Join me LIVE as I break down the TOP 5 most common DECLUTTERING MISTAKES and how to overcome them and then I tackle your decluttering questions!
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the mess in your home and totally stuck on where to start, you’re not alone. For years, I made these same decluttering mistakes—and I didn’t even realize they were mistakes! Once I changed my approach, everything shifted. Let’s dig into the top five decluttering mistakes you might be making—and what to do instead to finally feel lighter, freer, and more in control of your space.
Mistake #1: Sorting First
Okay, I know sorting sounds productive… but it’s actually a trap. When you sort first, you’re organizing items you may not even like or need. Suddenly, everything has a category and a “purpose” just because you put it in a pile. Instead of tackling the mess, you’ve created more chaos.
Do this instead: Try the yes/no method. Ask yourself: “Do I like this?” If yes, leave it where it is. If no, put it in a “go” pile. That’s it. No fancy categories, no mental gymnastics. Just quick decisions, one item at a time.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Root Cause
Decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about what’s going on underneath. Are you holding onto things because of scarcity, guilt, or fear of making a mistake? Maybe you were raised to believe you should keep everything “just in case.”
What helps: Identify your root. Is it trauma? Perfectionism? A scarcity mindset? Naming it helps you start healing. Remember: keeping something you don’t use isn’t saving money—it’s just taking up space.
Mistake #3: Overthinking Everything
You’re not solving world peace—you’re just putting stuff in a bag! But so many of us (especially my fellow overthinkers) get caught up in questions like: “Where should I donate this?” “What if I cry?” “Do I have the right containers?”
Quick tip: Grab a trash bag and find 21 things to go. That’s it. Turn it into a game, an Easter egg hunt. Don’t stop and analyze. Just act. Less thinking, more doing.
Mistake #4: Doing Too Much at Once
Please don’t pull everything out of your closet, dump it on the bed, and then panic at 11 p.m. when you’re too tired to finish. Been there. Done that.
Try this instead: Focus on just one drawer, or find five shirts you no longer love. Small wins give you momentum without the overwhelm. Your motivation grows with each success.
Mistake #5: Not Scheduling Decluttering Time
Let’s be honest—decluttering isn’t magically going to happen “someday.” If you’ve been waiting for the motivation fairy to show up, she’s busy. Sorry.
Pro move: Open your calendar right now and schedule 5–15 minutes of decluttering. Set a reminder. Make it a date with yourself. Even five minutes makes a difference when it’s consistent.
Join the FREE 30-Day Declutter Challenge Here: https://clutterbug.me/declutterchallenge2024
Your Decluttering Questions, Answered
You all had so many great questions! Here’s a quick summary of some of the most helpful Q&As from the chat:
Q: What’s an easy way to label without a printer?
A: Use peel-and-stick chalkboard labels and a chalk pen—fast, reusable, and cute!
Q: I need visual organization, but clutter stresses me out. Help?
A: You don’t need to see everything, just your everyday essentials. Use trays, shelves, and color-coded bins to keep things visible but contained.
Q: How do I organize a standard freezer?
A: Use tall skinny bins to group items by category. Cut out cooking instructions from boxes and store them in the bin with the food.
Q: No space for an entryway drop zone—any alternatives?
A: Use IKEA’s wall-mounted shoe cabinets (they’re only 4 inches deep!) to hold everything from bags to dog leashes.
Q: My bedroom is a multipurpose zone—how do I manage it?
A: Create zones: each wall or corner should have one purpose (music, sewing, etc.). Use bins, hooks, or armoires to contain the clutter.
Q: I’ve already decluttered a lot—what now?
A: Start with high-impact areas like your bedroom or bathroom. Decluttering those spaces boosts your mood and makes daily life easier.
Q: I love all my clothes and don’t want to part with them!
A: Try the backwards hanger trick—turn all your hangers around and flip them back only when you wear the item. After 6 months, donate what’s still hanging backwards.
Q: I can’t figure out categories for my random stuff!
A: Use broad categories like “Home,” “Adhesive,” “Fix-It,” or “Tools.” You can even upload a photo to ChatGPT and ask for help grouping items. It works!
Your Homework (Don’t Worry—It’s Fun)
You don’t need to buy a single thing to start organizing today. Here are three small wins you can tackle right now:
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✅ Find 21 items to let go of
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✅ Spend 5 minutes decluttering one drawer or shelf
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✅ Schedule your next decluttering session on your calendar
You’ve got this, friend. Remember—this isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making progress, feeling better in your space, and proving to yourself that you can do this (because you totally can!).
➡️ Download my 15 Min. Decluttering Guide here.
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