Dealing with Overwhelm

Walking into a room full of clutter -- especially spaces like attics and guest bedrooms that have been allowed to fill up with stuff -- can feel overwhelming, and the resolve that you had to do something about the clutter suddenly vanishes.

If facing a whole room full of stuff stops you in your tracks, remove something from the room (an armload of books, a box of stuff, a pile of papers) and take it to a space where you feel comfortable -- out on the porch, or the dining room table, or wherever, and sit there, away from the overwhelming mess of the cluttered room, and just deal with that one pile of stuff.

Then, if you still feel inspired, go back for another armload of stuff. If you don't feel inspired, pat yourself on the back for having done a little bit, and then do another little bit tomorrow.

"My decluttering muscles are growing stronger at last. I'm getting rid of stuff here and there, and it's getting easier."
~ Clutter-Free Forever! support group member