One Thing at a Time or All at Once

When you’re organizing a room—or even an entire floor of your house—the very first step is always decluttering. And somewhere in the middle of that process, a question quietly pops up:

Do I put things away one at a time… or gather it all and deal with it later?

If you’ve ever stood there holding a stapler that belongs in the office while staring at a hoodie draped over a dining chair, wondering what to do next, you’re not alone. These tiny decisions are where organizing either starts to feel manageable… or overwhelming.

Let’s talk about how to choose what works best for you.

The Moment You Start to Feel Overwhelmed

I’ve seen it happen so many times. You begin clearing a space with good intentions. You find something that doesn’t belong in the room. Then another. And another.

Before long, there’s a growing pile labeled “belongs elsewhere.”

At first, it feels productive. But if you’re someone who gets tired—physically or mentally—during the decluttering process, that pile can start to feel heavy. You may notice your energy dip. Decisions feel harder. The room doesn’t look better yet… it just looks rearranged.

And that’s the moment many people quietly give up.

If that sounds familiar, I want you to hear this gently: there is nothing wrong with you. You simply need a different strategy.

If you tend to feel overwhelmed, it’s often better to put things away one at a time.

When you find the stapler, take it to the office.
When you find someone’s hoodie, walk it to the mudroom.
When you pick up a coffee mug, return it to the kitchen.

Yes, it requires more steps. But it also gives you visible progress and a sense of completion with each item. The room begins to clear in real time. That momentum builds confidence instead of clutter.

When Efficiency Becomes the Better Option

Now, if you know about yourself that you can manage your energy and stay focused—or if you’re working with professional organizers who are guiding the project—gathering items into a “belongs elsewhere” bin can be more efficient.

You collect everything that doesn’t belong in the room. You keep working. You maximize your session time. And before your organizing window closes, you walk the house once and return everything at the same time.

It’s streamlined. It’s productive. It’s often the fastest method.

But here’s the key: efficiency only works if your energy supports it.

Organizing isn’t about choosing the “right” method. It’s about choosing the method that matches your resources—your time, your stamina, your focus, and your season of life.

Working With the Resources You Have

This is something I say often to my clients: we work with the resources we have.

Some days, your energy is high and you can gather everything in a bin and move like a well-oiled machine.

Other days, the most compassionate choice is to handle one item at a time.

Neither approach is better. Neither says anything about your discipline, motivation, or ability. They simply reflect where you are in the moment.

Organizing becomes sustainable when it’s tailored to you—not when you try to force yourself into someone else’s system.

So if you’re not sure which method works best? Start by putting items away one at a time. You can always adjust. Progress is the goal. Perfection has never been required.

Every time you return something to its home, you’re building trust with yourself. Every cleared surface is a small victory. Every drawer you open with ease is a quiet act of self-care.

And that’s what organizing is really about.

Pinky Jackson is a Decluttering Specialist and Home Organizing Expert. If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Pinky and her team would love to help you. Onsite Organizing services are available in the Louisville, KY area and Virtual Organizing services are offered for clients in other locations and for those who prefer to work online. Visit pinkyjackson.com to learn about our services and schedule a free assessment.

Photo: Jonathan Cosens Photography @jcosens