Decluttering Before Deep Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide (2 of 7)

Organize by Category, Not Location

Rather than tidying up one room at a time, try organizing your decluttering efforts by category. For example, start by gathering all of your clothes from every closet, dresser, and storage area. This allows you to truly see how much you own, helping you identify duplicates, items that no longer fit, or things that simply don’t serve you anymore. By handling things in categories rather than room by room, you can prevent the all-too-common “out of sight, out of mind” scenario. This strategy ensures that each type of item—clothing, books, electronics, etc.—gets the attention it deserves, making the process more effective. Organizing by category also helps you maintain a consistent flow, giving you a sense of accomplishment as you clear one type of clutter at a time.

Set a Time Limit

Decluttering can feel like an endless task, especially when you don’t have a set timeframe. To keep the process moving, allocate specific time slots for each category or room. This will create a sense of urgency, helping you avoid the trap of endless indecision. Using a timer can also help you stay on track—decide on a time limit, say 30 minutes, and commit to tackling the task within that window. Setting limits prevents you from getting overwhelmed, allowing you to make quicker decisions and move through the decluttering process more efficiently. It’s all about making progress, not perfection, and giving yourself permission to let go of the pressure.