For years I struggled to simplify the clutter in my life. Each time I thought a corner of my home was under control, life shifted — babies, kids, teens, puppies, jobs, school, projects, seasons or moves would upset the balance and the order would unravel. That cycle left me feeling buried and more stressed than ever.
I wanted my home to feel like a sanctuary, but the amount of stuff made it hard to know where to begin. Attempting to organize sometimes increased my stress: I’d pull everything out and, overwhelmed, just shove it back. Over time I learned which habits and mindsets actually bring lasting change, and how to steady myself through the inevitable messy seasons.
I still go through chaotic times — remodeling or moving will do that — but now I know how to return to simplicity without exploding my stress level. The seasons will change, but the principles and practical skills for a more orderly life will see you through.
Here are nine practical ways to get more organized without adding stress.
1. Deal with one situation at a time.
When life feels chaotic it’s tempting to fix everything at once. Instead, choose a single decluttering or organizing task and finish it before starting another. If you don’t know where to begin, list potential projects and pick the one that will relieve the most stress. Picking one thing and completing it builds momentum.
2. Zero in on essentials first.
When everything feels urgent, separate tasks into two lists. One list holds every possible project — that’s the overwhelming list you don’t need to review daily. The other list contains only essential daily tasks (dishes, laundry basics, clearing counters). Focus on making steady progress on the essentials every day. Once those feel managed, move on to secondary projects or get help to tackle them.
3. Set realistic expectations.
Unrealistic expectations add stress. Organizing takes time, and progress often comes in small steps. Don’t let busyness or family responsibilities become an excuse for staying overwhelmed — set achievable goals that motivate you and allow for visible progress without perfectionism.
4. Declutter the excess.
It’s easier to keep a home tidy when you have less to maintain. Instead of trying to organize every item, get rid of what you don’t need or enjoy. Keep only what you have the capacity to care for and use regularly. Less stuff equals less stress and more clarity.
5. Build in margins.
Create small pockets of margin in your day. Try a short break from social media, set the phone aside for part of the day, or temporarily drop a nonessential activity. Giving yourself space reduces stress and frees up time and energy to handle organizing tasks more calmly.
6. Make more room for things you love.
If you’re holding onto too many items, it’s hard to appreciate what matters most. Consider what brings you the greatest joy and what’s simply taking up space. Release the excess to create breathing room around the things you truly value.
7. Collect experiences, not stuff.
Possessions can be nice, but they can also create more work and stress. Shift your focus toward experiences and memories rather than accumulating more items. Often experiences bring longer-lasting satisfaction and less household burden.
8. Don’t overthink.
Indecision fuels clutter. Spending too much time deliberating whether to keep an item or obsessing over the perfect storage solution often prevents action. Decide, act, and adjust as needed. A simple, practical choice completed today is better than a perfect plan that never happens.
9. Commit to long-term success.
Think beyond the immediate to a long-term vision for your home. Keep your end goal in mind to stay motivated through small, consistent tasks. Long-term habits — not one-time purges — create lasting order.
- If you’re ready to change habits and transform your home, my book Make Room for What You Love offers encouragement and practical steps to make it happen. It’s written by someone who understands the overwhelm and provides realistic solutions to inspire progress and a fresh perspective on home and life.
- Consider browsing resources that support your organizing goals and look for tools and systems that match your lifestyle rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.
What stresses you the most about dealing with clutter?