Decluttering Without the Overwhelm: Small Wins for a Big Impact

We’ve all been there at some point — standing in the middle of a cluttered space, feeling completely overwhelmed and not knowing how or where to even begin!

I am a huge advocate of starting small. I encourage my clients to do this all the time and in a recent article published in The New York Times, I read a new way of describing this.

In their article, The Easiest Way to Feel More Organized: Sometimes a little “soft decluttering” is all it takes, the author labeled small organizing tasks as “soft decluttering” – and I like the sound of this catch phrase. It reinforces the power of starting small — tackling a junk drawer, a spice cabinet, or even that ever-growing collection of charging cables as an example. And honestly, “soft decluttering” just sounds more … inviting.

The NYT article focused on decluttering for everyday peace of mind, and I thought I would elaborate on this a bit further and talk about how small decluttering efforts can make a huge difference in real estate — especially when you are positioning your home to sell. And, if you aren’t selling, you’ll still benefit by going through a nice “soft declutter” of your spaces.

BONUS: you may just be motivated to continue from a “soft declutter” and take on a larger organizing project for yourself! 😊

If you are selling your home, does decluttering even matter?

The quick answer is an OUTSTANDING YES!

If you’ve ever walked into a home that just feels put together, chances are, it’s not because the house is brand new or current with decor (though this helps). More likely, it’s because the space has been thoughtfully curated — clear countertops, neatly arranged bookshelves, and a sense of openness that allows potential buyers (or even just guests) to feel welcome and imagine themselves living there.

But you don’t need to overhaul your entire home to create that effect. Here’s how to apply the NYT’s approach to decluttering, with a real estate twist:

Start with Your Personal Pain Point

When preparing a home for sale, many people assume they need to declutter everything at once. But a more strategic (and less stressful) approach is to identify what’s currently making your home feel chaotic. Is it the overflowing pantry? The piles of shoes by the door? The laundry room that has become a catch-all for everything?

Even if you’re not selling, a small decluttering project — like organizing your entranceway — can make your home feel more welcoming, functional and create a very important positive (and lasting) first impression.

“Buyers decide within the first few seconds whether a home feels right for them. A clean, clutter-free entryway sets the tone for the entire viewing experience.” —
National Association of Realtors

2. Set Clear, Realistic Goals

Thinking “I need to organize my entire house” is super overwhelming and even dreadful. Instead, set a more realistic goal like:

✔️ I’m going to declutter the coffee station so my mornings feel less chaotic.

✔️ I’ll spend 30 minutes clearing out old beauty products in the bathroom.

✔️ Today, I’m making space in the closet for seasonal items.

For sellers, this could mean prioritizing the most visible spaces first which may be your entranceway, kitchen counters, or primary bedroom.

3. Make Peace with Some Piles

We’re not aiming for perfection, just improvement. If you
have stacks of books or a few items on your kitchen counter that you actually use,
that’s okay. It’s only a problem IF it feels like a problem to you or those living with you.

However, if you are selling you need to remember “Less IS More”. Take distraction away from potential buyers by packing up as many personal things as possible. Even little piles and scattered knickknacks can distract from showcasing your home’s best features.

4. Take a Break While You’re Ahead

One of the biggest mistakes in decluttering is pure frustration that leads to burnout. We want to stop this BEFORE it happens. Focusing on tackling small projects and celebrating small wins is the best way to minimize your frustration and create lasting habits.

Regardless if you are selling your home or not, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished — whether it’s a freshly organized linen closet, a tidy bedside table or something larger.

BONUS: if you ARE preparing to sell, these small decluttering wins will have a big impact on how buyers perceive your home, putting you in a more competitive position to sell quickly AND for top dollar!

Your Turn: Let’s Talk Decluttering

Taking the overwhelm out of the decluttering process is something I love helping my clients with and it always starts with a simple conversation.

Decluttering is deeply personal, and everyone has their own challenges, but you need to remember that you are NOT alone in this.

I invite you to start a conversation here and offer ideas, suggestions and support for those needing it. Feel free to answer one or both of the following questions, or leave a general comment that may help:

What has been your biggest decluttering win and one you’re most proud of? Why?

What’s the biggest struggle when it comes to keeping your space organized? What may be holding you back?