DIY Decluttering vs Hiring a Professional Organizer

Tackle clutter efficiently! Learn when DIY decluttering works best and when to call a professional organizer.

If I came into your home today and we started sorting through your clutter, we would do an amazing job and in very little time you would hardly recognize your space.

What would you do when I left? Did hiring me to help you declutter change any habits that got you cluttered?

By teaching you how to declutter, organize, and set up a home maintenance plan I am empowering you to live a clutter-free life!

By learning to declutter your physical stuff you will find the benefits of carrying these lessons into your daily life. And this is where the magic begins!

Why Decluttering Matters

Decluttering goes beyond cleaning up physical spaces. Physical and mental clutter generally go hand in hand. If your home feels chaotic, chances are, your mind is cluttered too.

Decluttering can be challenging for some of us because we don’t know how we got to this point of having too much stuff. If you don’t know how you got here it will be tough to maintain a clutter-free space after you declutter.

For example, if you seek medical attention for a bad cough and a diagnosis is not made, it will be difficult if not impossible, to cure the cause of your cough. The same is true for staying decluttered.

The Connection Between Physical and Mental Clutter

Physical clutter and mental clutter feed off each other. When your space is chaotic, it can create stress and overwhelm, making it harder to think clearly. Similarly, mental clutter—thoughts, worries, or unfinished tasks—can paralyze your ability to organize your environment effectively.

The key to true decluttering is recognizing the interplay between these two areas and addressing both simultaneously.

Start with Journaling to Declutter Your Mind

Start writing or journaling – keep it simple. Grab a cheap spiral-bound notebook and a pen and start writing. Use my free writing prompts to get you started. The best writing prompt ever is ‘If I wasn’t afraid, what would I do today’?

Keep writing. 5 minutes a day, 25 minutes a day – whatever you can fit into a busy schedule.

If you are confused and wondering what the heck journaling has to do with decluttering – read this article about journaling. I was resistant too when I started this practice with others 25 years or so ago. This is when we started following the suggestions in Julia Cameron’s book The Artist Way.

It would require writing another article about how the practice of writing for a few minutes a day changed our lives. This is why so many of us continue this practice.

Daily journaling helps:

  • Organize your thoughts.
  • Identify emotional blockages.
  • Clear mental fog, making it easier to focus on decluttering physical spaces.

The Power of Habit—Decluttering One Item at a Time

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start small.

The simplest approach is to pick up one item a day and curate this item into one of these categories. Keep, donate, sell, or trash. If you keep the item put it in a dedicated space- now- immediately.

Pick one item daily and place it in one of four categories:

  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Sell
  • Trash

This strategy prevents overwhelm and builds consistency. Remember, if you decide to keep something, find a dedicated space for it immediately to avoid future clutter.

Don’t think about organizing until you have purged as much stuff as you possibly can. 

Most of us have a lot more storage than we think.


The Purge Comes First With or Without a Professional Organizer

The Purge Comes First With or Without a Professional Organizer

Get rid of as much as possible – it will make organizing easier. Do not consider organizing until you have purged as much as possible. Going out and buying sassy organizing systems and cool new totes is not decluttering.

A common mistake people make is buying organizing systems and fancy storage bins before they declutter. Decluttering comes first—only after purging can organizing happen. Clearing out as much as possible will:

  • Simplify the organizing process.
  • Prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items.
  • Ensure the storage solutions you implement are sustainable.

Will a Professional Organizer Stop you from Making Excuse?es?

Excuses block progress.

  • Nothing changes if nothing changes. If you keep making the same excuses, you’ll stay in the same cluttered state.
  • Avoid waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. Start today, even if it’s just with a single drawer, shelf, or one item.

Build a Support System Instead of Hiring a Professional Organizer

You don’t have to declutter alone. Finding a support system makes the process easier. Options include:

  • Online communities: Join groups of like-minded individuals for encouragement.
  • Buddy systems: Partner with a friend to keep each other accountable.

These systems provide motivation, share new strategies, and help you stay consistent.

Tips for Hiring a Professional Organizer

If you do not know how to organize here are tips to find a professional organizer

Focus on Your Goals and Needs

  • Look for organizers specializing in teaching habits and systems, not just tidying up.
  • Ask if they provide long-term coaching, so you can learn sustainable methods.
  • Be clear whether you need help with physical clutter, mental clutter, or both.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Finding reviews that mention teaching practical habits or maintenance plans is a good sign.

Search for Certified Professional Organizers (CPOs)

  • Look for organizers certified by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) or other reputable organizations.
  • Certification ensures they follow ethical practices and have proven expertise.

Where to Look

Stay away from organizers who

  • Will only work when you are away.
  • Do not declutter before they start organizing.
  • Claim to know how to organize you without your input.

We are all different and there is no one-size-fits-all organizing solution for us. It all depends on how our brains work. I have helped people organize and their systems made no sense to and perfect sense to them.

Your new organizing system needs to work naturally for you, therefore your input is necessary when the organizing solutions are installed.

How to Maintain a Clutter-Free Lifestyle

Decluttering is not a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle. To maintain a clutter-free space:

  • Incorporate daily habits, like placing items back in their designated spaces.
  • Continue journaling to keep mental clutter in check.
  • Purge regularly, especially when new items enter your life.
  • Avoid impulse purchases—only bring home things you need and love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get started with decluttering when I feel overwhelmed?

Start with a small, manageable task—like decluttering one drawer or shelf. Use the “one item per day” strategy to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

Is it okay to buy organizing tools before I declutter?

No, organizing tools should only be bought after you’ve purged your belongings. Decluttering first ensures that you only keep what truly matters, making organizing easier.

How often should I declutter?

Decluttering is an ongoing process. Regularly assess your belongings, especially after birthdays, holidays, or shopping trips, to prevent clutter from building up.

Can journaling really help with mental clutter?

Yes! Writing down your thoughts helps organize your mind, identify stressors, and create clarity. Even a few minutes of daily journaling can make a big difference.

What if I struggle to let go of sentimental items?

It’s normal to feel attached to sentimental items. Start small by letting go of things that hold less emotional weight. Over time, it becomes easier to part with items while still cherishing the memories associated with them.

How do I stay motivated throughout the decluttering process?

Join online communities or find a decluttering buddy. Setting small, achievable goals will help you stay motivated and consistent.

How do I Hire a Professional Organizer?

Focus on Your Goals and Needs, Read Reviews and Testimonials, Search for Certified Professional Organizers (CPOs)

Embrace the Clutter-Free Life

Decluttering your physical and mental space is a journey, not a destination. By starting small, building habits, and addressing both physical and mental clutter, you will begin to find the magic in life you deserve.

One of my favorite expressions is ‘If you keep doing the same old thing you will keep getting the same old results’.

If you are drowning in clutter try something different this time, grab a pen a paper, and start writing for lasting changes.

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