Stop Overthinking | Take Action & Start Decluttering!

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Many people find themselves stuck in the decluttering process before they even begin—not because they don’t want a clean, clutter-free, organized space, but because they get trapped in overthinking. Stop overthinking and start doing.

Some folks worry about making the “right” decisions, fear letting go of the wrong things, or get overwhelmed by where to start. This mental clutter can keep people from ever making progress.

In this article, we’ll explore what overthinking is, why people do it, and how to stop it so you can finally move forward with your decluttering journey.

What Is Overthinking?

Overthinking is the habit of dwelling excessively on decisions, situations, or possible outcomes. Instead of taking action, your mind becomes stuck in a loop of “what-ifs” and “should-haves.”

This kind of thinking is the opposite of productive and can create mental paralysis, making even simple tasks feel complex.

Why Do People Overthink?

Fear of Regret or Mistakes
People may fear they’ll throw away something important or make the wrong decisions, especially with sentimental or valuable items. Let's face it some of us just fear everything for no apparent reason.

Perfectionism
The need to do everything perfectly can prevent people from starting. They feel that if they can't declutter perfectly, they shouldn't start at all.

Nature is perfect and still, a perfectionist may call this picture of a bird of paradise imperfect because the stem shows an imperfection.

I can tell you firsthand, life as a recovering perfectionist has its perks!

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Emotional Attachments
Overthinking often happens when people are emotionally connected to their belongings. They hesitate to let go because of the memories or emotions tied to the items.

Overwhelm by Too Many Decisions
When faced with a large amount of clutter, the sheer number of decisions can tax the brain, leading to analysis paralysis.

I often gather so much information when trying to make a decision that there can be a dozen open tabs, causing information overload. At this point, I can either shut the search down, stay frustrated, and walk away from making a decision, or flip a coin.

A coin toss is my preferred method because this technique works!

Fear of Failure
Some people overthink because they’re afraid they’ll fail. What if they declutter and the mess comes back? What if they can’t keep up with an organized space?

Stop Overthinking to Stop Procrastinating

Overthinking is often a form of procrastination. It gives the illusion of being productive (“I need to figure everything out first”), but it actually delays progress.

Overthinkers convince themselves that they’re planning or preparing, but in reality, they’re avoiding the discomfort of starting. Procrastination provides temporary relief from anxiety, but it builds frustration and guilt over time.

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How to Stop Overthinking and Start Decluttering

Adopt a “Done Is Better Than Perfect” Mindset
Perfectionism feeds overthinking. Recognize that progress is more important than perfection. The goal is not to have a magazine-worthy space—it’s to create a home that works for you. A good mantra to use is 'Progress not Perfection'!

Set a Timer and Just Start
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and start decluttering one small area, like a drawer or a shelf. The key is to take action, even if it’s small. Once you begin, momentum will build.

If a drawer or a shelf is too big an area for you pick up one item and declutter it. Decide if you will keep or discard it. If you choose to keep the item get up and toss it in a bin. If you decide to keep the item get up and put the thing away- immediately.

Use the 3-Second Rule.
If you find yourself stuck on an item, give yourself three seconds to make a decision. Quick decisions reduce mental fatigue and prevent overthinking. Or toss a coin!

How the coin toss works for me is as follows. My subconscious knows what I want. When I flip a coin and come out the way I prefer I feel validated and confident to follow through.

When I do a coin toss and the result is the opposite of my leaning I can say 'nah' and do the opposite. Either way, I am a winner because the decision has been made. I have taken an action step!

Kevin Eikenberry has a good explanation of the science-backed coin toss theory.

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Break It Down into Small Steps
Instead of trying to tackle an entire room, break the task into manageable steps. Focus on one section at a time, such as a countertop, or an area of a counter. If there is one appliance on the counter you seldom use either move or let it go.

If you can manage a bigger project the kitchen junk drawer is a great place to start because there tend to be few objects in this drawer with emotional attachment.

Leave the sentimental stuff until the end of your decluttering project. Get some practice under your belt.

Limit Your Options
Too many choices can lead to decision paralysis. Try giving yourself simple options: “Keep, Donate, or Trash.” Reducing your choices makes the process smoother.

Let Go of Emotional Attachments Gradually
When you do get to the end of your decluttering and are ready to start going through your sentimental possessions be aware you may start to overthink these things.

A couple of things to try...

• Remember it is not the physical item it is the human connection/memory you are attached to.
• People who give you gifts and things you inherit should not be burdensome. I have to believe the giver does not want this for you.
• Check out Guilt Free Tips To Declutter Sentimental Stuff

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Trust Your Intuition
Overthinking happens when you second-guess your decisions. Instead, trust your gut. If you instinctively feel you no longer need an item, let it go.

If you lack confidence you can change this. It takes time and consistency and is as simple as putting some new habits in place. Put an elastic around your wrist and the next time you put yourself down snap the elastic and replace your thought with a confidence-building thought.

Example: 'I can't do anything right'! Snap the elastic and change your thought to 'I am learning how to build confidence, I can do this. It may not be perfect but I am learning and getting better at this.

Hold Yourself Accountable
Share your decluttering goals with a friend or family member who can help you stay on track. Accountability makes it harder to procrastinate.

Support System
Using the buddy System can make all the difference. Find a buddy or family member who wants what you want and do the thing together. Check in often to chart your progress.

Today there are many online support groups. Our safe and private Facebook group Declutterbuzz has folks from all walks of life who are challenged daily by obstacles. No shame!

Visualize the End Result
Imagine how it will feel to live in a clutter-free space. Use that vision to motivate yourself when overthinking creeps in.

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Accept That It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
It’s okay if you let go of something and later wish you hadn’t. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Trust that you’ll adapt and make do without the things you part with.

Ask for Professional Help if Needed
If overthinking is tied to deeper emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, seeking help from a therapist or professional organizer can provide valuable support.

Photo byMarj Bates

Decide to Stop Overthinking

Overthinking doesn’t lead to clarity—it creates more mental clutter either in the form of procrastination or indecision to name a couple of things. The only way to make progress with decluttering is to take action, even if it’s imperfect or uncomfortable at first.

Small steps lead to big changes, and every item you sort or discard brings you closer to your vision. The clutter in your mind is just as important, if not more, to clear as the clutter in your space. Physical and Mental Clutter almost always go handin hand.

Stop overthinking and start doing—your future self will thank you.

Photo byMarj Bates

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

For more Declutter Buzz & Freebies check out our safe and private Decluttering community on our Facebook page. We are a safe and private space of like minded folks tackling this all encompassing clutter thing once and for all. No shame allowed and always a few laughs!

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