Have you ever looked into your closet or basement and thought, “Wow, where did all this stuff come from?” We’ve all been there with those “I’ll deal with it later” piles! If you’ve been scrolling through social media, you might have seen beautifully organized spaces that look like they belong in a magazine. They can be super inspiring, but they also make decluttering seem a bit daunting.

Is decluttering overwhelming? You’re Not Alone

The good news? Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to part with your favorite items or spend a fortune on fancy organizers. Organization expert Lela Burris shares that decluttering can start with something simple. “The best first step? Get rid of any trash,” she suggests. “You’re not attached to trash, so clearing it out makes room to see everything else you have.” After clearing the obvious clutter, it’s time to assess broken or unused items. Be honest with yourself: Will you really fix or use these things? It’s all about making space for what truly matters to you.

Embrace the Five-Minute Decluttering Method

Lela has a fantastic five-minute method if the thought of a big declutter feels overwhelming. Just set a timer and focus on one small area, like a drawer or a spot on a pegboard. Tidy it up! You don’t need to take on a huge project to make a little progress. And keeping a donation box nearby is a great habit. Whenever you find something you don’t need anymore, just toss it in! Once it’s full, take it to your local charity. Easy, right?

Here’s a myth Lela loves to bust: you don’t need expensive organizing tools. “A shoebox works just as well as a fancy $100 container!” she explains. Use what you’ve got for now, and if you need to upgrade later, go for it. Remember, it’s all about being functional, not perfect.

Think Outside the Box—Or Inside a Shed

If you’re struggling with a cluttered garage or overflowing holiday decorations, think about outdoor storage like a shed. “It’s a fantastic solution,” Lela says. “Storing items you don’t use often, like holiday decor, outside your main living areas really helps free up your home and makes everyday life much easier.”

And here’s Lela’s golden rule for creating your dream space: don’t feel pressured to copy what you see online. “Those Instagram-perfect spaces are often just staged for photos and don’t reflect real life,” she reminds us. Focus on what works for your unique lifestyle rather than trying to follow someone else’s idea.

Your Dream Space is Within Reach

So, organizing your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or like an all-or-nothing endeavor. Start small, get creative with what you already have, and find solutions that make sense. You can make your dream space with a little effort and help from Tuff Shed! Happy decluttering!