Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Here’s how you can regain control in no time!
The First Thing Professional Organizers Do When They're Feeling Overwhelmed By Mess
As everyday life becomes increasingly hectic, many of us find ourselves faced with cluttered spaces, overflowing closets, and chaotic countertops. The sight of all that disorganization can evoke a sense of panic, leaving us frozen and unsure of where to begin. However, seasoned professional organizers have tactics that can swiftly cut through the chaos, help you overcome overwhelm, and create a clean, organized space. Here’s how to push through clutter and reclaim your home.
Clear Countertops for Instant Impact
A transformative first step is to clear the countertops. Barbara Reich, the founder of Life Organized, stresses the importance of this action, stating, "The first thing I do when I encounter an overwhelming mess is clear the countertops. The reason I do this is that it makes the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time." Not only does a clean countertop provide a visual breath of fresh air, but it also serves as a functional space for you to start organizing the rest of your home.
Collect Overt Trash: The ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’
Once you’ve tackled the countertops, it’s time to grab a garbage bag and start collecting overt trash. This concept, coined 'low-hanging fruit' by Tova Weinstock of Tidy Tova, signifies items that are easy to toss out and provide instant gratification. Be it crumpled papers or empty containers, quickly disposing of obvious waste not only reduces clutter but also gives you a morale boost to continue your organizational journey.
- Grab a trash bag.
- Collect all visible trash first.
- Focus solely on items that can be easily discarded.
Starting with trash is a simple way to peel back layers of clutter, empowering you to make further progress.
Break Down Organizing Tasks
Tackling an overwhelming area might feel daunting, but breaking down organizing tasks into manageable categories can significantly reduce the stress. Julie Naylon, from No Wire Hangers, suggests focusing on one category at a time. For instance, if your paper clutter is spiraling out of control, collect all loose papers and sort them in a designated clear space. This targeted approach can enhance focus and limit distractions, allowing you to organize incrementally without feeling daunted by the bigger picture.
- Identify one category: paperwork, clothing, kitchen items, etc.
- Gather only those specific items to your workspace.
- Sort through them systematically until complete.
This strategy helps you see progress and maintains your momentum.
Pause and Breathe
Overwhelmed by an extensive organization project? Step back and take a deep breath. Taking a pause allows your brain to reset, enabling clearer thinking and better planning. Regina Lark from A Clear Path emphasizes this point by stating, "When I’m slammed busy… I literally step back and survey the room, take a big breath, and just pause... It’s a reset — like clearing my mental desktop before tackling the physical one."
Preparing your mindset creates a calm atmosphere, letting you think strategically about the mess that lies ahead.
Assess Goals and Resources
Before diving into your organizing project, clarify your goals for the space. Professional organizer Seana Turner of The Seana Method encourages thinking about what you want the area to look like once organized. These questions will provide direction:
- What are your ultimate goals for the space?
- What resources (time and budget) do you have available?
- Is it a DIY project or will you hire professional assistance?
Reflecting on these points can refine your focus and ensure you’re making effective decisions throughout the process.
Gather and Group Common Items
Developing a strategy for sorting can also streamline your progress. Look around the area to identify common items. For example, if you have multiple shopping bags or old magazines, group those together. Tackle easy tosses or recyclables first, as this gives you immediate visibility over the mess and provides motivation to keep going.
Establish Designated Working Areas
Creating a clear workspace can alleviate the stress of organizing. By establishing designated areas for sorting, you ensure an efficient flow for your project. Turner suggests first maximizing safety and efficiency by sorting through clutter and creating spaces for trash, donations, and items to keep. This sorting method prepares you for a more organized process, easing feelings of overwhelm.
Adjust Your Mindset
Making the task less daunting involves changing your internal dialogue. Linda Samuels from Oh, So Organized notes, “When you’re feeling overwhelmed, your internal messages become really negative.” Taking deep breaths and reframing your thoughts can help to uplift your spirit and reinvigorate your motivation. Try repeating affirmations like, "I am capable of making order out of chaos" to enhance your positive mindset and clarity.
Work in Small Steps or Time Blocks
To avoid task paralysis, take control by breaking down projects into smaller steps or time blocks. Whether you dedicate ten minutes to picking up visible trash or organizing one drawer at a time, taking small actions helps build confidence.
- Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes to maintain focus on a specific task.
- Choose one corner or area to work on until completion before moving on.
This approach minimizes the potential for feeling overwhelmed and keeps your project manageable.
Lower Expectations for Perfection
Overloaded with expectations of what your space should look like can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Recognize that perfection isn’t the goal; progress is. Understand that a clean and functional home takes time to achieve.
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter isn’t something you must endure alone. Using these strategies turns a chaotic situation into an organized oasis. Whether you take small steps or enlist help, implement these effective techniques and feel empowered to declutter your spaces successfully. From gathering trash to assessing your goals and breaking tasks into manageable pieces, you control your spaces.
Transforming your home into a sanctuary is within your reach!