How to Get Past Organizing Overwhelm & Decide Where to Start
Is your home in a state of chaos, clutter, and disarray? You're not alone! Many of us grapple with the overwhelming task of home organization at some point in our lives. The good news is that with a well-thought-out plan and a little determination, you can transform your living space into an organized and peaceful haven.
The expression I hear most often when people reach out to me for help is…”I don’t know where to start.” If you’re feeling the same, I’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to determine where to start organizing your home. Whether you're tackling a small apartment, a sprawling house, or any space in between, these practical tips will help you gain control over your clutter and create a more harmonious living environment.
Step 1: Conduct a Home Assessment
Before you start randomly throwing things in the donation box, take a deep breath and assess your entire home. This exercise is what I like to call - the home assessment. The home assessment is the key to starting your home-organizing journey. Oftentimes we’ll feel the overwhelm of our space, without actually being able to articulate specifically what is bothering us. This exercise allows you to take an honest and thoughtful inventory of the current state of your space so that you can get a clear understanding of your biggest pain points and opportunities.
Grab a notebook and pen, or use a digital tool, to jot down your observations. Walk through each room and make notes about areas that need the most attention. Consider factors like clutter density, daily usability, and emotional attachment to items.
Here’s a general framework of items you should consider when walking through your home:
Make a list of each room you want to declutter and organize.
Make note of the volume of clutter, where it accumulates
Note which spaces are causing you the most stress or hindering your daily routine and what specifically is challenging about the space.
Identify rooms that are essential for immediate improvement (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, home office).
For extra support - grab a free copy of my Home Assessment Guide HERE!
Step 2: Pick ONE place to start.
Once you’ve taken an honest inventory of each space in your home, reflect on how it impacts your life. Call in those thoughts, feelings, and experiences and get it down on paper. You’re going to use this information to pick one place to start. You’ll notice the emphasis on one. Even if your entire home needs organizing, trying to do a little bit in this room and a little bit in
that room is a quick recipe to getting nowhere fast and feeling discouraged by the results or lack thereof. Choosing one space to organize end to end, will ensure you can quickly feel the benefits of a truly organized space. Getting a win under your belt will give you the motivation and confidence to keep working through your home.
Take a moment to reflect on your observations from the rooms you toured and consider the following:
Choose a space that gets a lot of use.
Choose a space that is going to have an impact in helping you reach your bigger goals for your home.
Choose a space that is small/medium in size. Starting small will ensure you can get a quick win under your belt and keep moving forward.
Choose a space that you can work on without restrictions (i.e. needing others' input or participation who aren’t willing or able to help at the moment.)
Step 3: Prioritize Based on Daily Use
Once you’ve picked the first space you’re going to tackle - you might be left thinking, “but when and how am I going to tackle the rest of the home?” For this, I recommend using the information you gathered during your assessment and creating a priority list.
Another effective way to determine the priority of each space is to consider the frequency in which you use the area. Focus on the areas that have the most significant impact on your daily life. Typically, these include:
Kitchen: A well-organized kitchen promotes healthier eating and streamlines meal preparation. Start by decluttering cabinets and drawers, and create a functional workspace.
Bedroom: A clutter-free bedroom contributes to better sleep and relaxation. Begin with your closet or dresser to create a more serene sleeping environment.
Home Office: If you work from home or have remote learning needs, an organized home office is crucial. Start by decluttering your desk and setting up efficient storage solutions.
Bathroom: An organized bathroom enhances your morning routine. Tackle bathroom cabinets, drawers, and shelves to create a spa-like atmosphere.
While daily-use areas are essential, so are areas with seasonal or occasional purposes. These areas may not be used daily, but they can become clutter magnets if left unattended. Consider adding these spaces towards the bottom of your priority list:
Garage: The garage often becomes a storage catchall. Sorting through seasonal items, tools, and sports equipment can free up valuable space.
Attic/Basement: These areas are notorious for accumulating items over time. Start by decluttering and organizing your attic or basement to make them more functional.
Guest Rooms: If you have spare bedrooms or guest spaces, they can quickly accumulate clutter. Create inviting guest rooms by decluttering and organizing these spaces.
Step 4: Tackle one Space End to End
Once you have your priority list established, as well as the first room you’re going to start in - commit yourself to stay focused in that room until it’s completed to your liking. It helps to have a clear vision and goal for your space, so you know what the finish line looks like.
As you start decluttering, it’s very common to get pulled into other areas of the home as you are relocating items to where they belong. “Wait, socks don’t belong in the kitchen, they belong in my closet. Let me take them there right now!” As you arrive - you sigh and think “Ugh, this closet needs work too!” Next thing you know you’re pulling clothes out of the closet, trying them on and the kitchen is left in the past. By the end of the day, you’ve tackled miscellaneous pieces and parts of different spaces without making any significant progress anywhere.
Instead, try relocating areas out of the space you’re working on, then quickly returning and continuing your efforts. The reward and motivation you’ll find in being able to complete one organizing project end to end will give you the motivation to keep going down your list.
Step 5: Wash, Rinse, Repeat
The first space is always the hardest. Once you get over the hump, you’ll be feeling confident and ready to keep going. From here - refer to your list and keep going! As you work through your home, you may discover certain areas could use attention over others. Feel free to rework your priority list as needed.
Conclusion
Organizing your home can be a transformative journey, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and prioritizing areas based on what will have the biggest impact on your day-to-day, you can create a roadmap to reclaiming your living space. If you’d like more guidance on conducting the Home Assessment - grab a copy of my free Home Assessment guide HERE!
Remember that organization is an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. With dedication and a clear plan, you'll achieve a clutter-free and harmonious home that supports your well-being and daily life. Happy organizing!
