Starting with the most daunting room can drain your energy and motivation. Instead, pick a room that has less emotional weight for you. This could be a guest room, a hallway closet, or even a laundry room. The goal is to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

Why this matters:

Starting with a low-stakes environment allows you to practice decision-making without the emotional burden. It’s like taking that first step on a staircase rather than trying to jump to the next level.

How to do it:

Identify a room that doesn’t hold significant attachment for you. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus solely on that space.

Example:

If you have a bathroom with few products, that might be your best bet. Conversely, if your kitchen is cluttered and stressful, save it for later.

Common mistake:

Avoid starting with the biggest, messiest room. This often leads to burnout before you even begin to see progress.

Once you've chosen your starting room, it’s time for a quick assessment—not a full clean. Think of this as a health check for your space.

Why this matters:

A pulse check helps you gauge the current state of the room without committing to a full declutter. It’s about understanding what’s working and what isn’t.

How to do it:

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Start in one corner and move across the room, sorting items into three categories:

1) Keep - items that belong and you use;

2) Go - broken or duplicate items;

3) Not Sure - items you need time to think about.

Example:

As you move through the room, you might find a broken chair (go), a book you love (keep), and a pair of shoes you haven’t worn in a year (not sure).

Common mistake:

Don’t try to sort into too many categories. Keeping it simple will help you make quicker decisions.

Completing a small decluttering task can provide a sense of accomplishment that fuels further progress.

Why this matters:

Momentum is crucial in the decluttering process. Each small win helps you feel capable and encourages you to tackle more challenging areas.

How to do it:

After your pulse check, take a moment to appreciate the changes you made, even if they’re small. Celebrate the fact that you’ve taken a step forward.

Example:

After decluttering your bathroom, take a moment to enjoy the clear counter space. This visual win will motivate you for the next task.

Common mistake:

Don’t dismiss small wins. Every little progress counts and can lead to bigger changes.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with an easy room, conducting a quick pulse check, and celebrating your small wins, you can build the momentum needed to tackle your home. So, take that first step today, and you’ll find that decluttering becomes less of a chore and more of a positive journey.

Want to go deeper? Listen to the complete episode above

What is the best room to start decluttering?

Starting with a room that doesn’t hold much emotional weight, like a guest room or hallway closet, is often the best choice.

How long should I spend decluttering each session?

A good starting point is 15 minutes. This keeps the task manageable and helps you build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

What should I do with items I’m unsure about?

If you're not sure about an item, set it aside for later. Don’t force a decision; give yourself time to think it through.