If your home is in desperate need of a declutter, knowing where to kick things off can feel overwhelming. One of the most frequent inquiries from those seeking order is about the best starting point for decluttering.
Jumping into a random area with various decluttering strategies is one option, but selecting a specific area and using focused techniques can greatly enhance your chances of success, keeping you motivated rather than giving up midway.
Here, seasoned home organizers share their recommendations on where to initiate your decluttering journey for maximum effectiveness.
Choosing Your Starting Point for Decluttering
There's no one-size-fits-all answer for where to begin decluttering, as each person's environment and life differ. Experts recommend starting with the space that feels most daunting—whether that's organizing a living room or sorting through a closet—or tackling a specific category of items.
Declutter by Room
1. Target the Most Stressful Area
'I advise clients to focus on the room that causes them the most stress,' says a professional organizer. 'By clearing a space that impacts your daily life, you'll notice a significant improvement in your well-being!'
'Clutter can elevate cortisol levels, leading to heightened stress. Thus, tackling the most chaotic area first can substantially lower your overall stress,' they add.
Clearing out a challenging area can be tough, particularly when feeling overwhelmed. 'Once you select your starting space, concentrate on it and resist distractions,' warns another organizing expert. 'If you take a room-by-room approach, keep in mind that you might encounter items from other rooms, which can sidetrack you and shift your focus.'
Choosing to tackle difficult areas when your energy and motivation are high can make a world of difference.
2. Focus on Frequently Used Spaces
'If you're still unsure where to begin, consider starting with a space you frequently use and store items in, like a kitchen, bathroom, or main closet,' suggests the expert.
Before diving in, gather a trash bag for waste, a box for donations, and a container for items you wish to sell. Also, have a basket ready for items that belong in other areas of your home.
'Clear everything from the chosen space, clean it thoroughly, and only return the items that truly serve you well. Once finished, you can return the miscellaneous items to their rightful spots throughout the house,' they recommend.
3. Address Underperforming Spaces
'Your starting point will vary based on your unique needs and lifestyle,' another expert explains. 'Take stock of your surroundings and ask yourself: which area frustrates you the most? Which room would significantly improve your daily life if it were more organized?'
One effective organizing technique is the 'ski slope' method, which encourages gradual progress through a space without creating chaos or distractions in other areas.
This organizer founded her service to help busy professionals achieve order amidst their hectic lives.
Declutter by Category
This could involve clearing out toys from throughout the house or organizing clothing. Your choice depends on personal priorities.
'The most effective approach is to group similar items together and assess each category to decide what to keep,' advises the organizer.
'It's challenging to determine the usefulness of a particular frying pan until you can view all your pans collectively and assess which ones are truly beneficial,' they note.
'There are countless strategies for making decluttering decisions, but I advise clients to retain only items they genuinely use and cherish. Multiple backups or damaged goods only contribute to clutter,' they say.
'Remember, you don't have to tackle this alone. Consider enlisting the help of friends or hiring a professional for support,' adds the other expert.
She became an organizer to manage the chaos of raising two children and finds fulfillment in helping others create order.
Common Questions
What should I remove first when decluttering?
Start by discarding any trash, such as empty packaging or outdated papers. Then, use a basket or bin to gather items that belong in that room, like books or cables from the living room that should be returned to the office.
What should you avoid during decluttering?
One crucial mistake is beginning without a clear plan. Dedicate time to decluttering and organizing without interruptions. Keep your goals in mind: do you want the entire space tidy or just a specific area? Establishing these objectives will enhance your sense of accomplishment.
