Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Start Decluttering Your Home

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Start Decluttering Your Home

Overwhelm. Stress. Chaos. These are words many of us associate with our homes, especially when the clutter feels out of control.

The other day, I came across a post in a social media group that hit me right in the heart. A woman wrote that she sometimes wished her house would just burn down because she felt so overwhelmed by it.

I remember thinking, Oh my goodness, that’s heartbreaking. And then, the very next day, I read about the wildfires in LA, and my heart sank even further.

Losing your home, your memories, your safe space—regardless of who you are or how much money you have—is devastating on a human level.

That post stayed with me because it reminded me of some of my clients. Many people come to me feeling paralysed by their homes, unsure where to even begin.

How Clutter Overwhelm Can Take Over Your Life

I’ve worked with clients who feel completely stuck. One woman was visibly shaking as she showed me around her house. Halfway through, she got so distressed she had to leave and take a walk around the block just to breathe.

Another client met me at the door, looked me in the eye, and said, “I think you’re going to have to go—it’s just all too much for me today.”

These moments stick with me because clutter isn’t just “stuff.” It’s a physical manifestation of stress, fear, guilt, and even a sense of failure.

But here’s what I’ve learned: there’s always a way forward, no matter how overwhelmed you feel.

Where Do You Start When It Feels Like Too Much?

If you’re feeling stuck, here’s a secret: you don’t have to tackle it all at once. In fact, the best way to start is small.

When my clients feel like they’re drowning, I ask one simple question:

What’s the smallest, easiest thing you can do right now?

Forget about the garage you haven’t touched in a decade. Ignore the chaotic storage room that looks like it belongs in a Netflix show. Just start with something tiny.

For example:

• Clear one corner of your kitchen counter.
• Sort through the unopened post on your dining table.
• Spend 10 minutes organising a bathroom drawer.

These small wins can create momentum. And the best part? They’re manageable. You don’t need to do everything in one day.

Why Compassion Matters More Than Perfection

Here’s something no one talks about enough: decluttering is not about perfection. It’s about making your life easier, not harder.

Some people dream of Pinterest-perfect homes, and that’s fine if it makes them happy. But not everyone wants (or needs) a minimalist space that looks like it’s been plucked from a magazine.

For some, a cosy home filled with personality is exactly what feels good.

What matters is recognising when your home is working against you. If your clutter is:

• Making your home feel like a full-time job to manage.
• Causing stress or arguments with your family.
• Chipping away at your mental health.

That’s when it’s time to make a change.

But if your home is full of stuff and you’re perfectly happy with it? Then don’t feel pressured to change a thing.

How to Build Confidence in Your Decluttering Decisions

One of the biggest mistakes people make when decluttering is letting someone else decide for them.

A client once told me another organiser had encouraged her to throw away her childhood diaries. She followed the advice and regretted it deeply.

Those diaries weren’t just books. They were part of her story—filled with memories she could never get back. She even said, “Maybe my kids would have liked to read them one day.”

Now, if my kids ever read my teenage diaries, I’d probably die on the spot from embarrassment. But the point is, whether you keep something or toss it should always be your choice.

So before you make a decision, ask yourself:

• Does this item hold meaning or value for me?
• Will I regret letting it go?
• Am I keeping it because I love it or just out of guilt?

When you trust yourself to make these decisions, decluttering becomes so much easier.

What Does Your Decluttered Future Look Like?

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about creating a home—and a life—that works for you.

Imagine coming home to a space that feels calm, organised, and easy to manage. A home where you feel in control instead of overwhelmed and where sharing the load feels easier. 

Decluttering can help you achieve that. But it doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about progress, not perfection.

5 Tips for Starting Small and Staying Motivated

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are five quick tips to help you get started:

1. Set a Timer – Commit to just 10 minutes. You’d be amazed at how much you can accomplish in such a short time.
2. Pick a Single Spot – Choose one drawer, one corner, or one shelf. Start small and build from there.
3. Focus on One Category – Tackle one group of items, like books, clothes, or kitchen gadgets, instead of jumping from room to room.
4. Create a “Maybe” Box – If you’re not ready to make a decision about something, put it in a box and revisit it later.
5. Celebrate Your Wins – No matter how small the task, give yourself credit for making progress.

Your Home, Your Rules

The most important thing to remember is that it’s your home. You get to decide how it looks, how it feels, and how much stuff you want in it.

Don’t let anyone—whether it’s a decluttering guru, a well-meaning friend, or even an Instagram account—make you feel bad about your space.

This is about making your life easier, not harder.

Ready to Take the First Step? Download My Free Guide

If you’re ready to start decluttering but aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve got you covered.

Download my free guide 👉🏻 6 Steps to a Clutter-Free Life. It’s packed with simple, actionable tips to help you get started and stay motivated.

Remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. Just start with one small step, and go from there.

You’ve got this! Let me know what your first step looks like—I’d love to cheer you on.

Take care,
Lisa 

[email protected]

www.lisahodgson.co