Every January, I get the itch to declutter. Something about a fresh start makes me want to purge all the things that no longer serve our family. But over the years, I’ve learned that decluttering isn’t just about tossing items into a donation box and calling it a day. There are mistakes—some big, some small—that can derail even the best intentions. Trust me, I’ve made my fair share of them. So, if you’re ready to declutter smarter (not harder) this year, let’s dive into the biggest decluttering mistakes to avoid.
Before we dive into the common decluttering mistakes, I want to remind you that decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be simple and even fun with the right approach. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to get started, be sure to check out my How to Declutter Your House in 7 Easy Steps blog post. It’s packed with practical tips and an easy-to-follow plan that will help you clear the clutter and make your space work for you.
5 Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Decluttering Without a Plan
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that starting without a plan can leave you with an even bigger mess. I used to tackle whatever corner of the house seemed most annoying in the moment, only to lose steam halfway through. Now, I focus on one area at a time—usually the one that will give me the biggest mental relief (hello, junk drawer!). Having a plan makes the process feel manageable and keeps the overwhelm at bay.
Mistake #2: Holding Onto Emotional Clutter
This one’s tough. Letting go of items with sentimental value can feel like letting go of memories. But I’ve realized that keeping every single piece of art my kids have ever made (or that shirt I wore to my first job) doesn’t serve me—or my home. Now, I ask myself, Does this item serve me, or is it just taking up space? For truly sentimental items, I keep a small memory box or take photos to preserve the memory without keeping the clutter.
Mistake #3: Skipping the ‘Why’ Behind the Clutter
Have you ever decluttered a space, only to find it messy again a few weeks later? That used to happen to me all the time—until I started addressing the habits behind the clutter. Maybe it’s impulse buys during a Target run (guilty!) or a lack of systems for incoming mail. Once I identified the root causes of my clutter, it became much easier to maintain the spaces I’d worked so hard to clear.
Mistake #4: Organizing Before Decluttering
I’ll admit, I love a good basket or bin. But early on, I made the mistake of buying organizers before I’d finished decluttering. It felt productive in the moment, but in reality, I was just shuffling clutter into prettier containers. Now, I make it a rule: declutter first, organize second. This saves time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Mistake #5: Overthinking the Process
Decluttering doesn’t have to be perfect. I used to spend way too much time deciding whether to keep an item or second-guessing my decisions. These days, I remind myself: Progress over perfection. If I’m on the fence about something, I’ll put it in a “maybe” box or just set it aside. If I don’t think about it again for a month, I know it’s time to let it go.
FAQs
The biggest mistake is holding onto items that no longer serve you or your space, simply out of guilt or fear. It’s important to let go of things that don’t bring value to your home, even if they have sentimental or financial worth. This clears up space and makes it easier to focus on what truly matters.
It’s easy to get excited and want to declutter everything at once, but that’s a surefire way to feel overwhelmed. Focus on one area at a time, like your kitchen or bedroom. Once you finish a space, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to move on to the next room.
It’s usually best to break your decluttering into smaller sessions. Doing a little each day or week helps avoid burnout and keeps the process feeling more manageable. You’ll see progress without the stress of a huge, overwhelming project.
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about creating a home that works for you and your family. Start with a plan, focus on one area at a time, and don’t let emotional clutter or perfectionism hold you back.
I’d love to know—what’s the one space in your home you’re itching to declutter this year? Drop a comment or send me a message, and let’s tackle it together!