Ep6: Why Decluttering Feels So Overwhelming

Why Decluttering Feels So Overwhelming

If you’ve ever stared at a messy space and felt frozen, you’re not alone. Common reasons decluttering feels overwhelming include:

• Emotional Attachments: Letting go of sentimental items can be tough.

• Guilt: Feeling bad about wasted money or gifts you don’t use.

• Decision Fatigue: Too many choices can make it hard to start, or to keep going.

Mindset Shifts to Make Decluttering Easier

The way you think about decluttering can make all the difference! Try these mindset shifts:

• Progress over perfection: Every little bit counts.

• Celebrate small wins: Even clearing one box is a success. Dance it out!!

• Think of decluttering as creating space for what you love, not losing things.

• Give yourself permission to let go of items that no longer serve you.

Simple & Effective Decluttering Strategies

1. Use the “Decluttering Dozen”

Set a 12-minute timer and focus on one small area—like a single drawer or a shelf. You’ll be surprised how much you can clear in a short burst of focused effort!

2. Try the Keep or LETS GO System

Label five boxes:

• Keep (items that stay)

• Lives Elsewhere (belongs in another room or area of the home)

• Trash (broken or unusable)

• Sentimental (for later decision-making)

• Goes Out (donate, sell, or give away)

3. Declutter by Category, Not Room

Instead of tackling an entire room, focus on a single category, like books, clothes, or kitchen gadgets.

4. Use the One In, Two Out Rule

For every new item you bring into your home, let go of two. This keeps clutter from creeping back in!

5. Focus on High-Impact Areas First

Start with spaces you use daily, like your kitchen counter or nightstand. Small changes in these areas can make your whole home feel more organized.

Turn Decluttering Into a Game

• Challenge yourself! Set a timer and see how fast you can fill a donation bag.

• Find an accountability partner—declutter with a friend or join our supportive community!

Your Action Step: Declutter for 12 Minutes Today

Pick one small area—your desk, car, or that mystery pile on your counter—and declutter for just 12 minutes. Then, celebrate your progress!

Listen & Take Action!

Want more decluttering inspiration? Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lf6Uy-ZkuHw

Join our supportive decluttering community:
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abcdecluttercommunity
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcdeclutterwithjj
👉 Website: https://www.abcdeclutter.com

Grab More Decluttering Tips & Resources

• Get our book, “Speed Decluttering,”  (available on Amazon) for more strategies.

• Subscribe to The JJ’s Declutter Podcast on your favorite platform.

• **Email us at **hello@abcdeclutter.com – we love celebrating your decluttering wins!

Let’s Beat Overwhelm Together!

Feeling stuck? Remember: small steps add up. Start with one simple action today, and watch the momentum build!

Keep it Simple, Keep it Intentional, and - as always - Keep Decluttering!