An often-overlooked part of why decluttering is so hardcomes down to decision-making.

Before You Begin Decluttering

When working with a decluttering checklist, its best tostart small.

Looking at the whole, long list at once can be overwhelming.

Decluttering your home checklist

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Instead, focus on small,quick wins.

Making this decision before you dive in will reduce overwhelm while decluttering.

toiletries in a clear bag

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

placing bed pillows in baskets

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

Front view of a DIY closet

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Organized home filing system

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

White cubicle cubby with organized toys in a playroom

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

Placing dishes in a drawer gets them off of countertops

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

White throw pillow and blanket organized in wicker basket in living room

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Swedish death cleaning donation box

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly