If your home feels like a total disaster and you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry – this plan works!
Tackling a cluttered kitchen or an extremely messy house may seem overwhelming, but it’s absolutely possible. Let me guide you on how to start cleaning today.
Step 1: The BEST Place To Start
When you’re buried in clutter, it’s not the time to overthink where to begin or get overwhelmed by the big picture.
So, where should you start when your house feels chaotic and messy?
Right where you are, right now.
Pause for a moment, look around your immediate area, and let’s tackle that spot together. Start decluttering right here, right now.
Step 2: Snap The Clutter
Before diving in, grab your phone and take a quick picture of the area around you.
I know it might feel embarrassing, and you probably don’t want anyone to see the clutter. But don’t worry – this photo is for your eyes only.
Snap the picture, and let’s move forward!
Step 3: Trash The Mess
Next, grab a trash bag or grocery bag and start tossing out any obvious garbage.
Don’t overthink it – if it’s trash, you’ll recognize it. Clearing out the trash is the first step to tackling the clutter.
Be sure to check the floor, too!
Need some extra guidance? Here’s how to make it even easier:
Step 4: Clear It
Now, let’s focus on the other items in the space you’re working on.
How many things in this area don’t belong here?
Grab a basket or box and place all those out-of-place items inside. Don’t worry about putting them away just yet – the goal is to finish decluttering this space first. Stay focused, and we’ll handle those items later!
Step 5: Declutter It
Now, your focus should be on the items that do belong in this area but are cluttering up the space.
If you don’t truly need something within arm’s reach, put it where it belongs.
For example, at my desk, I absolutely need my reading glasses nearby – but I don’t need a pack of extra notepads right next to me, so they should go in their proper place. Similarly, I might need my phone charger close by, but yesterday’s coffee mug? That belongs in the kitchen.
See how it works?
Now go ahead and clear the clutter in this area. Stay focused – don’t wander off to other rooms just yet. Let’s finish this spot completely!
Step 6: Clean It
Great job – you’ve cleared the trash and decluttered the space!
Now you should have an area that only holds the essentials.
It’s time to clean. Move all the necessary items to the side and wipe down the surface.
Don’t get sidetracked organizing your cleaning supplies – just grab a spray cleaner and some paper towels, and come straight back to this spot.
If the area needs to be vacuumed or swept, go ahead and take care of it, but remember to stick to just this area for now. Stay focused!
Step 7: Organize It
Now your space is trash-free, clutter-free, and clean – amazing job!
Here’s the fun part: neatly arrange and organize the essential items back into your fresh, tidy space. Enjoy how good it feels to have a clean and organized area!
Step 8: Finish It
Now, take all those items that didn’t belong in your area and quickly place them in the room or space where they do belong.
It’s important to just put them in the right spot – don’t get distracted by how messy those other areas might be. You’ll tackle them soon enough.
Also, go ahead and throw away your trash bag, even if it’s not completely full. Get it out of your house and into the trash can now.
Step 9: Evaluate
Now, return to the area you just decluttered, cleaned, and organized.
Take another picture to compare the before and after.
Admire the fantastic job you’ve done!
Feels motivating, doesn’t it? You’ve made real progress!
Step 10: Repeat
Now, choose another small area and repeat the process.
You did it!
Wasn’t that easy?
There are many decluttering strategies out there, but for those feeling overwhelmed by the mess, this 10-minute, 10-step plan is one of the most effective.
Keep going – you’ve got this!
conclusion
In conclusion, tackling a cluttered space doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By breaking the process into simple, manageable steps, you can transform your space and make real progress in just a short time. Start small, stay focused, and celebrate each area you complete. With this 10-step plan, you’ll gradually regain control of your home and create a cleaner, more organized environment. Keep moving forward – you’re doing an amazing job!
