What comes to mind when you think of the word “stress”? For many, images of messy closets, disorganized shelves, and overflowing storage containers are visual. It probably doesn’t help that numerous television shows have focused on the topic of hoarding in recent years.

Creating an organized home can be stressful for some people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There isn’t a universal cure for clutter or hoarding. Each person has reasons for keeping items others consider worthless or unnecessary. However, no matter your reasons for keeping things you don’t need or use often, there are a few ways to make things easier on yourself in the process.

Make a Plan

The first step to getting organized is to plan not just for the areas of your home that need cleaning out but for how you will do it. If you dive into organizing without a plan, you will likely get frustrated, overwhelmed, and give up before you even make a dent in the clutter. When you make a plan, you’ll be able to break down the project into smaller, more manageable tasks. You’ll also be able to prioritize the areas in your home that are most important.

Start with One Area of Your Home

Once you’ve decided which room or rooms you want to focus on, begin with a single area. If you tackle too much at once, you risk feeling overwhelmed and giving up before you even start. Instead, start with just one drawer, cabinet, or shelf.

You don’t have to do the whole room at once. This will not only help you to feel less overwhelmed, but it will also get things started more quickly and efficiently. Once the first area is cleaned out, you’ll likely be eager to move on to the next. Plus, you can use your progress in the first area as motivation to keep going.

Clear Out One Area at a Time

As you work through each room, it’s important to clear out one area at a time. If you try to organize your home while it is still cluttered, you’ll add more to the mess. Clear out each area completely before moving on to the next. This means removing every item from each shelf, drawer, and cabinet.

Place each item into a separate box or bag, preferably one marked with the room it came from. You don’t have to throw everything away at once, but you do need to decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. Once items are placed in boxes or bags, you can schedule a time to take them to your local donation center or hold a big yard sale if you have a lot to get rid of.

Hire Professional Organizers

If you have tried to get your home in order on your own and have been unsuccessful, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can provide guidance, support, and encouragement as you work through the process of cleaning your home. They can also help you identify your reasons for keeping certain items you may not have realized you had.

Ask for Help from Friends and Family

If you still find it difficult to get started on organizing your home, ask for help from friends and family members. They may be just as eager to help as you are to organize your home. Not only will they be able to help you get started, but they may also have suggestions and ideas that will help you achieve your goal faster.

Asking for help can be difficult, but it is often one of the best ways to organize yourself. If you’re having trouble organizing your home, you don’t have to go through the process alone.

Conclusion

With all the benefits of a clean and organized home, it’s surprising that so few people manage to get their homes under control. Don’t let the stress of getting your home organized be the thing that keeps you from achieving your goal.