Staying Motivated to Declutter: 5 Tips to Keep You on Track 

Hi, I’m Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, and welcome to this extended companion blog to my “Five in Five” video series. Here, we go beyond the quick tips to dive deeper into strategies that can help you stay motivated on your decluttering journey. If you’re struggling with getting started or staying on track, you’re definitely not alone! Decluttering can feel like a big challenge, but with the right mindset, it can be both manageable and rewarding. 

Let’s break down five powerful tips that can keep you motivated as you work toward creating a clutter-free, peaceful home. 

1. Think Big: Envision the End Result 

One of the best ways to motivate yourself is to start with the big picture in mind. Visualize what your home will look and feel like once it’s fully decluttered. Imagine each room—your master bedroom, family room, mudroom—as peaceful, organized, and clutter-free. Think about how a simplified space will positively impact your daily life, bringing a sense of calm, order, and ease to you and your family. 

Keeping this vision in your mind as you work can serve as a powerful motivator. When you’re able to see your end goal clearly, the journey feels more purposeful, and each step you take brings you closer to that serene, organized home. 

2. Think Small: Break It Down into Manageable Steps 

While it’s important to think big, it’s equally crucial to think small to prevent overwhelm. Break down your decluttering tasks into smaller, achievable steps. Instead of tackling an entire room, focus on just one drawer, shelf, or nightstand. Each small area you complete is a step forward, giving you a sense of accomplishment without feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture. 

This approach helps you build momentum. Every drawer or shelf you organize is a small win, and those wins add up, making it easier to stay consistent and motivated. 

3. Think Hardest: Start with the Most Challenging Area 

Sometimes, the best way to get motivated is to tackle the area you dread the most. Think hardest and start with the place that’s been looming on your to-do list for ages, whether it’s the basement, garage, home office, or a particularly cluttered closet. Once you complete this challenging area, you’ll feel an enormous sense of relief and accomplishment. 

When you conquer your most difficult space first, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders and proves that you can handle the rest. Plus, checking that toughest task off your list can give you a big confidence boost to keep going. 

4. Think Easiest: Build Momentum with Quick Wins 

On the flip side, sometimes it’s best to think easiest and start with areas that require minimal effort but offer quick rewards. These could be spaces you rarely use, like a guest room closet or a hall bathroom. Decluttering these easier spaces allows you to check them off your list quickly, proving that progress is possible. 

Quick wins like these build positive momentum, making it easier to tackle the more challenging spaces down the line. When you see how simple and satisfying it can be to complete these smaller tasks, it reinforces the belief that you can achieve your larger decluttering goals. 

5. Think Impact: Focus on High-Impact Areas 

For lasting motivation, identify high-impact areas in your home—spaces that, if consistently organized, will have a noticeable effect on your daily life. These might be places where clutter builds up quickly, like your kitchen countertop, family room floor, or nightstand. 

Create a daily five-minute routine to focus on these clutter hotspots. For example, each night before bed, spend five minutes clearing these high-impact areas. This small habit makes a huge difference in keeping your home feeling organized and welcoming, even if other areas still need attention. Seeing the immediate impact of these cleared spaces can keep you motivated to maintain and expand your clutter-free zones. 

Making Decluttering a Motivational Journey 

Remember, motivation in decluttering doesn’t come from perfection or quick fixes. It comes from a steady, consistent approach and finding ways to celebrate small wins along the way. Whether you’re thinking big and imagining your end goal, breaking tasks into small steps, or focusing on high-impact areas, these tips will help you build and maintain the motivation you need to create a clutter-free home. 

If you’re ready to transform your space and simplify your life, check out my “Essential Checklists” Decluttering Workbook. It’s packed with room-specific checklists and 30-day challenges to help you achieve a clutter-free, organized home that supports your goals. Purchase Rita’s Decluttering Workbook today and start your journey toward a simpler, more intentional life. 

Got 5 minutes? Check out Rita’s 5 in 5 weekly series, where I share five quick tips in just five minutes on decluttering and simplifying your life.