Where Do I Even Start? A Guide to Kickstarting Your Organizing Journey

As a professional organizer, one of the most common questions I hear from clients is, “Where do I even start?” It’s an understandable sentiment—when you’re looking at cluttered countertops, overstuffed closets, and drawers that won’t close, the sheer scope of the task can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—getting started is often the hardest part, and I’m here to help you break it down into manageable steps.

That’s why I created my “Where Do I Start?” guide, a simple but effective resource to help you pinpoint the best place to begin. Whether you're craving a small win or ready to tackle your biggest pain point, this guide has something for everyone. And by the end of this post, you’ll know how to take that all-important first step.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some key concepts behind the guide, why different approaches work for different people, and how you can build momentum no matter what path you choose. Plus, I’ll be linking to some great additional resources that can help you maintain your progress long-term. Let’s dive in!

Why Getting Started is the Hardest Part

Before we get into the specifics of where to start, let’s talk about why it can be so hard to begin organizing in the first place.

When you have a disorganized home, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even begin. There’s the mental load of seeing the clutter every day, the time crunch of trying to fit decluttering into an already busy schedule, and the emotional attachment we often feel to our belongings. All of these factors combine to make the first step feel insurmountable.

The truth is, organizing is much like any other task—you build momentum as you go. Once you’ve completed that first small step, you’ll feel more motivated to tackle the next, and the next. But how do you decide where to begin? That’s where my “Where Do I Start?” guide comes in handy.

Step 1: Choosing Your Path – Easy Win or Big Pain Point?

The first step in my guide is deciding which path you want to take: an easy win or tackling your biggest pain point.

Path 1: Start with an Easy Win

If you’re the type of person who wants to start small and build, you might want to start with an easy win. This could be something small like organizing your sock drawer or tidying up a single shelf in the pantry. It’s a quick task that won’t take much time or effort but will leave you with that satisfying feeling of accomplishment.

Small victories build confidence. They help you see tangible results immediately, giving you the momentum to continue. Many of my clients find that starting small helps them keep going because they’re able to check a task off their list without feeling overwhelmed. In fact, there's a great article on Psychology Today that delves into the science behind why small wins are so effective for maintaining motivation.

Path 2: Tackle Your Biggest Pain Point

On the other hand, if you’re someone who can’t move forward until your biggest stressor is resolved, you might prefer to start with your most problematic area. Maybe it’s that messy entryway that stresses you out every time you walk through the door, or your overstuffed closet that you dread opening. Yes, it’s a bigger task, but once it’s done, it will feel like a huge relief, and you’ll have removed one of the major sources of your anxiety.

For some people, tackling the biggest pain point first feels like the only way to make progress. Once it’s out of the way, everything else seems easier in comparison. If that sounds like you, don’t be afraid to dive in—it might take longer, but the payoff will be worth it.

Step 2: Breaking It Down – Organizing in Manageable Steps

No matter which path you choose, the key to effective organizing is breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This concept, known as “chunking,” allows you to focus on one small piece of the task at a time, which reduces overwhelm and makes it easier to make progress.

For instance, if you’re tackling a large area like your garage or your entire kitchen, start by breaking it down into smaller zones. Focus on just one shelf, drawer, or cabinet at a time. Once you complete one zone, move on to the next. By chunking the task, you’ll see steady progress without getting bogged down in the sheer scale of the project.

Want to dig deeper into the science of breaking tasks into manageable steps? I recommend checking out this article from The Atlantic, which explains why chunking tasks is such an effective strategy for overcoming procrastination and maintaining focus.

Step 3: The Reset Habit – Keeping Your Space Organized

Once you’ve completed your first task, whether it’s a quick win or a big challenge, it’s important to implement habits that will help you keep your space organized long-term. In my guide, I talk about the importance of resetting your space regularly—what I call “the Reset.”

The Reset is a simple daily practice where you spend just a few minutes on the tasks that will set you up for success. It’s much easier to maintain an organized space if you take a little time each day to put things back in their proper place, rather than letting the clutter pile up again. This habit is the key to preventing that overwhelming feeling from returning.

For more on building habits that stick, check out my post on the Mindset of Organization on Grid & Glam. It covers how the right mindset can help you stay on top of your organizational goals and maintain a clutter-free home.

Organizing the Home, Organizing the Mind

Believe it or not, organizing your physical space has a profound impact on your mental space as well. When your surroundings are cluttered, it can make you feel stressed, anxious, and unfocused. On the flip side, a clean and organized environment promotes calmness, clarity, and productivity.

This connection between home organization and mental well-being is well-documented in research. When you declutter your space, you’re essentially decluttering your mind. The simple act of tidying up can have a ripple effect on other areas of your life, improving your mood, focus, and even your relationships.

I’ve seen this play out time and again with my clients. They start with one small organizing project, and before they know it, they feel more in control of their time, their work, and their lives. And it all begins with taking that first step.

If you’re interested in learning more about how home organization impacts mental health, check out this excellent post on Grid & Glam for some actionable tips on getting your home and your mind in order.

How to Stay on Track

So, you’ve chosen your path, completed your first task, and started building your Reset. What’s next? How do you stay on track and avoid falling back into old habits?

One of the most effective strategies is to set realistic goals and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember that organizing isn’t a one-time event—it’s a journey. You’re not going to declutter your entire home in one weekend, and that’s okay! Focus on the progress you’re making, not perfection.

It’s also helpful to establish a regular organizing schedule. Whether it’s 15 minutes a day or an hour on the weekend, find a rhythm that works for you. The key is consistency. If you chip away at your tasks regularly, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish over time.

For extra motivation, you might consider joining an online organizing community or following some organizing blogs for inspiration and accountability. There are so many wonderful resources available to help keep you on track, including the Grid + Glam Home Organizing Membership where you can share your progress, ask for advice, and celebrate wins. If you’re interested, you can join the waitlist here. 

Conclusion: Start Small, Dream Big

In conclusion, the question of “Where do I start?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s okay! Whether you decide to start with a quick win or tackle your biggest pain point, the most important thing is that you start. Once you take that first step, you’ll build momentum, and each task will become easier than the last.

The “Where Do I Start?” guide is designed to help you find your ideal starting point and give you the tools to make real progress in your home organizing journey. Remember, no matter where you start, sticking with it is what leads to long-term success.

Ready to take the first step? Download my free guide here and start your journey toward a clutter-free, stress-free home today. You’ve got this!