When the clutter in our home starts to feel overwhelming, our instinct is often to “get organized.”
But where do we begin? Do we add drawer dividers, buy a new cabinet, get bins, or tuck things into baskets?
I came across a post I wrote years ago that offered a straightforward answer. It still holds true today.
Usually, the first step when we feel overwhelmed isn’t to organize—it’s to pare down and declutter.
Owning fewer things makes it easier to find what you need.
Fewer possessions reduce feelings of overwhelm.
With less to maintain, you spend less time cleaning and caring for your belongings.
When you own less, you’re less likely to buy things you don’t need, because you know they’ll just add to the clutter.
A smaller collection of items lets you enjoy the things you keep even more.
And ultimately, less stuff means less organizing to do.
So, while decluttering may feel like the least enjoyable part of getting organized, it’s the essential first step—and the most rewarding.
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For inspiration and practical strategies that helped me simplify, see my book Make Room for What You Love.
If you want more ideas to organize your space, check out titles like Simple Organizing and Love the Home You Have for practical tips and motivation.
