Decluttering for beginners doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. Whether it’s your first day or you’re on day 1,567, the process remains the same: follow these three simple steps to see success.
Step 1: Trash Bag Therapy
Trash bag therapy is the first step to decluttering success, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: grab a trash bag and start hunting for trash. This method works because it’s an easy and guilt-free way to get rid of stuff that you don’t need. AND it’s an instant dopamine boost that usually gives you the motivation to keep going.
Why Start with Trash?
- Ease Into Decluttering: Starting with trash is a form of exposure therapy. It helps reduce the anxiety and fear associated with decluttering by focusing on easy, non-emotional decisions.
- Boost Momentum: Clearing out obvious trash primes your brain for bigger decluttering tasks. It’s a quick win that sets the tone for more challenging steps.
What Counts as Trash?
- Scraps of paper or old notes
- Broken cables or items you’ll never repair
- Empty containers and wrappers
- Stale food or outdated pantry items
Step 2: Shift Your Mindset
Decluttering isn’t just about clearing physical items; it’s also about changing how you think about your belongings.
Many of us tell ourselves things like:
- “I’m bad at decluttering.”
- “It’s too hard to let go.”
- “I don’t want to be wasteful.”
These thoughts create resistance and make decluttering feel harder than it is. Instead, replace negative thoughts with positive and empowering statements to yourself, such as:
- “I deserve a clutter-free home.”
- “I am in control of my stuff.”
- “My peace of mind is more important than holding onto unused items.”
Even if you don’t believe it at first, fake it until you make it. The more you repeat these mantras, the more natural they’ll feel. If you need a little extra motivational boost, have a listen to my Podcast Episode: How to be an Anti-Perfectionist.
Stop Giving Power to “Stuff”
One of the things I like to remind beginners (and everyone actually) is that your your belongings are just objects. They don’t have feelings, and they shouldn’t control you. Let go of guilt or hesitation by focusing on what’s truly important: your happiness and peace of mind.
Step 3: Donations
Once you’ve cleared out the trash and shifted your mindset, it’s time to tackle donations. Look for items you no longer use, need, or love. This step isn’t about pulling everything out and creating a mess; it’s about being intentional and selective. If you’re stuck on where to start, here’s a few items you can donate today:
- Clothes that don’t fit or make you feel good
- Toys, tools, or gadgets you haven’t used in months
- Duplicates or items you forgot you owned
And while you’re going through your items, it’s important to be honest with yourself and ask these questions as you declutter:
- “Do I love this?”
- “Do I use this?”
- “Would I buy this again today?”
If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Decluttering for beginners starts with these three steps. It’s not about just decluttering your home—you’re retraining your brain to see decluttering as a positive and manageable task. Starting with trash builds momentum, shifting your mindset makes the process emotionally easier, and hunting for donations clears space for what truly matters.
So grab a trash bag, set your mantras, and start hunting for items to donate. A clutter-free home is just three steps away!
DECLUTTERING FOR BEGINNERS: MORE FREE RESOURCES
FREE 30 DAY DECLUTTER CHALLENGE
DISCOVER YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZATION STYLE
PRODUCTS I RECOMMEND TO MAKE LIFE EASIER:
1. Roomba: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/RoombaCA
2. Tidy Tote: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/TidyToteCA
3. Spray Mop: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spraymopca
4. Dusting Wand: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/SwifferCa
My Amazon Store: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug
Clutterbug Podcast Channel on Youtube
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug