How Declutter One Step at a Time

Recently, I went hiking during a trip to Northern Italy. It was an 11km trail through the mountains, stunning, yes, but completely outside my comfort zone.

The hardest part? Reaching the summit.

Every time I thought, “Just one more climb and we’ll be there,” another steep hill appeared. And then another. The top seemed to keep moving further away. I felt tired, frustrated, and convinced I’d never make it. The more I focused on the summit, the more impossible it felt.

Eventually, I stopped looking up and started looking down, literally. I focused only on my next step. I paid attention to how my foot landed on the trail, how I was breathing, how I was feeling. That tiny shift made the journey more manageable, even enjoyable.

And that’s when it hit me: this is exactly what decluttering feels like.

When we focus too much on the end result , the beautifully calm, simplified home, it can feel completely out of reach. The vision is important, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming. Just like the summit, it can feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re never getting any closer. The trick is to look down and focus on the small tasks you do everyday.

How To Declutter One Step At A Time:

Focus on one drawer. One shelf. One pile.

Small-Step Decluttering Tasks
(each takes 2–10 minutes)

Surfaces & Visual Calm

• Clear just one countertop corner.

• Remove 5 things from your desk that don’t belong there.

• Empty your handbag/backpack and put back only essentials.

• Wipe and clear your bedside table.

Paper & Digital

• Recycle 10 old receipts or scraps.

• Delete 10 junk emails.

• Shred 3 outdated documents.

• Clear your phone’s photo gallery of 5 unneeded pics.

Clothing & Accessories

• Remove 3 items from your wardrobe you haven’t worn in a year.

• Match socks — toss or repurpose any lonely ones.

• Choose 1 drawer and remove anything damaged or too small.

Kitchen & Food

• Empty and wipe 1 fridge shelf.

• Toss expired food from the pantry.

• Wash and put away any dishes in the sink.

Miscellaneous

• Put away 5 items lying around in the wrong place.

• Choose 1 small box or basket to sort and reduce.

• Remove one decorative item you don’t love anymore.

• Gather and donate 1 book you won’t reread.

Stay with the step you’re taking right now, and do it with care and attention. It's the small steps you take everyday, not the big ones that will take you to the summit. Those small, consistent actions are what lead to real progress.