Have you ever walked into a room, taken one look at the chaos, and felt instantly overwhelmed? Or maybe your garage has started to resemble the lair of a suburban dragon that hordes long forgotten treasures. We’ve all been there before. When the clutter has slowly crept up on us, turning what was once a minor mess into a full-on disaster zone.

But fear not, my friend! Tidying up doesn’t have to feel like torture. With the right mindset and a few effective strategies, tackling even the most overwhelming spaces is achievable without sending your mental health into a downward spiral. Here are some simple yet powerful tips to help you regain control of your space and your sanity.

Adopt a Systematic Method

When you’re staring at a mountain of clutter, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. That’s why starting with a system is crucial.

The 1-3-5 Rule: This approach keeps things manageable by solely focusing on: one large task, three medium tasks, or five small ones. If you’re new to decluttering—or feeling especially stuck—begin with the small wins. Knocking out five tiny tasks can build momentum without triggering executive dysfunction or feelings of hopelessness.

Room-by-Room Approach: Tackling your entire house at once is a recipe for stress and being overwhelmed. Instead, focus on one room at a time. Sort items into categories: keep, donate, or discard. Set a realistic timeframe to complete each room (most can be decluttered in a day or less if you stay focused.)

Proven Decluttering Techniques

Not everyone has a natural knack for cleaning up and that’s okay! These techniques make decluttering a piece of cake by being simple and effective.

KonMari Method: Marie Kondo’s philosophy is simple: keep only the items that truly “spark joy.” Once you decide what to keep, give each item a designated home. (If you’re cleaning out a shared space, make sure the other person is present to avoid hurt feelings.)

SPACE Method: This practical system breaks down decluttering into five tasks:

Sort your belongings.
Purge what you no longer need.
Assign a home for each item.
Containerize items to maintain organization.
Equalize by regularly reassessing and adjusting.

It’s very similar to the KonMari Method but a personal favorite of mine because it goes past choosing what to keep and is versatile in its applications. For example, you can use it for large scale projects (i.e. decluttering a room) or smaller projects (i.e. organizing art supplies.)

Practical Tips

Sometimes it’s the small habits that make the biggest difference. By adding these practices into your routine, eventually they will become habits that help prevent clutter.

Reverse Hanger Reminder: If your closet is bursting at the seams, turn all your hangers backward. Over the next few months, return hangers to their normal position only after you’ve worn the item. By the end of the season, you’ll know exactly what you’re not wearing—and can donate or discard accordingly.

One Out Technique: For this, it may be beneficial to have a family member involved for accountability. This technique is quite simple but for those who are prone to leaving “just a few things” laying about, this can be a challenge. Its name is the technique, only take out one item at a time and put things back as soon as you’re done with them BEFORE taking out any other items.This simple habit can prevent clutter from building up in the first place and will help keep your newly organized space staying that way.

Embrace Minimalism

Let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. That old blender you haven’t touched in years? Donate it. Duplicate kitchen gadgets or outdated electronics? Time to say goodbye.

For items in good condition, donating to local thrift stores, women’s shelters, or other nonprofits is a great way to help others in need while cleaning your space. Plus donating to many of these organizations will qualify you for a tax write off. Just ask for a receipt for the goods donated and come tax season add it into your deductions!

Leverage Community Resources

Join local groups on Facebook to pass on items you no longer need. Often titled, “Unconditional Giving & Receiving”, these groups are great for rehoming things like furniture, toys, or kitchenware. Additionally, should you ever be in need of something, you can make a post indicating you’re looking for said item. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also connect with your community in a meaningful way.

Unconditional Giving & Receiving-Nevada City
Unconditional Giving & Receiving-Grass Valley

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a grueling task. By breaking it down into manageable steps, using proven techniques, and building better habits, you can transform your space—and your mindset. So roll up your sleeves, grab a trash bag, and start reclaiming your home today.

And remember, progress over perfection.
Every little bit counts!