The 5 Common Decluttering Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Let’s face it—life can often feel like a never-ending juggling act. Between work, kids, social commitments, and household responsibilities, you might find yourself constantly running from one task to the next. And while your to-do list seems to get longer and longer, the clutter around the house just seems to grow, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the piles of clothes, toys, and papers stacking up, you’re definitely not alone.

But here’s the good news: the path to a clutter-free, organized home is totally doable! With the right strategies, a bit of elbow grease, and a little patience, you can transform your space. But before you dive in headfirst, there are some common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid to ensure the process goes smoothly and doesn’t end with you feeling burned out.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the five decluttering mistakes many people make—and how you can sidestep them for a stress-free decluttering journey that actually sticks.

1. Winging It Without a Plan: Why You Need a Strategy to Declutter

We’ve all been there. You wake up one Saturday morning, frustrated by the chaos around you, and think, Today’s the day! You dive headfirst into decluttering, throwing out random items and piling things into bags and boxes…only to realize by the end of the day that you’ve made a bigger mess than you started with.

Sound familiar?

Winging it, without a clear plan or timeline, often leads to decision fatigue and piles that linger for days (or weeks). When you're tired, stressed, and overwhelmed, it’s easy to make decisions on a whim or without thinking them through. You might end up keeping items that no longer serve you, or worse, create a mess that’s harder to tackle later.

The Fix: Before you even think about picking up a box, take a few moments to make a plan. I know, planning feels like a big commitment, but it will save you time and energy in the long run.

- Set a timeline: Set aside a few hours (or a whole weekend, depending on the size of the project). Decide what areas you want to tackle and create a rough schedule. Will you start with the closet, or is the kitchen in desperate need of attention?

- Create a strategy: Break the project into smaller chunks. Instead of saying “I’m going to declutter the whole house,” break it down into smaller rooms or categories (like “books” or “clothes”). This makes the process feel less overwhelming and more achievable.

- Identify your goals: What are you trying to achieve with your decluttering session? Is it a cleaner, tidier home? Do you want to simplify your life or create more space for your family? By identifying your goals, you’ll have a clearer sense of direction.

With a little planning, you’ll be able to avoid piles of clutter that seem to appear out of nowhere, and instead, you’ll be able to make steady progress.

2. Buying Storage Bins First: A Tempting Mistake That Could Lead to More Clutter

Ah, storage bins. They’re like the golden ticket to a tidy home, right? It’s tempting to run out to the store and buy a bunch of cute storage containers to organize all your stuff before you even start decluttering. After all, if you have bins, you’ll be organized, right?

Well, not exactly.

Buying storage bins before you declutter is like buying shoes before trying them on. You might end up with a bunch of bins that are either too big, too small, or just completely wrong for the space you have. Plus, when you don’t declutter first, you’re just finding new homes for things you don’t actually need.

The Fix: Wait until after you’ve gone through your stuff and decluttered. Only buy storage bins for the items that actually need to be stored, and make sure the containers fit your space.

Here’s a little decluttering hack: Use what you already have! Repurpose boxes or baskets that are lying around your home instead of rushing to the store. This not only saves you money but also allows you to get a feel for the size and quantity of bins you’ll need once you’re done decluttering.

By waiting until you’ve pared down your belongings, you’ll end up with a more functional, space-efficient organization system that actually works for your home.

 3. Saving Everything “Just in Case”: Why Holding On to Things You Don’t Need is Sabotaging Your Space

“Maybe I’ll need this someday…”

This is the line that turns your garage into a storage disaster zone. We’ve all been there, clutching onto items that might come in handy in the future. But here’s the thing: Just in case is not a good enough reason to keep something in your home.

That extra bag of yarn you never learned to crochet with, the old blender you haven’t used in years, or the dozens of empty shoeboxes might seem harmless at first, but over time, they add up to a ton of clutter. The truth is, most of us hang onto things out of sentimentality, guilt, or just plain what if syndrome.

The Fix: Be honest with yourself. When was the last time you used that item? Are you holding onto it for the right reasons, or are you just afraid to part with it? Here are a few quick tips to help you let go of things:

- If you haven’t used it in the past year (or longer), it’s time to say goodbye.

- Ask yourself, “Would I buy this item today if I didn’t already own it?”

- Donate, sell, or toss things that no longer serve a purpose.

Remember, keeping everything just in case is only holding you back from enjoying the space you have now. Letting go of items that no longer serve you will free up mental and physical space to focus on what really matters.

 4. Doing It Alone (and Burning Out): Why You Don’t Have to Declutter by Yourself

Decluttering can feel like a solo mission—one person versus the mess. But here’s the truth: big projects like this are way more manageable when you have support. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even hiring professional help, trying to tackle everything on your own can lead to burnout.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I should be able to do this myself,” but the reality is, you don’t have to! You’re allowed to ask for help, and you deserve it.

The Fix: Enlist a friend, family member, or even your partner to help you declutter. You’d be surprised how much faster and easier it is when you’re not doing it alone. Plus, it can turn into a fun, bonding experience (hello, snacks and wine!).

If you don’t have someone to help nearby, consider hiring a professional organizer. Yes, it costs money, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can help you get your home organized in a fraction of the time. Professional organizers bring expertise and efficiency to the table, and they’ll help you avoid some of the common mistakes that lead to clutter creep.

 5. Getting Caught Up in the Small Stuff: Why You Shouldn’t Sweat the Small Things (Literally)

You know how it goes. You’re in the middle of decluttering your closet, and you get stuck on a single item. Should you keep that shirt from high school that still fits, even though you haven’t worn it in years? Should you keep the mismatched Tupperware that’s been collecting dust?

It’s easy to get bogged down in the details, but the key to decluttering success is keeping the momentum going. Getting stuck on one small item can derail your entire project, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour debating whether or not to toss that old pair of shoes.

The Fix: If you find yourself getting caught up on an item, set it aside and move on. Don’t let one decision freeze the whole process. Make a pile for things you’re unsure about and come back to them later when you have more time or clarity.

Remember, decluttering is about progress, not perfection. It’s okay to make decisions on the fly and revisit things later.

Conclusion: Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Mind

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an overwhelming, all-consuming process. By avoiding these common mistakes—winging it, buying storage bins too early, saving everything “just in case,” trying to do it alone, and getting stuck on small stuff—you’ll be well on your way to creating a home that’s not only organized but peaceful and functional.

Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. One step at a time, you can transform your space—and your mindset—into something that feels lighter and more manageable. 

So grab that trash bag, round up a friend or two, and get ready to make some space in your home (and your life). You’ve got this, and the clutter? Well, it doesn’t stand a chance.

Are you ready to start your decluttering journey? Leave a comment below with your biggest decluttering challenge, or share your best organizing tips with our community