Declutter Your Home In a Way That Feels Manageable and Not Overwhelming

decluttered living space

You’ve tried before. You block out a weekend to declutter, roll up your sleeves, and dive in with the best intentions. Hours later, you find yourself knee-deep in piles of clothes, old papers, and forgotten knick-knacks. Overwhelmed and exhausted, you give up halfway, promising yourself you’ll try again another time. Sound familiar?

The problem isn’t your lack of effort—it’s the approach.

Most people dive headfirst into decluttering without a plan, which quickly leads to frustration. But what if there was a simpler, more manageable way to declutter your home—one that left you feeling calm and accomplished instead of stressed and stuck?

Step Into the Final Picture: A Calm, Organized Home

Picture this: You walk into your home, and everything has a place. The kitchen countertops are clear, your living room feels spacious, and your bedroom is a serene retreat at the end of a long day. No more clutter-induced stress. Just a calm, inviting space that brings you joy.

Interior Design: Georgette Marise Interiors

This isn’t just a dream. It’s possible to create a home that feels organized and peaceful—and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Stress-Free Decluttering Plan in 4 Simple Steps

Here’s a simple plan that breaks down decluttering into manageable steps so you can make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Start Small, Win Big. Begin with a single drawer, a small shelf, or a corner of a room. Completing a small area gives you a quick win, boosting your motivation to keep going. I personally started with my kitchen pantry, which had become a chaotic mix of expired goods and random snacks. Clearing it out not only created physical space but also brought a sense of control and relief.

Some other small areas I tackled in my own home include:

  • The junk drawer: It was bringing me so much frustration every time I opened it and struggled to find a pen. Decluttering it made such a difference in my daily life.

  • Bins in the coat closet: I cleared out the existing bins to see exactly what we had, making it easier to grab what we actually needed.

  • The main pile on the kitchen table: This pile always seemed to reappear, but sorting through it and creating a system helped keep the table clear.

  • Books in the living room bookcase: Sorting through old books and donating those we no longer read opened up space and made the area feel lighter.

  • Clothes in the bedroom closet: I tackled this while preparing for spring cleaning, and it felt great to finally let go of clothes that didn’t fit or bring joy.

  • Cleaning products under the kitchen sink: Decluttering this area made it easier to find what I needed without knocking things over.

  • Towels and products in the linen closet: Clearing out old or worn towels and organizing the products created a much more serene experience every time I opened the door.

Each of these areas, though small, carried an emotional weight—whether it was frustration, stress, or guilt from seeing clutter pile up. Tackling them one by one brought a sense of accomplishment and hope. Remember, decluttering isn’t a race; it’s a journey.

Pro tip: Set a timer for 15-20 minutes. Commit to decluttering during that time and stop when it’s up. Short, focused sessions help prevent burnout.

2. Focus on Categories, Not Rooms. Rather than tackling an entire room, sort by category. Start with clothes in your bedroom, then books on the bookcases, papers on your desk, and so on. This method helps you see how much you own in each category and make better decisions about what to keep.

Pro tip: Gather all items in one category from different rooms and place them in a single spot. Seeing the volume at once makes it easier to let go of things you no longer need.

3. Use the "Joy Check" Method. Ask yourself: Does this item bring me joy or serve a clear purpose in my life? When was the last time I used this? It may be time to let it go. Be honest with yourself. Holding onto items out of guilt or obligation only adds to your mental clutter.

Pro tip: Have three bins ready—Keep, Donate, and Discard. As you sort, place items in the appropriate bin to maintain momentum.

4. Create Simple Systems to Maintain Order. Decluttering is just the first step. To keep your home organized, you’ll need simple systems. Assign a home for everything and adopt a “one in, one out” rule: for every new item you bring in, let go of one.

Pro tip: Label storage bins and use clear containers for frequently used items so everything is easy to find and put away.

Your Next Steps: Turn Decluttering Into a Lifestyle

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifestyle shift that brings lasting calm to your home, mind, and spirit. If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start creating the peaceful home you deserve, join me this Saturday at my Decluttering Workshop. I’ll be co-hosting this workshop where we’ll cover how to declutter not just your home, but also your mind and spirit, so you can experience complete clarity and calm.

We’ll go deeper into this stress-free decluttering approach and cover how to:

  • Tackle common problem areas (like closets and kitchen counters) with ease.

  • Clear mental clutter and cultivate a peaceful mindset.

  • Use simple systems to maintain order.

You’ll leave with a clear, actionable plan and feel empowered to take control of your space.

Ready to Start Today?

For those who can’t attend the workshop or want an additional resource, my eBook From Chaos to Calm: Home Organization offers step-by-step guidance on decluttering and organizing every area of your home. It’s designed to help you create a space that feels as good as it looks—without the overwhelm.

Click here to grab your copy and take the first step toward a calm, clutter-free home.

Your dream home is closer than you think. Let’s make it a reality—one small step at a time.

Spring Into Organization: Kitchen Storage Solutions

As the days grow longer and the promise of warmer weather beckons, many of us find ourselves gearing up for that annual ritual known as spring cleaning. It's a time to shake off the cobwebs of winter and breathe new life into our living spaces. And what better place to start than the heart of the home - the kitchen?

As an interior designer with a passion for both aesthetics and functionality, I've learned that the right storage containers can make all the difference in keeping a home organized and clutter-free. So, as Spring Cleaning approaches, I'm excited to share some of my favorite kitchen storage solutions, room by room.

Declutter Before You Organize

Before diving into the world of storage containers, it's crucial to declutter. Empty out those cabinets and drawers and take stock of what you have. Donate or discard items you no longer need or use. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.

Clear Containers: See What You Have

One of my go-to solutions for kitchen organization is clear containers. Whether they're made of acrylic or glass, these containers allow you to see exactly what's inside, making it easier to find what you need. In the fridge and freezer, clear acrylic bins are perfect for storing everything from proteins to frozen veggies. In the pantry and cabinets, clear and wood containers with labels help keep dry goods organized and accessible.

Maximize Space with Stackable Bins and Organizers

To make the most of limited cabinet and pantry space, I swear by stackable bins and organizers. These handy tools allow you to create layers of storage, maximizing every inch of available space. Whether it's a three-tiered organizer for spices or stackable bins for canned goods, these solutions are game-changers for small kitchens.

Drawer Organization: The Key to a Tidy Kitchen

Don't forget about the drawers! A cluttered junk drawer can quickly derail even the most organized kitchen. That's why I love using short clear bins of various widths (especially for the junk drawer). From utensils to cooking gadgets, these bins keep everything in its place and make finding what you need a breeze.

kitchen organization - shown: 24 Slot Coffee Pod Holder (#2)

Curious to see the storage pieces I've used in my own home and vacation rental in Ventnor? Check out some of my favorite kitchen organizers on the mood board. And if you find something you love, know that I may receive a small commission for any purchases made through the links - thank you for your support!

Kitchen Organization mood board

Home Organization e-Book

With the right storage containers and a little bit of elbow grease, you can transform your kitchen into a functional and beautiful space that brings joy to your daily routine. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to spring into organization together!

Next… Organizing the Mudroom

As we wrap up our tour of kitchen organization, I invite you to stay tuned for the next installment in our Spring Cleaning series, where we'll tackle another high-traffic area of the home: the mudroom. From shoe storage to coat hooks, I'll share my top tips for keeping this transitional space tidy all year round. https://sovrn.co/wp1r2ji