How to get rid of clutter garage messy organization

How to Get Rid of Clutter and Take Back Your Life

/27 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt

Getting organized isn’t rocket science. It’s just really hard to start. Clutter creeps in when we’re busy, tired, or just plain overwhelmed. But once you begin learning how to get rid of clutter—truly, thoughtfully—it creates a ripple effect. Your space calms down… and so does your brain. Ready to ditch the mess and keep what truly serves you?

How to get rid of clutter garage messy organization

Key Points

  • Clutter causes more than mess. It creates mental stress and drains energy, making it harder to feel calm and productive at home.
  • Decluttering starts with letting go. Eliminate what no longer serves you and concentrate on keeping only what you truly use and value.
  • Simple strategies like the Brown Bag and Salami Methods make tackling clutter doable, one small step (or slice) at a time.

Getting organized is like dieting. Everyone knows how to do it. The problem? Actually getting around to it, clearing the clutter, organizing what’s left, and then maintaining the whole setup long enough for it to make a difference. And let’s be honest, the overwhelm often hits before we’ve even pulled open that first junk drawer.

A few years back, when we remodeled our kitchen, I emptied every cupboard and drawer. Everything went into bins, labeled in detail. That alone raised a few red flags. I found things I’d completely forgotten, like that fondue set from the ‘90s and a mountain of mismatched Tupperware. When it came time to put everything back, I had a lightbulb moment: instead of organizing by what I might need someday, I put things away based on how I actually use them.

That changed everything. I finally understood why it had been so hard to keep the kitchen neat. You simply cannot organize chaos. First, you have to clear it out. Funny how clearing out the clutter also cleared my mind.

Why Getting Organized Feels So Overwhelming

Here’s the thing: according to psychologist Dr. Joseph Ferrari, clutter isn’t just a housekeeping issue. It’s a psychological one. In his research, clutter is defined as “an overabundance of possessions that collectively create chaos and disorderly living spaces.” And that chaos? It affects more than your countertops. It creates stress, tanks productivity, and even lowers overall life satisfaction. In fact, studies show the more clutter we live with, the less happy we tend to feel.

So why do we hang on to all this stuff? Ferrari says it’s a combination of emotional attachment, procrastination, and a lack of time, energy, or know-how. Sometimes it’s not even our decision, especially when someone else in the household isn’t ready to let go. And let’s not forget the excuses: I don’t have time. I don’t know where to take it. My kids don’t want the china, but I can’t just toss it! Sound familiar?

What helped me the most was realizing this: the issue isn’t abundance. It’s attachment to that abundance. We confuse wants with needs, and we let our stuff tell us who we are or who we used to be. But the truth is, when we let go of the unnecessary, we create space, not just in our homes, but in our lives.

Let’s start there.

The “Too Much Stuff” Wake-Up Call

Face it. If your closets are crammed, your drawers barely close, and your garage has become a black hole of forgotten items, you probably own too much stuff. It’s not a character flaw. It’s a common reality in a culture that tells us more is better. But the truth? More stuff usually just means more stress.

Start small. Pare down. Donate what no longer serves you. Pass along those “just in case” items you haven’t used in years. Let your spaces breathe again. When your drawers slide open easily, when your countertops stay clear, it brings a quiet kind of peace. Your home begins to feel serene, intentional, kept.

And here’s the good news: there’s no single “right” way to organize. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. The best system is the one that fits your style, your energy, and your daily life. Whether you’re a label-everything minimalist or a tuck-it-away-and-call-it-good realist, your home should support you, not overwhelm you. Find what works, tweak it as needed, and make it yours.

Eliminate and Concentrate: Your Clutter-Free Mantra

No matter your decluttering style or system, let this be your mantra: Eliminate and concentrate. Say it out loud. Write it on a sticky note. Whisper it into that closet you’re afraid to open. Then say it again.

Eliminate

This part is the hardest—for me too. I can always find a reason to keep something: It’s valuable. I might need it. The power grid could fail and I’ll wish I had these candle stubs. (Yes, I’ve said that. Out loud.) But even as I laugh at myself, I know deep down, it’s time to let it go.

According to clutter researcher Dr. Joseph Ferrari, one of the biggest barriers to decluttering is emotional attachment, even to things we no longer use. We assign meaning to items, and that makes it hard to part with them. But here’s the truth: value isn’t just about price. It’s about purpose. If something has no real role in your life anymore, it’s not serving you. Eliminate it with confidence.

Concentrate

Now that you’ve cleared out what you don’t need, let’s focus on what you do. It’s amazing how often we find the same essential item in five different places around the house. (Spatulas in the garage, anyone?) Getting like-items together in one location can be both enlightening and humbling. Yes, I need scissors. No, I do not need seven pairs.

When you concentrate your belongings by category (tools with tools, batteries with batteries), you’ll instantly see what you have, what you use, and what you can live without. It’s about regaining control, not creating Pinterest-perfect cabinets. Start small. Keep it real. And remember: clarity follows action.

Try the Brown Bag Method for Instant Relief

brown bag method donation clutter organization how to get rid of clutter

When clutter has you teetering on the edge of chaos, don’t overthink. Just grab a brown bag. The Brown Bag Method is my go-to for instant relief, especially when I’m overwhelmed and need a quick win.

Here’s how it works: Take one (or more) large brown grocery bag, bin, or box and start scooping up the clutter—stacks of mail, magazines, papers, mystery items on your counters or dining table. The goal here isn’t to make decisions. It’s to clear the visual noise. Just get it out of sight and into the bag. You’re not tossing anything yet. You’re simply buying yourself some breathing room. (At least, that’s what you tell yourself.)

Then, pause. Look around. Take in that clean surface, that calm space. It feels good, doesn’t it?

Now here’s the kicker: if no one in the household mentions anything missing in the next 48 hours, odds are it’s safe to let most (if not all) of it go. It’s a sneaky method, yes, but it’s surprisingly effective. Sometimes, we just need a little space (literal and mental) before we’re ready to part with things for good.

Use this as a reset when you’re stuck.

How the Salami Method Makes Clutter Manageable

salami method one drawer at a time how to get rid of clutter

You wouldn’t eat an entire salami in one bite, and you shouldn’t try to declutter your whole house that way either. That’s where the Salami Method comes in. The idea is simple: tackle your clutter one slice at a time.

Start small. One drawer, one shelf, one corner of the laundry room. Then tomorrow, do another. Before you know it, you’ve made real progress without burning out or tearing the house apart in a single afternoon. It’s a gentler, more realistic way to reclaim your space.

Personally, I’ve found that when I get control over the stuff in my life, something shifts. I think clearer. I feel calmer. I’m less reactive, more productive, and a whole lot happier. There’s something powerful about putting things in their place. It brings order not just to your home, but to your head.

So don’t aim for perfect. Aim for progress. One slice at a time.

A Book That Might Just Change Your Life

There’s real comfort in knowing you’re not the only one feeling overwhelmed by clutter. In fact, I once read that the ratio of naturally-born neatniks to the rest of us messies is about one in a million. That sounds about right, doesn’t it?

If you suspect you might have a case of “the messies,” do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley.

Marla, affectionately known as “The FlyLady” by her devoted online following, has a magical way of reaching into messy, chaotic homes with kindness, humor, and just enough structure to get you moving. She meets you where you are, whether you’re drowning in dishes or buried in laundry.

Her philosophy starts small, with something as simple as “Shiny Sink 101.” And while that might sound trivial, there’s something oddly motivating about waking up to a sparkling kitchen sink. It’s the first domino in a chain reaction of calm and control. And who couldn’t use a little more of that?

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Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
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    Question: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found while decluttering? Mine: a petrified half-eaten granola bar in a purse I haven’t used since 2011. Your turn!

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    27 replies
    1. Kelley says:

      I’d forgotten about FlyLady as well! The audio book ‘clutter busting’ has interesting points about the sentimental stuff. I was the executor for a colleague a few years ago, and needed to clean out his condo… and he was a packrat. But i was also able to see the levels of grief, of unmet goals… all through his stuff. I don’t want anyone else to have to deal with mine. Another good read – Swedish Death Cleaning – I feel for those of you with spouses who refuse to do any of the purging. they aren’t going to have to deal with the outcome 🙁

      Reply
    3. kat says:

      hi mary, problem: now 76 yrs old, not in good health. but when I look around I see so much STUFF that I’ll never use again (dishes, serving pcs, silverware, clothes (just lost lots of weight), furniture (some antiques, antique glassware, dishes, collectibles etc). It causes me much stress these days!!! hubs doesnt want me to get rid of anything, but most of above mentioned is my own from my family or I purchased myself. we have no children, no family members want anything, and we’re both TO OLD and physically unable to have a yardsale! any suggestions? he wont agree to someone coming in the house for estate sale, appraisal etc. (cad), and I cant lift and carry stuff to take out for such. HELP, when my folks got older and couldnt do anymore, they asked us kids to take what we wanted instead of waiting to clean out the house when they were gone. we did, mom got rid of more stuff when pop passed and it wasnt a burden on us kids. she had peace of mind regarding it. wish I could….thanks`

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        Yes! Photograph them. Every angle, close up for detail. Then take the time to write each item’s story. Keep that file close to you in a place you can look at it often. Print it out if you prefer, and keep these stories in a beautiful album that it not buried in the attic or stuffed under a bed gather dust. I promise you will come to enjoy those objects more than ever.

        Reply
    5. Deb R. says:

      My in-laws died. In 2010 their stuff that we didn’t get rid of came to my house. My husband couldn’t bring himself to look through it. (He has passed as well.) My parents have now passed. Their stuff has just recently come to my house. Every time I start going through stuff, emotions kick in, I box everything back up, and put it all out of sight, again. After my husband passed, I reclaimed my bedroom. It was easier going through his stuff than his parents’ stuff. I now have one uncluttered peace-filled place in my home. And the pile of things from the past that are emotional triggers continues to taunt me from another bedroom.

      Reply
    6. Ellen says:

      I will admit, I have no idea how it got there but….I found a dried out meatball (no sauce) in my purse! I was getting rid of the purse and was cleaning it out…..perhaps hubby thought I needed a snack at one time! 🙂

      However, we are acknowledged pack rats at times, we have so much stuff! My dear daughter in law told me “I love you guys but you have too much stuff!” That comment, and also cleaning out my step-mom;s house after she died really got me thinking about our stuff. So…we have started to declutter, destash and generally be more thoughtful about what we buy. Much of the stuff we have is from thrift stores,church rummage sales and the like. It was a good price (as in cheap!) and we liked it. We have taken at least 12 pick-up truck loads (and few trailer loads) of stuff out of our place. (We are building a new house behind the old one, and so it became a glorified garage….) Lots of extra building supplies husband brought home from work as a carpenter, lots of sewing supplies I have collected, lots of grandkids clothing/toys I was storing for others, and lot of stuff. We are far from done, but it is such a liberating feeling to say “We have a truckload of stuff to give away!” And I am much more thoughtful about what I purchase now.

      Reply
    7. Linda Wilson says:

      I have followed the FlyLady system for 20+ years. It’s the best and will serve you through all stages of life. Unfortunately, because of the internet/YouTube exposure, too many people think it’s a system for the religious. It saddens me because it’s the best “organize your life” system around, yet too many people will ignore it because they will have the incorrect belief it’s for Christians only.

      Reply
    11. Michelle Browning says:

      One of my problems with decluttering is I get rid of the wrong things! I eliminate something and find out a few weeks later that I would like to use it. Anyone else have this problem?

      Thanks for the link to Fly Lady. I followed her YEARS ago, but was unaware she is still around. I still do my shiny sink when the dishes are done! I live in a very hard water area and if I don’t it is quickly VERY disgusting!

      I look forward to your Emails each morning. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Mary Hunt says:

        Create and interim space (box, bin, area in attic) and label it “Maybe.” Put items you intend to get rid of in it. If you change your mind, you’ve lost nothing. After six months, donate what you haven’t retreived. That was a read tip and such a great idea.

        Reply
        • Patricia says:

          I use a box, with a date on it, that date indicates that if I haven’t taken anything out of that box in ex mini weeks or months, then it’s good to donate. If I have taken anything out of it it’s already back and being used so again when the date on the box has reached its term date it goes. For clothes in my closet I put a little note over the hanger also indicating the last date I wore it and at the end of the season if I haven’t worn it at all it gets donated also. Love your cleaning tips have followed you since we live very close to you in Garden Grove, California, and all of these years have found your help very useful and shared it with many others. Thank you, Mary.

    12. RDHmom says:

      Love, love, love your columns and you have enhanced my life and the lives of my family—thank you!
      Along these lines lines of decluttering, I also follow Joshua Becker, Becoming Minimalist, for great tips and encouragement.

      Reply
    13. Tracy Smith says:

      But I CAN use it later! lol My problem is that I usually do need something random when it comes time for vacation bible school or youth group or grandkids! But I am getting better thanks to you, Mary!

      Reply
    14. Luisa says:

      Mary, thanks for a good post. It was fun to see you refer to FlyLady, as you and she have both been positive influences for me, though I found your site a few years before hers. I’ve always been grateful that you both share your wisdom with us. I have learned a lot from you, and I recommend your blog and your books to friends and sometimes even strangers.

      Reply
    15. Deb R. says:

      My problem is that it isn’t “my” clutter, it belongs to us, therefore I can’t touch it. The hardest to deal with is all the stuff we brought home from my husband’s parents’ home after they passed. If my mother-in-law could hold onto that map her little boy drew in third grade, who am I to throw it away now? Sadly, I know the day will come all too soon that we will face the same thing with my parents.

      Reply
    16. Vic says:

      The thing that weighs me down is the dailiness of it all. For example, recently I deep cleaned, sorted and organized my small utility room. And it has been a constant battle ever since to keep it that way. It’s as though the cosmos is determined to undo my work.

      Reply
      • Linda Wilson says:

        You may have noticed many posters mention FlyLady. I’ve followed her system for at least 20 years. It might help you. It’s perfect for people that want a tidy home, but have better things to do with their time. It is a “daily” thing built on very quick, easy routines that you will customize for yourself. And if you miss a day…no worries because you’re never behind. Flylady.net Good luck and congrats on your utility room 🙂

        Reply
    17. Birgit Nicolaisen says:

      FLYlady is the best. It was through her I found Debt Proof Living. Between Marla and Mary, my life is so much better.

      Reply
    18. Jo says:

      I find the most difficult items to focus/eliminate are the ones with an emotional connection-Grandma’s dishes, my fine china, etc. Taking a photo for posterity doesn’t cut it at this point.

      Reply
      • Bronson says:

        Hi Jo –
        I empathize with you. After the death of my older brother, I was left with our grandmother’s china. He had inherited it after her death. He always wanted it, and he boxed it up, and it never saw the light of day again until I got it. It was from Japan right around the time of WW2…I am thinking it’s just before or after the war based on the research I did. Anyway, we had a ton of it, but it didn’t match what my wife and I had by any means. And she already had HER grandmother’s china.

        I then realized that I had never recalled my grandmother actually using this. She might have let the adults use it, and maybe that’s why I never saw it. My kids have zero interest in it, so I finally decided to sell it. I thought Replacements might want it. THEY had no interest it either. I ended up selling the entire set on eBay for $100…before shipping, so I think I netted $40 after fees.

        But the burden is gone. I thought about saving a place setting, but I am glad I didn’t. I don’t need the stuff in my house. I have a couple of small items that remind me of my grandmother, and that will do. And when I go, I am sure my kids will toss those things while exclaiming, “Why does dad have this milk glass dish???”

        Reply
        • Mary Hunt says:

          Great story, Bronson. I laughed about the milk glass. I know that feeling of “lifted burden,” and it feels great. Freeing. Relief!

      • Mary Hunt says:

        I’m sure I’m not the only one who can identify with you on that, Jo. For me getting rid of sentimental items feels like I’m throwing away my memories and love for that person in almost a disrespectful way. But there has to be a way to deal with material things like you mention without setting ourselves up for depression, anxiety, and emotional conflict now and future guilt for leaving behind all of those things plus all of our things for our kids to deal with.

        Reply
      • Barbara Mattson says:

        Every time our power goes out, I’m glad for my candles! I even take some with me on vacation – and I’ve used them several times in a glass jar when power went out in the hotel or cabin. And yet….

        Reply

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