Letting Go of the Low-Hanging Fruit

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to look around and feel like every single room in your home is demanding attention. That heavy feeling can make it seem impossible to even start. The good news? You don’t have to tackle everything at once. In fact, one of the best professional organizing strategies is to begin with what I call the low-hanging fruit.

These are the quick wins—items you can let go of with little hesitation. By focusing on these, you build momentum, create immediate breathing room, and set the stage for bigger organizing projects down the road.

What Counts as Low-Hanging Fruit?

Professional organizers often recommend starting with categories of belongings that are simple and straightforward to sort. A few examples:

◈     Expired medicine and first aid supplies – Not only are these unusable, but keeping them can also be unsafe. Clearing them out makes your bathroom or medicine cabinet instantly more functional.

◈     Expired food – Old pantry items or outdated fridge contents take up space and add stress. Tossing them clears shelves and makes meal prep easier.

◈     Outdated glasses or broken eyeglasses – If the prescription no longer works, they’re simply clutter. Many communities even offer donation programs for old eyewear.

◈     Worn-out clothing – Think threadbare t-shirts, stretched-out elastic, or clothes that have been waiting for mending for years. Letting them go frees closet space for the items you actually wear and love.

◈     Junk mail piles – These can multiply quickly. A few minutes of recycling or shredding reduces visual clutter and makes your surfaces look instantly tidier.

Each of these examples is a simple decluttering task that doesn’t require big emotional decisions.

Why Start Small?

Decluttering can sometimes feel like an emotional marathon. But by starting with items that are obvious candidates to let go, you give yourself permission to ease into the process. As professional organizers, we know that every small step counts.

◈     Quick progress builds motivation. Seeing clear spaces—even just a drawer, a shelf, or a corner—creates a sense of accomplishment.

◈     You gain practice in decision-making. Each small decision makes the next one easier, preparing you for categories that may feel more sentimental or overwhelming.

◈     You create momentum. Once the clutter begins to lift, many clients feel lighter and more energized to continue.

A Professional Organizer’s Perspective

When I walk into a client’s home, I never suggest diving straight into the most emotional or overwhelming areas. Instead, we look for those quick wins together. By starting with low-hanging fruit, my clients can immediately see and feel the impact of their efforts. It’s a gentle way to step into the organizing process without added stress.

Remember, professional organizing isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about creating a home that feels supportive, peaceful, and functional—a place where you can truly relax and live well.

You Deserve Calm in Your Space

If you’re standing in the middle of your living room thinking, “I don’t even know where to start,” know this: you don’t need to figure it all out today. Start with what’s easy. Walk through your home and pick up the things you already know can go.

That first round of clearing clutter isn’t just about the items—it’s about giving yourself the gift of clarity, breathing room, and calm. And once you take that first step, you’ll find it’s much easier to take the next.

Because you deserve a home that makes you feel supported. You deserve peace of mind. And you deserve to be happy in your space.

If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.

Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com

Photo: Eran Menashri @chesnutt