Start Small and Give Yourself Grace

When the clutter feels overwhelming, the best way forward is often a little at a time.

Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do for your organizing project—and your peace of mind—is to take a break. A short pause can give you more clarity, more energy, and maybe even a little more enjoyment when you return to the work.

The other day, I was knee-deep in a task I don’t exactly love: yard work. There I was, trimming hedges that had been waiting far too long for attention. Some spots were tricky to reach, the ground was uneven, and honestly—I wasn’t sure what the “right” technique was.

And then it hit me—this is exactly how some of my organizing clients feel when they’re staring down a big decluttering or home organization project. Maybe it’s a overflowing closet or piles of paperwork that never seem to shrink. When you’re working alone and don’t know where to start, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That day, I followed a simple approach—one I often share during professional organizing sessions:

◈     Do a little at a time instead of tackling it all at once.

◈     Choose a time of day when my mind and body felt ready.

◈     Stay safe and comfortable while working.

◈     Pair the task with something uplifting—like an audiobook, podcast, or favorite playlist.

That last one made the biggest difference. Having something enjoyable in the background distracted me from the parts I didn’t love and kept me moving forward. In that moment, I realized I was giving myself the same kind of support I offer as a professional organizer—acting as a “body double” to keep momentum going, sharing a clear organizing strategy, and helping shoulder the physical work until the job feels lighter.

So, if you’re facing an organization project that feels too big to handle, here’s my advice:

◈     Give yourself grace.

◈     Take it one small step at a time.

◈     Ask for help from a professional organizer if you need it.

◈     Pair the work with something that lifts your mood.

You don’t have to do it all at once—you just have to start. And once you do, you might be surprised how quickly your space (and your stress level) starts to change.

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: Josh Applegate @joshapplegate