Inside: Use the slow declutter method to simplify your home at a pace that works for you.
Living with clutter isn’t the best experience. Many of us tolerate it for far too long – until we reach a breaking point.
All of that clutter that’s shared our space for ages is suddenly driving us crazy, and we can’t ignore it anymore.
We want to do something about it right now.
And while we’ve likely all seen headlines from people claiming they got rid of 80% of their stuff in one weekend, that isn’t the only way to approach decluttering.
Trying to attack it all in a matter of a few days can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted. You may end up creating even more of a mess than you started with.
And the worst part? You feel deflated and don’t end up finishing what you set out to accomplish.
When you think about it, it makes sense. Consider just how long it took that clutter to accumulate.
Clutter adds up over the years, and trying to convince yourself that you can make it all disappear right away is optimistic, but not always realistic.
Instead, consider the slow declutter method as a more reasonable and effective way to downsize your stuff without wearing you out in the process.
By navigating the process of decluttering intentionally – and slowly – you’ll still accomplish the same goal of creating a clutter-free, organized space.
Will it take more time? Yes. But there are plenty of compelling reasons to declutter slowly, as well as benefits to taking a slower, more intentional approach to the task.
Why Declutter Slowly? The Benefits of the Slow Declutter Method.
When it comes to clutter, most of us accumulate it over time. At first, we don’t even notice that it’s there – until one day, we do. And it’s bad. We can’t ignore the clutter that’s taken over our home.
It’s become a problem. And we want to fix it immediately.
But while instant gratification is nice, it isn’t always possible when it comes to decluttering your home.
In fact, trying to declutter too quickly can create all kinds of problems – and make the situation worse.
Instead, consider these six benefits of using the slow declutter method in your home:
1. You’ll have time to make a plan.
One of the biggest benefits of using the slow declutter method? The fact that you’ll actually have the time to approach your clutter situation thoughtfully and make a plan of attack.
While you might be tempted to grab a trash bag and just start, you’ll find yourself frustrated – and in many cases, with a home that’s even more chaotic than it was when you started.
Instead, making a plan to declutter slowly will allow you to approach your clutter problem in a more thoughtful way.
By determining how much time you can dedicate to the task each day or week, identifying all of the problem areas that need to be approached, and figuring out which order you’ll address them in, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress once you actually begin.
Decluttering slowly will help you to be more methodical in your approach so that you don’t waste your time spinning your wheels.
2. You’ll be able to properly prepare.
Decluttering is all about getting rid of stuff. As a result, most of us fail to think about the fact that we might need to gather a few supplies before we begin.
If you rush into the process, you won’t have the tools you need ready to optimally declutter and organize your space. Instead, take a slower approach and plan and prepare before you begin so that you can declutter more efficiently.
Here are some helpful supplies to have on hand:
Bags and boxes for donations and trash.
Planning to eliminate a lot of stuff from your space? You’ll need a place to put it. Do you have enough trash bags for the items that can’t be repurposed or simply need to be discarded?
And when it comes to items you can donate, where will you put those? Creating dedicated bags, boxes, and bins can streamline the process.
Storage solutions for the things you want to keep.
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. After you’re done getting rid of the items you don’t love or use, you’ll want to create an organizational system to help you stay organized going forward.
Using shelving, plastic storage bins, closet organizers, drawer dividers, and other items you have on hand can make a huge difference. Just don’t buy anything until after you’ve decluttered your things.
Labels, labels, labels!
Putting boxes and bins into storage? You’ll want to clearly label what’s inside to make it easy to identify later on.
Designating certain shelves in a closet for specific items? Label them to avoid any confusion.
Labels are especially helpful when you share space with other people who will be expected to help you maintain order moving forward.
3. You’ll feel less overwhelmed.
Let’s be honest. The process of decluttering can feel overwhelming.
You’re making a lot of decisions. You’re parting ways with stuff you’ve owned for years – some of which may carry emotional attachment or sentimental memories. And you’re doing a lot of work.
Keeping feelings of overwhelm at bay when decluttering is critical – and you can do it by taking a slower, more deliberate approach to the process.
Decluttering can stir up a wide range of emotions, and untangling the reasons you’ve been holding onto clutter can be a tiring process. But allowing yourself to think and reflect as you go can help you to identify and work through those thoughts & feelings.
It’s also important to acknowledge that everyone has limits on the time and energy they have available. When you declutter slowly, you can work with your resources rather than pushing yourself too hard by trying to tackle it all at once.
4. You’ll minimize the mess.
When you declutter, it’s common to make your space more chaotic before things improve.
Decluttering a closet? You’ll want to take everything out so you can see what you’re working with – and if you can’t complete the process right away, you’re going to be left with a mess.
By embracing the slow declutter method, you’ll tackle the task at hand with intention. You can think about how much time you can dedicate to decluttering before you get started – and pick a task that you know you can complete well within that window.
When you declutter slowly and minimize the mess, you’ll feel more motivated to continue with the process. It’s encouraging to see a completed space, even if it’s a small drawer or cupboard.
Having a room left in shambles waiting for you to get back to complete doesn’t help you to feel motivated to declutter. In fact, it makes the process feel even more overwhelming. But when you go at a more reasonable pace, the process feels much more manageable.
5. You’ll be less likely to experience decluttering regret.
Do you make the best decisions when you’re rushed? Most of us don’t. The pressure of trying to complete a task too quickly means you’re more likely to make mistakes.
Some people get caught up in the decluttering process when they’re speeding through it.
Unfortunately, that can cloud your judgment and make it more likely that you’ll look back and regret things you got rid of.
Or worse yet, find yourself needing to replace things you let go of while making hasty decisions.
However, when you use the slow declutter method, you can take the time to think more reasonably about what you want to keep and get rid of.
By asking yourself the right decluttering questions and considering what you truly love and use, you’ll set yourself up for decluttering success without regrets.
6. You’ll benefit from long-lasting results.
When you try to declutter too quickly, you force yourself to make a lot of decisions on the fly.
What should stay – and what should go? Where should I keep this? How should I organize that?
Making those kinds of decisions fast will get the job done in the short term and give you that instant gratification you crave – but can lead to problems in the long run.
If you want the results of your effort to last, you need to think strategically and implement systems and processes that work for you – now, and in the future.
You can think through your options, do some research on best practices, and consult experts (feel free to use the search bar on this site) to ultimately make decisions that will serve you long after your decluttering project is complete.
Decluttering slowly also allows you to notice the habits and behaviors that got you to where you are, so that you can identify key areas that need change.
If you rush quickly through the process, you may skip over this part and could then be more likely to repeat the same choices that created the clutter in the first place.
By embracing the slow declutter method and acting with intention as you create a clutter-free space, you can ensure that you’ll reap the benefits of your efforts for a long time as you stop the cycle of clutter in your home.
5 Tips for Using the Slow Declutter Method
If you’re ready to slowly declutter your home, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Focus on one small, defined area at a time.
When using the slow declutter method, you want to focus on one small, defined area at a time. It could be a drawer, cabinet, shelf, or small surface area.
Here are some ideas of places you can declutter quickly, but that will have a big impact on your home. They can be a great starting point for decluttering your home.
2. Complete the area before moving on to another one.
Before you move on to another small area, make sure you fully complete the previous one. That means throwing out the trash you collected, setting aside your donations (to drop off soon!), and putting items away that belong in other rooms.
By completing each space completely before moving on to a new one, you’ll keep the mess to a minimum, further motivating you to continue with the process.
3. Start with the easy stuff.
When you start decluttering your home, it’s helpful to begin with the easiest areas and work toward the more challenging ones.
Decluttering requires making a lot of decisions. Once you’ve practiced making decisions in easier areas, it will help you to be more decisive when you get to the sentimental stuff.
4. Take breaks as needed.
As you use the slow declutter method, remind yourself that it’s perfectly fine to take breaks as needed. It can even help you to be more productive! Just get back on track as you’re able.
Life happens, and some seasons are busier than others. Don’t beat yourself up if you need to rest. It’s okay to go slow.
5. Focus on your goals.
While those headlines about decluttering your entire home in a weekend may sound appealing, remember this is your journey. There is no race to the finish line or prize for who gets there first.
Slow and steady is the way to go to create lasting change in your home. Don’t compare your pace or journey to anyone else’s.
Be patient with yourself and keep your end goals in mind as you continue to make progress toward them.
Have you decluttered slowly? If so, what benefits did you experience from it? Leave a comment and let me know!
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I’m so glad that you focused on minimizing regret. This is feels like my biggest drawback when it comes to letting go of things too quickly. I like to take time to find good homes for the things I am parting with – to maximize joy for the receivers and minimize the overwhelm going into landfills when others would be loving those items. I really like this idea of going more slowly so that there is a greater chance of not repeating the same mistakes! Thank you for your insight <3
I totally agree with your method. when I focused on a blanket box and one side of a cupboard and only did that before I moved onto the next area .I felt less pressure and more satisfied and yes things were not everywhere. so easier to sort and clear . I did a couple of things per day. it was progress without the stress.
I am currently de-cluttering but on a go slow method. I feel the most important aspect of de- cluttering one need to it oneself. you cannot have side comments, then the process fails. This does not demand any timelines. Less stress, not work up, have time to do other things if necessary.
One unpack a box then one needs to reshuffle items in the cupboards to accommodate a new box. With every household items this process takes place.
Decluttering a little bit at a time works.
The whole living room is almost fully decluttered and some of the areas have stayed organized with minimal cleaning.
I like this too 🙂
Decluttering a little bit at a time works.
The whole living room is almost fully decluttered and some of the areas have stayed organized with minimal cleaning.
You know you have a lot of stuff when you move from a really big home, gave away rooms of stuff. Only to move into a really smaller home, and still have to much stuff.
Some stuff after the 1st parting is so much easier.
I’ve made my bins for donations, friends and trash.
I have so many books still and crafts, so my idea now is read the books and give them away.
I will take a drawer or cabinet at a time now because it’s all in the house and tightly fits. thanks for yourvideas.
I am so in agreement with this! My goal is each week to toss or donate 1 large bag. At the end of the year, that is 52 bags! Some weeks I get more out and some weeks none but I am moving in the right direction! This is just so much more doable for me!
hello.
and thank you. i may try this way. I’m lazy and sentimental.
I have been practicing a slow declutter for about a month. My goal is to have a neat home for summer time fun with the grandkids. I don’t want to waste time worrying about the mess, and to be able to enjoy a peaceful place of rest inside. I’m amazed at how much better I feel emotionally and mentally with a tidier home. I’ve thrown away at LEAST one large trashcan weekly and have lost count of the Goodwill trips. For the first time in ages, I’m excited about decorating my walls and creating a nice home for all to enjoy. Stress, work and other factors took the joy out of almost everything for way too long. I’ve read all the tips and tricks for decluttering methods… this is the one that’s worked best for me. Slow and steady, intentional and having a plan of attack. Great article and tips, thank you for letting us know we are not alone in this struggle! I’ll NEVER be June Cleaver, but I can be a better version of me.
Thank you for this article. For a long time I have been drown in self doubt and the rate of my declutter, slow but sure, yet results are not as visible as all the speedy declutter method out there. I agree with you that it’s the journey that counts and part of me feels the process matters to me, to detach from what happen when the clutter accumulated so I can move forward properly without having to face the same type of clutter again.
I am embark on the slow decluttering method for about a month now, discarding unwanted items, donating and recycling. I go with the pace with what feels right and rest when I need. It feels like luxury to be able to declutter this way but necessary at the same time. Thank you for your affirming tips.
I am new to this idea of decluttering idea. I have had a very emotional journey these past 15 years i moved lost my husband and Mother with in 3 weeks of each other . I have always been the keeper of the family stuff there are only 3 of us now and we really don’t have the space for all of the family items . my brothers live in different cities and states now we each have our own lives ect. but I wish I had more help in doing this. my husband was my anchor and helper in figuring out what to keep and give away. he always helped me to come to terms with some things.our daughter has not wanted anything to do with me since she left home got married ect. have no real close friends who are avaliable to help me either. some days I just sit and cry, not having any plans of attack. I am trying but it’s so hard. don’t get me wrong I have let go of a lot of stuff but it’s hard to put my life in forward motion.. I am the keeper of the family tree too. I just feel so lost most days. having no direction to go. thank you for listening to my rambling still trying to do one day at a time. my house is a mess as I do not know how to really start over again. it was 40 years always taking care of everyone else. now it’s just me and my 6 kitties one has been with me for 20 plus years. others not as long . she’s my rock when feeling low.
Where are you located? Your story really resonated with me as I am in a similar boat as I’ve lost all of my genetic family members in the last 2 years. I understand the “just sit and cry” that you describe and would like to help if you are near me…I live in Texas.
keep the faith. Decluttering of emotions is also essential. Use social media for that wisely, as you just did.
You will get there. Believe in yourself. I am an only child with both parents gone. I understand what you are saying.
Time to learn to take care of yourself first. Do something that makes you happy or feel better. It helps.
There are many ways to get help. You can hire a declutter expert who’ll you pay hourly to give guidance. There’s a support group called Clutters Anonymous: cluttersanonymous.org or .com. They have hourly decluttering session by phone on the internet and sometimes group meetings in person.
Thank you so much for that helpful information!!! I feel so lonely and isolated sometimes! And overwhelmed! The emotional part is big too ! I’ve lost so much that I can’t get back!!!
You have reached out and now you are not alone. You are officially in the decluttering club and we are here to support you. Fifteen years is a good chunk of time and you have been managing and making decisions. Good for you. Give yourself a pat on the back and take another step forward.
It is just common sense and whatever works for you. Who can’t go thru a closet and donate? Who has to be told over and over ?
I declutter weekly! The minute Insee a mess, I toss it! I also have a box by my back door that I put my goodwill items into! When it is full, I take it to the goodwill! I also have a goodwill box in my closet. If I put an item on to wear it and I don’t like it, it goes in the goodwill box!
That is the best declutter tip ever!!!
I love that idea of the boxes
God bless you, dear “Anonymous just me and six kitties” as you take one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time. The good Lord promises He is always with us (even if we don’t feel like it). Matthew 28:20 I am with you always… What works for me some days is to tell myself “I can set a timer (for 15 minutes or maybe an hour) and just go through 5 or 10 items that bother me when I look at them every day or trip over them and put them in a donate bag by my door. Once I set the timer, maybe put on my favorite mood music, and pick up one thing in my way, I find 5 minutes was achievable, and I might do 10 more minutes before I look for an excuse to stop. Or I might keep going. And after I work for 15 minutes or an hour, I reward myself with a short walk outside or a half hour to do something else that I enjoy (reading for fun, calling someone on the phone that I never hear from but would like to say hello to and ask how THEY are doing for 15 minutes if they’re free). Make the rewards healthy, too, like dancing to a favorite song in your bedroom, or preparing a nutritious slow-cooked meal for yourself with leftovers,if you enjoy them like I do. If cooking is overwhelming, then grocery shopping at a health food store/deli for a colorful appetizing pre-assembled meal. At the end of the day, you can feel satisfied that you made a goal and met the goal. Small goals are better than no goals. 😄
Anonymous, be kind to yourself. You sound like a thoughtful person who wants to make well-considered, deliberate decisions. Don’t listen to any discouraging noise, and reject mean labels. The terms “clutter” and de-cluttering” should be removed from our vocabulary; they are someone else’s judgment.
I had foot surgery 7 weeks ago and set about organizing the contents of 15 boxes of papers that were all mixed up. Some items date to 40 or more years ago, and some of this was from my parents’ history. Sure, I have a couple of boxes’ worth to shred, and I’ve recycled even more, but I’m not throwing out my Dad’s military service records citing his 5 bronze stars! Forget about “getting rid” of anything; chances are this framework makes you feel like you are disrespecting other people and your own your history and accomplishments. As you go along, you’ll figure out what to keep and what to toss.
I started by making a list of big-picture categories and sorting papers into piles. You can subdivide your categories when the need to do so becomes obvious. And you can do this with anything you are dealing with, not just papers. Another tip I would suggest is to take a manageable amount out of your home, if possible. It’s psychological, but I found I could make decisions about what to keep and file or containerize much more easily when I took it outside it’s usual context, within the emotional confines of my home. Hang in there. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
I take the clothes I don’t like on vacation and they don’t get to come back home. Don’t empty the closet all at once! That is a nightmare. Grab things to throw away as you walk through the house. Also when headed to a different room, grab everything in sight that goes there. Whatever, have no guilt! Just add more peace!