What if this job is just tooooo much?!?
Oh, I get it. I really do. When I first started minimizing, I was buried under two decades of accumulated “stuff.” Every corner, every drawer, every closet felt like a mountain I didn’t have the energy to climb.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to do it all at once.
And even better? You’re not alone in this.
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step—deciding you want change. That’s HUGE. Now, let’s talk about what to do when you’re staring down the clutter and feeling completely overwhelmed.
1. Take a Deep Breath.
Seriously. Right now. Inhale… exhale.
Decluttering can bring up all the emotions—stress, guilt, frustration. But deep breaths help reset your brain so you can tackle what’s next with a little more clarity. If the overwhelm is hitting hard, try a quick mindfulness exercise to calm your nerves. (I have a whole collection of 2-minute mindfulness exercises you can check out here.)
2. Reach Out for Support.
Decluttering is a big job—so don’t do it alone!
Find a friend, family member, or online community to cheer you on. Minimalism groups and decluttering pages are goldwhen you need motivation. And if you want expert help, my friend (and former roommate!) Michelle Johnson is a KonMari Consultant who can work magic on overwhelming spaces.
Connecting with others makes the whole process feel lighter. Which brings us to…
3. Make It Fun.
Yes, fun. Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Turn it into a game. Challenge yourself to get rid of 10 things in 10 minutes. Compete with a friend. Dance around while you work. Have you seen my Sustainable Storage Challenge? It’s all about making organizing feel exciting instead of exhausting. (Check it out here.)
4. Use the “Chuck It in a Box” Method.
Feeling stuck? Try this.
Grab a box. Toss in everything that’s stressing you out. Close it up. Walk away.
This isn’t avoidance—it’s giving yourself space to deal with things when you’re ready. When you come back, it’ll feel less overwhelming. Promise.
5. Celebrate Every Win.
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about reclaiming your space and your peace of mind. So take a moment to appreciate what you’ve done, no matter how small.
Got rid of one bag of donations? Amazing. Cleared out a junk drawer? That’s a win. Progress is progress, and every step forward counts. I always say, “Reflect, Appreciate, Celebrate.” If you need a little extra encouragement, check out my post about it here.
Decluttering Isn’t About Perfection.
It’s about creating a home that works for you—a space that feels light, peaceful, and intentional. So don’t stress about getting it all “right.” Just start. Do a little at a time. Keep going.
And if you ever feel stuck, just ask yourself: Does this bring me joy?
If the answer is no… you already know what to do.