When people ask for advice on how to begin their journey toward minimalism, I always offer the same approach: move through the rooms in your home easiest to hardest, starting with the most lived-in spaces. That approach forms the foundation for the Uncluttered Course and my new book, The Minimalist Home.
After completing the first spaces in a home, anybody who has lived in their home for more than a few years can attest that there usually exists at least one large, overwhelming space that needs to be decluttered of possessions no longer needed. Think: basement, attic, garage, or storage shed.
These larger, more overwhelming spaces can present unique challenges. But countless people have found victory over them, and so can you.
Here is the best formula for decluttering large, overwhelming spaces:
1. Remove the easiest things first.
Scan the entire area and fill several bags/boxes of items you can get rid of quickly and easily. No difficult decisions at this point, just grab the low-hanging fruit. Don’t even bother opening boxes. You’re looking for quick, easy decisions at this point. Grab the things already in plain view that you know you don’t want anymore.
2. Discard larger items next.
Look for big items that take up lots of physical space, remove them next. Things such as cardboard boxes, furniture, large tools, anything that stores awkward. I realize sometimes these larger items can be more difficult to dispose of, but starting here is important. By removing the largest items at the very beginning, you will see quick progress in decluttering the space. This visible victory of cleared spaces will provide motivation as you continue.
3. Donate items instead of selling them.
If you don’t desperately need the money, you should always donate to a local charity whose mission you believe in. The only exceptions are valuable items or large items you are unable to transport yourself. Following this rule is particularly important in large spaces that are going to be time-consuming, don’t add to the burden by trying to resell everything.
4. Break your large space into smaller bite-size challenges.
After removing the easy and large items, you will begin the process of working methodically through your space. Use natural physical boundaries to break your project into smaller pieces: one shelf, one drawer, one side of the room, or even one box at a time. Don’t think about the whole project at once. Just start with one small area.
5. Work until your bite-size piece is completed.
Almost certainly you will not complete this large space in one day—especially if you have years of items. But you can still feel a sense of accomplishment by completing a smaller-sized challenge each time (a shelf, a drawer, etc.) as outlined in the previous step. See each smaller chunk all the way to completion before taking a break or quitting for the day. There is joy to be found in completing these smaller goals.
6. Physically touch each item and sort into keep, remove, or relocate.
It’s important to touch each item in a space when decluttering because the action forces a decision. Work hard to put as many things as possible into the “remove” pile. You need much less than you think you need. If an item has sat untouched for years in your attic, there is very little chance you will need it in the future.
7. Organize what’s left.
Don’t stop decluttering until your space looks spacious and manageable. When you’re done, neatly organize the remaining things so the space stays clean, manageable, and useful.
Large, cluttered spaces take focused effort and time. But you can do it. You’ll be glad you did.
Further Reading:
My biggest problem is piling up everyday items and then my condo looks like a hoarder house ( well not that bad), but everywhere I look, I see clutter, clothes not folded from the dryer, items I’ve purchased and not put away, paperwork scattered between my kitchen island and my spare room/office..then I become so overwhelmed that I don’t know where to start. I also run out if energy after about 2 hours…don’t know why…when I was younger, I could carry on and finish, but nowadays, get tired so fast. I’ve attempted so many times to be organized, get it cleaned up and then it all starts over again! Frustrated with myself!
I found it easier to work with a free, online person. Just Google decluttering videos.
The person on the screen plays music, sometimes stops for a break, says what she’s starting with. It’s over in 1 hour.
I usually stop then or work a tiny bit more. One hour is enough for a day. Then do it again in one week.
I signed up for a weekly session. I got an email reminder, or you can add it to your Google calendar.
Start with the easiest or most urgent. Then try to finish one small area within the hour.
It will make you feel good you have accomplished something and finished. This will make you more willing to do it again the same way.
Give yourself a reward for finishing. Step back and admire your work.
I use this method with a lot of projects. Just do the easiest thing first. Add on other easy things. As you see your progress, you will know it’s only half finished. Hopefully half-finished projects will motivate you for that reward feeling you get when you finish and admire.
Feel free to tell a friend about your accomplishment. Could be an email. The next question will be what is the next step.
You can still donate items too large for you to move. You just put up a freebie listing in online marketplaces specifying “X number of steps to carry down”, “2 people will be needed to lift this”, or “disassembly required” etc.
Boy does this one sentence relate to me!!! I have made my decluttering mission so much worse because I thought I would try to do a garage sale and facebook marketplace. Nothing but stress for me. I’m glad to feel it’s ok to donate. I don’t need the money. I’m blessed. FYI I’m 75, widowed and have too much stuff!
“If you don’t desperately need the money, you should always donate to a local charity whose mission you believe in.”
Donate to a good cause or just donate. Whatever gets the job done. You don’t want it to sit in a pile and start changing your mind about what to do. Get the great feeling of finishing.
Places that have helped me with decluttering. Consignment shops: for women’s clothes, purses, shoes even books & another consignment shop for men. I even found one for furniture.
For gently used underwear, nightgowns, slippers, children’s stuffed animals & all those toiletries I collected in hotels, towels, sheets, blankets & pillows, I donate to women’s shelters.
Animal shelters can use towels, old dog beds, dog leashes & dog bowls.
For bigger items like appliances, furniture & even clothes, the Kidney Foundation will pick up within 24 hrs of placing the call.
I bring a lot of stuff to Goodwill.
I resell my books to Thrift Books.
Our Catholic charities is in need of men’s biz attire to get people back into the work place.
All left over paint or stain goes to our recycling area.
I try very very very hard not to just discard stuff at the curb…that could be recycled or reused.