Where to Start Decluttering: A Professional Organiser's Guide to Taking the First Step

The most common question I hear from clients isn't about storage solutions or organising systems, it's simply "Where do I start?" If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter, you're not alone. That paralysis is completely normal, but let's break through it together with a proven approach that has helped my clients.

Start Small, Start Visible

The secret to successful decluttering isn't starting with the biggest problem area. Instead, begin with a small, visible space that you interact with daily. Why? Because seeing positive change in a frequently used space creates immediate impact and builds momentum.

Great starter areas include:

• Your kitchen worktop

• Your hall

• The surface of your desk

• Your bedside table

• Your junk drawer

The 20-Minute Method

Choose one of these spaces and set a timer for just 20 minutes. This time limit is crucial, it's long enough to make visible progress but short enough to prevent burnout. You might be surprised how much you can accomplish in such a focused burst.

What Comes Next?

Once you've successfully tackled your first small space, you'll have developed two crucial things: confidence and context. You'll have hands-on experience with the decision-making process of decluttering, and you'll better understand your own patterns with belongings.

This is when we can start thinking bigger. Look for spaces that:

• Cause you daily friction

• Make you feel stressed when you look at them

• Prevent you from using your home the way you want to

A Professional Tip

Here's something I've learned from years of professional organising: the "right" place to start is wherever you feel a pull of energy and motivation. If you're drawn to organising your bookshelf even though your kitchen is more cluttered, start with the books. That natural inclination is valuable, so use it.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes the best place to start is with support. If you're feeling stuck, a Professional Organiser can:

• Help you develop a customised starting strategy

• Provide accountability and momentum

• Offer tested systems that match your lifestyle

• Make the process more efficient and even enjoyable

• Support you to let things go

The Most Important Step

Remember this: any start is a good start. The perfectionism that makes you think "I should start with the basement" or "I need to do this in the right order" is often what keeps people stuck in cluttered spaces for years.

Your journey to an organised home begins with a single drawer, a single surface, or even a single decision. The momentum you build from that first success will carry you forward to bigger projects.

Ready to begin your decluttering journey? Sometimes having a professional by your side makes all the difference. Feel free to reach out, together, we can transform your space into one that brings you joy and supports your daily life.

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