6 Things to Do Before You Start Decluttering to Be More Effective

If you’ve ever opened a closet, a garage, or even a kitchen drawer and thought, Where do I even begin?—You’re not alone. Decluttering your home can be an overwhelming process, especially if you jump into it without a plan. Before you start pulling everything off the shelves or dragging boxes out of the attic, it’s crucial to take a few important steps that will make the actual work easier, faster, and far more successful.

Whether you’re organizing your whole house or tackling one problem area, here are six things to do before you start decluttering so you can make meaningful progress and avoid burnout.

1. Define Your Why

Decluttering takes effort—and staying motivated through the process is much easier when you know exactly why you’re doing it.

Ask yourself:

• Are you tired of constantly cleaning around stuff you don’t use?
• Are you preparing for a move?
• Do you want to reduce stress and create a more peaceful environment?
• Are you craving a fresh start?

Write your reasons down and post them somewhere visible, like your fridge or the entryway to the room you’re working on. That visual reminder can keep you going when decision fatigue sets in. Your “why” will serve as your compass when the process gets tough.

2. Set Realistic Goals

It’s tempting to aim for a total transformation in one weekend—but that kind of thinking can lead to frustration and failure. A more strategic approach is to break your goal into smaller, achievable parts.

Try these examples:

• Instead of “declutter the entire house,” start with “organize the kitchen junk drawer.”
• Instead of “clean out the garage,” try “sort one shelf this Saturday.”

Set a timeline and plan ahead. Write out a checklist for each space or category, and don’t forget to celebrate each small win—it all adds up!

3. Take Photos of Your Space

This step might sound a little strange, but trust us—it works. Before you touch a single item, take clear, honest photos of the space you want to declutter. These photos serve a few purposes:

• They give you a fresh, outsider’s perspective on clutter you may be “blind” to in real life.
• They become helpful “before” shots, so you can track your progress visually.
• They remind you of why you want change—especially if you start to get sidetracked mid-project.

Looking at your space through the lens of a camera helps remove some of the emotional attachment and lets you see what others might see when they walk in.

4. Gather Supplies Before You Begin

The last thing you want to do mid-decluttering is stop and search for trash bags, cleaning sprays, or boxes. Make sure you’re ready with everything you’ll need before you start.

Here’s a simple decluttering supply list:

• Trash bags (for trash and donation items)
• Boxes or bins for sorting (“Keep,” “Donate,” “Unsure”)
• Cleaning supplies (since you’re clearing surfaces anyway!)
• Sticky notes or masking tape for labeling
• A laundry basket or tote for items that belong in other rooms

Having your tools ready will help you stay in the zone once you get started—and make it less likely you’ll give up halfway through.

5. Schedule Decluttering Time Like an Appointment

Decluttering is often put off because it feels optional. But if you want real change, it needs to become part of your schedule.

Block off time in your calendar just like you would for a dentist appointment or a Zoom meeting. And be realistic. A focused 90-minute session can be far more effective than a halfhearted day of disorganized effort.

Also, think about when you feel most productive. Are you better in the morning? On weekends? After the kids go to bed? Choose a time that works for you, and stick to it.

Bonus tip: Set a timer! A 20- or 30-minute burst can make a huge dent in even the most cluttered room.

6. Mentally Prepare for Emotional Hurdles

Decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about decisions, and sometimes those decisions are emotional.

You may run into:

• Gifts you never used but feel guilty giving away.
• Clothing that no longer fits but represents your “ideal” self.
• Items linked to a past version of your life.

Anticipating these emotions can help you manage them. Try reminding yourself:

• “Keeping something out of guilt doesn’t honor the gift or the giver.”
• “Letting go of the past makes room for who I am now.”

You don’t have to get rid of everything. But preparing yourself for emotional speed bumps helps you respond with grace instead of avoidance.

Decluttering your home doesn’t start with your hands—it starts with your mindset. Taking time to define your goals, gather the right supplies, and mentally prepare allows you to declutter more confidently and efficiently. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to take control of your space.

The most important thing? Just start. Even one small area cleared today can inspire major momentum tomorrow.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of where to begin, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a professional organizer can help you stay on track, make tough decisions easier, and customize a plan that fits your lifestyle. Decluttering is about more than just letting go of things—it’s about creating space to breathe, live, and enjoy your home again.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to begin, now is the perfect time to take that first step. Use the checklist above to prep yourself for success—and remember, progress is better than perfection.

Let’s make space for the life you want.