decluttering, but trust that you’ll eventually reach your desired outcome.

Tips for Managing Overwhelm:
– Take a 5-minute break if the mess becomes overwhelming
– Step away to refresh and reset before diving back in

By incorporating these strategies into your decluttering routine, you can tackle the task with confidence and efficiency.