Organising a home cluttered with items you’ve accumulated over the years can feel daunting, if not impossible. The mess doesn’t just make finding things difficult; it can weigh on your mind, affecting your mood, productivity, and even your health. But don’t worry—no matter how cluttered your home may be, there are ways to reclaim control and transform your space into a haven of calm. Let’s explore practical home organisation tips for tackling overwhelming clutter, one step at a time.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Overwhelm and Set Realistic Goals
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter is natural when facing a big task. Instead of pushing yourself to “do it all at once,” focus on realistic, manageable goals that make a noticeable difference without exhausting you.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Decide on one area, like a single drawer or cupboard, and commit to organising just that space. Completing small tasks gives you a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum for tackling bigger areas.
- Break It Down by Zones: Start with smaller zones or rooms that are essential to your daily routine. You might prioritise the kitchen, entryway, or bedroom. Breaking down large tasks into smaller zones keeps things manageable and allows you to see quick progress.
- Set a Timer: Many people find setting a timer for 15 or 30 minutes helps them focus without feeling committed for an entire day. Knowing you only have to work for a limited time can ease anxiety and boost motivation.
Step 2: Sort and Categorise Your Belongings
Sorting is the foundation of any home organisation project. Without sorting, you’re likely to keep items you no longer need, which contributes to the clutter cycle.
- Use the Four-Box Method: Label four boxes or bins with these categories: Keep, Donate, Toss, and Relocate. This method forces you to make decisions about every item and gives you a clearer sense of your belongings.
- Go Room by Room: If you’re sorting through a large area, consider starting with one corner of the room and gradually work your way through. Focusing on a specific area reduces distractions and allows you to concentrate fully on what needs to stay and what can go.
- Be Decisive: For many, sentimental attachments make it hard to part with items. Ask yourself whether an item adds value to your life or if it’s simply taking up space. If you haven’t used it in over a year, it might be time to let it go.
Step 3: Declutter First, Organise Later
Trying to organise without decluttering first can be counterproductive. Clutter often distracts and makes it difficult to see what truly needs organising.
- Start with Visible Clutter: Start by clearing the most visible clutter first, like countertops, tables, and floors. These areas can make the biggest visual impact when decluttered, providing a sense of achievement that will encourage you to continue.
- Work with Categories: Instead of organising by room, consider categorising your items. For instance, gather all your books in one place, then sort and organise them before moving on to another category. This method ensures you’re not duplicating efforts across rooms.
- Create No-Clutter Zones: Designate certain areas, like the dining table or kitchen counter, as “no-clutter zones.” Only items that serve a purpose there should be allowed. Keeping these areas clutter-free will create an organised focal point in each room.
Step 4: Simplify Your Storage Solutions
Effective storage solutions can make or break an organised home. But don’t be tempted to buy a mountain of storage boxes before you know what you actually need.
- Repurpose What You Have: Before purchasing new storage, look around your home for containers, bins, or boxes that could be repurposed. This step not only saves money but also prevents adding unnecessary items to your home.
- **Invest in Practical Storage Solutions: Once you’ve decluttered and know what needs to stay, invest in storage solutions that make sense for your lifestyle. Think stackable bins, clear containers for visibility, and drawer dividers to keep smaller items in place.
- Label Everything: Labelling helps you and anyone else in the household know exactly where everything belongs. Clear labelling reduces the likelihood of items getting misplaced, so you don’t need to repeat the decluttering process as often.
Step 5: Make Use of Vertical Space
If you’re limited on floor space, think vertically. Vertical storage solutions can make a massive difference, particularly in small homes.
- Shelves and Wall-Mounted Storage: Wall-mounted shelves are excellent for keeping surfaces clear while displaying items or storing things that you need frequently. For instance, use shelves in the kitchen for spices or in the living room for books.
- Hanging Storage: Install hooks or pegboards in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or garage to hang items such as pots, cleaning supplies, or tools. Hanging storage keeps essentials accessible without taking up counter or drawer space.
- Over-the-Door Organisers: Over-the-door organisers work well in bathrooms, bedrooms, and even closets. They’re perfect for shoes, accessories, cleaning supplies, or bathroom items that otherwise clutter drawers and counters.
Step 6: Cultivate New Habits to Prevent Clutter
Once your space is organised, maintaining it is key to avoiding future clutter.
- Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item brought into the home, make it a habit to remove an old one. This prevents belongings from accumulating over time.
- Practise Daily Decluttering: Spend just 5-10 minutes each day tidying up and putting things back in their designated places. This small daily habit makes a big difference and keeps you from having to tackle clutter in bulk again.
- Monthly Declutter Sessions: Schedule a short decluttering session once a month to go through key areas and make sure nothing unnecessary is creeping back in.
Step 7: Delegate and Involve the Household
Organisation doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Involving your family can make the process smoother and build lasting habits that everyone can follow.
- Assign Zones to Each Family Member: Have each person responsible for a specific area, whether it’s their own room, the kitchen, or a shared space like the living room. This helps everyone feel invested in maintaining a tidy home.
- Set Up a Chore Chart: Make a simple, visible chore chart that assigns decluttering and organising tasks. Rotating responsibilities helps everyone share the load, and it doesn’t feel like one person has to do all the work.
- Teach Kids to Organise: If you have children, encourage them to develop good organisational habits early. Teach them to sort toys, put away clothes, and take responsibility for their belongings.
Step 8: Seek Professional Help When Needed
Sometimes, getting organised can feel overwhelming, even with the best intentions and plans. If that’s the case, professional organisers can be a valuable resource.
- Professional Organisers: A professional organiser can offer hands-on help, bring fresh ideas, and customise solutions tailored to your space and lifestyle. They can guide you through decluttering and set up systems that are easy to maintain.
- Home Organisation Services: Some services focus on specific rooms, such as kitchens, wardrobes, or garages, so you can get help with the areas that challenge you the most. These professionals not only declutter but can suggest storage solutions and maintenance tips to keep your space organised long term.
- Virtual Assistance: If you’re not quite ready to bring someone into your home, many organising experts now offer virtual consultations. They can provide advice, help you create a plan, and support you through the process remotely.
FAQs about How to Organise My House When I’m Overwhelmed by Clutter
What does a home organising service include?
A home organising service typically includes decluttering, sorting belongings, creating efficient storage solutions, and setting up systems to help you maintain a tidy home long-term.
- How do I know if I need a home organiser?
If clutter overwhelms you or you struggle to keep things in order, a home organiser can bring fresh ideas and practical solutions tailored to your lifestyle. - Will I have to get rid of a lot of my belongings?
Not at all! A professional organiser helps you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard based on your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. - What’s the first step in the home organising process?
The process usually begins with an assessment of your space and a conversation about your goals. From there, we create a customised plan to tackle clutter and organise your home effectively. - Can you organise my home without me being present?
Yes, though your input is invaluable, especially when deciding what to keep. Many clients prefer to be present at the start and check in periodically to ensure everything meets their expectations.
- How long does it take to organise a home?
The time varies depending on the size and condition of your space. Small projects may take a few hours, while larger areas like kitchens, garages, or entire homes can require several sessions. - Do I need to buy new storage containers?
Not necessarily! We try to use your existing items first and only recommend additional storage if it’s genuinely needed for functionality or aesthetics. - How do you help with maintaining an organised space after the service?
We set up easy-to-follow systems and provide maintenance tips to help you keep your space organised. Many clients also schedule regular check-ins to ensure everything stays in place. - Do you offer virtual home organising services?
Yes, many professional organisers offer virtual consultations. This allows you to receive guidance, support, and actionable steps from the comfort of your home. - How do I get started with a home organising service?
Getting started is easy! Simply contact us by phone, email, or through our website, and we’ll arrange an initial consultation to discuss your needs and create a plan tailored to your goals.
Ready to transform your cluttered space into an organised haven? Call 03 8583 9103, email nancy@homeorganisers.com.au, or visit homeorganisers.com.au to get started today!
