Get Organized: Easy Steps to Start Decluttering

Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Does your space leave you stressed instead of serene? If so, you’re definitely not alone! The good news? Organizing your home doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With a few simple steps, you can turn your home into a functional, peaceful retreat. Today, let’s dive into some practical, manageable tips to help you kickstart your organizing journey.

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1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Before you even touch a single item, it’s important to get clear on what you want to accomplish. This step might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people dive into organizing without really thinking about what they’re trying to achieve. Are you looking to create more space in your closet? Make your kitchen more functional? Clear out a playroom? Understanding your end goal will guide your decisions and keep you focused when things get a little chaotic.

Once you’ve identified your goals, write them down. It sounds simple, but having a written list can be incredibly helpful, especially when you’re midway through a project and need a reminder of why you started. Plus, crossing off goals as you go is one of the most satisfying parts of the process!

→ Quick Tip: Try visualizing what your ideal space looks and feels like. Imagine walking into a tidy, clutter-free room—what stands out to you? Keep that image in your mind as you work.


2. Start Small to Avoid Overwhelm
It’s easy to feel like you need to tackle your entire home all at once, especially if clutter has been building up for years. But here’s the thing: trying to organize everything in one go is almost guaranteed to lead to burnout. Instead, start small. Focus on a single area or room, and give yourself permission to work at your own pace.

For example, you might begin with something as simple as a junk drawer or your bathroom countertop. Once you’ve seen what a difference that small change makes, you’ll feel more motivated to keep going. The key is to build momentum. Small wins create confidence, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to tackle bigger projects.

→ Quick Tip: Create a plan by dividing your home into zones. Set realistic timelines for each area, and remember—it’s not a race! Quality over quantity is key when it comes to organizing.

3. Declutter First: Be Ruthless
This step is where the magic happens! Decluttering is the cornerstone of effective home organizing. If you don’t declutter first, you’re just rearranging things without addressing the root issue—too much stuff. As you go through your belongings, take a hard look at each item and ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly?

• Does this add value to my life?

• Would I buy this again today?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s time to let it go. You can donate, sell, or recycle things you no longer need, but the most important part is to actually get rid of them. It’s tempting to create piles of “maybes,” but trust me, that only leads to more clutter in the long run.

→ Quick Tip: Don’t overthink it. If you’ve hesitated about an item for months (or years!), you’ll likely feel lighter once it’s out of your space. Give yourself permission to let go.

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4. Sort and Categorize
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize what’s left. Sorting items by category is one of the most efficient ways to keep things organized long-term. Group similar items together, whether it’s office supplies, clothing, or kitchen gadgets. This step makes it easier to store things logically and helps you see exactly what you have—no more buying duplicates because you couldn’t find that one gadget buried in a drawer!

As you categorize, think about where each group of items will live. For example, do you want your office supplies stored in a drawer, a bin, or on a shelf? Whatever you decide, make sure everything has a designated “home.” This simple step will make it much easier to maintain your system in the future.

→ Quick Tip: Use bins, baskets, and drawer dividers to separate items. This helps keep things tidy and prevents clutter from creeping back in.

5. Maximize Your Storage Space
When it comes to organizing, smart storage is your best friend. We all have different storage needs, but one thing’s for sure—making the most of your available space is key. Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a spacious house, there are countless ways to use your space more efficiently.

Start by taking advantage of vertical space. Install shelves, hooks, or pegboards to store items off the floor and countertops. You can also use furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments. Don’t forget about underutilized spaces like under the bed or high shelves in closets. The goal is to give everything its own place while keeping it accessible when you need it.

→ Quick Tip: Store items you use frequently in easy-to-reach places, while less-used items can be tucked away in higher or less accessible spots.

6. Build Daily Habits

The truth is, no organizing system will work long-term if you don’t maintain it. Luckily, maintaining an organized home doesn’t require hours of work each day. All it takes is a few small habits that, when done consistently, make a huge difference.

Start by setting aside just 5-10 minutes each day to tidy up. Make your bed, put away laundry, and do a quick sweep to return items to their rightful places. These little tasks prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to stay organized in the long run. Plus, once you get into the habit of daily tidying, it’ll become second nature.

→ Quick Tip: Try implementing the “one-touch rule”—only touch items once. For example, when you pick up the mail, sort it immediately instead of setting it down to deal with later.

7. Stay Flexible
Finally, remember that organizing is an ongoing process. Your needs will change over time, and your organizing systems should change with them. As your family grows, as you move into new spaces, or as your lifestyle evolves, be open to adjusting your systems. What works today might need a refresh in six months, and that’s okay! The key is to remain flexible and willing to adapt.

If you find that something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak it. Organizing isn’t about creating a perfect system—it’s about creating one that works for you and your current situation.

→ Quick Tip: Schedule regular “maintenance sessions” every few months to reassess your organizing systems. This helps prevent clutter from building up and keeps everything running smoothly.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an organized, functional home that you love. And remember, this process isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that makes your life easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable. Take it one step at a time, celebrate your progress along the way, and know that you’ve got this!