As holiday packages and cards pile up, does it feel like the clutter in your home is taking on a life of its own? I get it. The holidays bring so much joy, but they can also leave us feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff.
I learned this firsthand during my training to become a coach. One of the first things I had to tackle was decluttering. It wasn’t just about tidying my space—it was about clearing the mental and emotional weight that clutter brings. I’ll be honest: I didn’t realize how much stress my clutter caused until I started letting it go.
After just a few small decluttering sessions, I noticed subtle but powerful changes. My shoulders relaxed. My breathing felt easier. I was less anxious in the spaces I had cleared. Now, as holiday clutter builds up again, I’ve learned to recognize the signs—tense shoulders, a racing mind—and take intentional steps to reclaim my space.
The good news? Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-day project. You can make a big difference in small, manageable steps. Here are five tips to help you get started:
1. Start with Just 15 Minutes a Day
Set a timer for 15 minutes and pick one small area to tackle—a drawer, a counter, or even a single pile of mail. Focus only on that space until the timer goes off. You’ll feel accomplished without feeling overwhelmed, and small wins like this can build momentum.
2. Sort into Three Categories: Keep, Donate, Toss
For each item, ask yourself:
• Do I use this regularly?
• Does it bring me joy?
• Would someone else benefit from it more than I do?
Place items into three categories: what you’ll keep, what you’ll donate, and what needs to be tossed. Be honest with yourself as you sort!t
3. Create a “Clutter-Free Zone”
Choose one small area in your home—a kitchen counter, your nightstand, or a corner of your living room—and commit to keeping it clutter-free. This can serve as a calming visual reminder that you’re capable of creating order, even when other areas feel chaotic.
4. Enlist Family or Housemates
Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo project. Get the whole household involved by assigning simple tasks or making it a game. For example, set a timer for 10 minutes and see who can clear the most items from their space.
5. Don’t Aim for Perfection
Remember, the goal isn’t to have a Pinterest-perfect home—it’s to create a space that feels good for you. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate every step you take toward a more peaceful environment.
Decluttering: A Small Step Toward Joy
Decluttering isn’t just about organizing your space; it’s about creating room for joy. When you remove the physical clutter, you also reduce the mental clutter that weighs you down. That sense of relief you feel when you clear a counter or organize a drawer? That’s your mind and body thanking you for letting go of unnecessary stress.
When I first began decluttering, I didn’t anticipate how much joy it would bring. Yes, it felt good to see a clean surface, but what surprised me was how much calmer and happier I felt in those spaces. By removing the visual and emotional stressors, I created an environment that allowed me to breathe, relax, and focus on the things that truly mattered.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, decluttering is one small, actionable step you can take to reclaim your joy. It’s not about doing it all at once. Even small efforts—like clearing one shelf or donating a few items—can make a big difference.
The holidays are a time for connection, celebration, and joy. By taking small, intentional steps to manage clutter, you can create more space—both physically and mentally—to truly enjoy the season.
What’s one area you’d like to tackle today? Share it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!
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