Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point Wisely
Now that you have a plan, where do you begin? The answer is simple: start with the easy stuff. Do not start with the attic full of family heirlooms or the boxes of old photographs. Tackling emotionally charged items first is a recipe for getting stalled. Your decision-making muscle is like any other muscle—it needs to be warmed up before it can handle the heavy lifting.
Choose a small, functional space that has little to no sentimental value. The laundry room, the linen closet, or the medicine cabinet are all excellent choices. These areas are typically filled with practical items—expired medications, old towels, half-empty bottles of detergent—that are easy to make decisions about. Success here builds confidence.
A great technique to get started is the “15-Minute Sweep.” Set a timer for just 15 minutes and pick one tiny area, like a single shelf in the linen closet. In that time, your only goal is to pull everything off the shelf and make quick decisions. Are those towels frayed and stained? Donate them to an animal shelter. Is that bottle of lotion from five years ago? Toss it. When the timer goes off, you stop. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in such a short burst, and it feels fantastic.
By starting small and unemotional, you create visible progress right away. This positive feedback loop motivates you to continue. You’re not just decluttering; you’re practicing the skill of letting go, making it easier to face more challenging areas later on.
