Where to Begin Your Organizing & Decluttering Journey

Feeling Overwhelmed and Don’t Know Where to Start?

You’re not alone. Many people put off decluttering because just the idea of starting feels like too much. But the truth is—you can do this. All you need is a plan, a few key supplies, and a mindset focused on progress (not perfection).

Let’s walk through exactly how to begin your decluttering journey—with a clear checklist of what you’ll need and what to think about before you start tearing apart closets.

🧹 Step 1: Pick One Area (And Only One!)

It’s tempting to do everything at once, but the secret to success is starting small. Choose one space:

  • One drawer

  • One closet

  • One cabinet

  • One corner of a room

This helps you build momentum without getting overwhelmed.

🧰 Step 2: Gather Your Decluttering Supplies

Before you start pulling things out, grab the essentials. These are our go-to supplies on every organizing job:

✅ Black Trash Bags – For broken, stained, or unusable items
👉 Buy on Amazon

✅ Clear Trash Bags – For donation items (helps you and donation centers see what’s inside)
👉 Buy on Amazon

✅ Post-It Notes – For labeling piles as you sort (keep, toss, donate, sell, relocate)
👉 Buy on Amazon

✅ Clear Sorting Bins or Boxes – Great for separating categories and reusing later for storage
👉 Buy on Amazon

✅ Cleaning Supplies – Wipe down shelves and surfaces while everything’s out
👉 Buy on Amazon

♻️ Step 3: Decide How You’ll Get Rid of the Clutter

You’re going to be amazed at how much stuff you don’t need. So now’s the time to think ahead:

  • Will you be using your regular trash pickup, or renting a dumpster?
    If you’re clearing out a garage, basement, or whole home, a small dumpster may be worth it.

  • Will you be donating?
    Decide where donations will go—many centers require scheduled drop-offs or have limits.

    Recommended donation spots:

    • Goodwill

    • Habitat for Humanity ReStore

    • Local church or community outreach center

    • Big Brothers Big Sisters

    • Savers/Value Village

Make sure items are clean and in usable condition before donating. Use clear bags or boxes and label them!

💰 What About Selling Items?

We get asked this a lot. Here’s the truth:

✋ Save Only What’s Truly Worth Selling

If you have a high-value item (like a brand-name handbag, power tool, or vintage piece), consider selling it locally (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, eBay, or consignment).

Otherwise, don’t let “maybe I’ll sell it” become an excuse to keep clutter.

❌ What About Garage Sales?

We don’t recommend holding onto items for a future garage sale. More often than not, that “sale” never happens—and you’re just storing clutter. If you’re already overwhelmed, avoid adding more to your to-do list.

🗂️ Bonus Tip: Label & Categorize As You Go

Label donation bags, storage bins, and “keep” piles right away. This keeps your process clear and avoids re-sorting everything later.

💬 Need a Helping Hand?

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission. We’ve helped hundreds of families across Long Island take back control of their spaces. Whether you need a coach to keep you focused or full hands-on support—we’re here to guide you through it.

📍 Serving: Long Island, NY
📞 Text us at: (631)697-7963
📧 Email: klutterfreeme@gmail.com
Let’s Begin Together

Don’t wait for the “perfect time”—it doesn’t exist. All you need is a trash bag, a plan, and a fresh mindset. Your clutter-free life starts today—one bin at a time.