Are you struggling to start decluttering? In this article I’m looking at the Snowball Decluttering Method and how it helps you to clear your clutter more easily. Start small and build motivation and confidence through momentum.
USING THE SNOWBALL DECLUTTERING METHOD TO START DECLUTTERING MORE EASILY
Many of us dream about having a home that’s calm, organised, and free of clutter. But let’s be real—decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re staring at a home full of stuff.
If you’ve been struggling to get started, the Snowball Decluttering Method might just be the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s a simple, step-by-step approach that helps you gain momentum, build confidence, and make real progress without feeling like you’re drowning in the mess.
WHY THE SNOWBALL DECLUTTERING METHOD WORKS IN OUR HOME
In my own home, I’ve found this to be a really helpful way of motivating my teenager and my husband to clear their clutter. My teenager struggles with mess and motivation and my husband is a hoarder who likes to keep, well – EVERYTHING.
For different reasons they both find decluttering completely overwhelming so breaking it down into tiny projects helps them feel encouraged and be reminded that decluttering isn’t that scary after all – once they start getting stuck in.
If you live with a hoarder or kid clutter and chaos, maybe the Snowball Decluttering Method could help them too?
Let’s dive into what this method is all about, how it works, and how you can start today!
WHAT IS THE SNOWBALL DECLUTTERING METHOD?
The Snowball Decluttering Method is inspired by the “debt snowball” approach, where you tackle your smallest debts first to build momentum, then use that energy to tackle bigger debts.
Applied to decluttering, it’s all about starting small, beginning with the easiest areas or items, and then gradually taking on bigger challenges as you gain confidence and see visible results.
By the time you’ve worked through several areas, you’ll have a snowball of success rolling, making it easier to keep going.
The idea is to create a sense of accomplishment early on. When you see clear, immediate progress, you’re more motivated to continue. After all, most of us respond well to those quick wins to help us feel good about the effort and energy we’re investing!
It’s a great way to avoid the overwhelm that can come with traditional decluttering methods, where you might feel like you’re getting nowhere fast.
HOW DOES THE SNOWBALL DECLUTTERING METHOD WORK?
The beauty of the Snowball Decluttering Method lies in its simplicity, which is probably why I like it so much! Here’s a step-by-step guide to how it works:
1. Start Small
Begin with a small, easy-to-declutter space. This could be a single drawer, a countertop, or a corner of a room. The key is to pick something that won’t take much time but will still give you a sense of accomplishment when it’s done.
2. Sort And Decide
As you go through your chosen area, sort items into five categories: Keep, Donate, Recycle, Throw/Waste, and Relocate.
Be honest with yourself about what you really need and love. If you haven’t used something in a year, unless it’s a seasonal item, it might be time to let it go. Or perhaps it’s something that you used to use but now it just reminds you that you don’t have time, energy, money or inclination to use it anymore so it just makes you feel bad every time you look at it. I have a pair of black boots that used to do this for me.
3. Complete The Task
Finish the area you’ve started before moving on. This means putting the “Keep” items back neatly, taking the “Donate” items to a donation centre or charity shop, and getting the “Waste/Rubbish” items out of your home, and the “Recycle” items to your local recycling centre. The “Relocate” items should be moved to where they truly belong. Remember, everything should have a “home” of their own in your home!
4. Celebrate Your Success
Take a moment to appreciate your hard work. You’ve just decluttered a part of your home! That sense of achievement is the snowball you need to move on to the next area.
5. Move on to the Next Area
Now that you’ve successfully tackled a small area, move on to the next one. Gradually increase the size of the areas you declutter as your confidence grows. For example, after a drawer, you might move on to a closet, then a room, and so on.
6. Keep the Momentum Going
As you continue, your snowball will grow. The more areas you declutter, the more motivated you’ll become. Over time, you’ll find that the bigger spaces don’t feel as daunting as they once did because you’ve built up your decluttering “muscle.”
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE SNOWBALL DECLUTTERING METHOD
Getting started is often the hardest part, but the Snowball Decluttering Method makes it easier by breaking the process down into manageable steps. Here’s how you can begin your decluttering journey:
1. Choose Your First Space
Pick a small area that won’t take more than 15-30 minutes to declutter, maybe even less if decluttering makes you feel anxious, overwhelmed or you’re new to decluttering. This could be a kitchen drawer, a bathroom cabinet, or your nightstand. The goal is to start small and simple.
2. Set a Timer
Give yourself a time limit. Setting a timer helps you stay focused and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. You’re not trying to declutter your whole home in one day, just one small space.
3. Gather Your Supplies
Grab a few boxes or bags for sorting items into the four categories: Keep, Donate, Rubbish/Waste, Recycle and Relocate. You might also want some cleaning supplies on hand to tidy up the space once it’s cleared. But, this should only be if you have time and energy. Cleaning and decluttering don’t always go together if you find them both tough on their own.
4. Start Sorting
Begin by emptying the space completely. Then, go through each item and decide which category it belongs to. Remember to be honest with yourself about what you really need.
5. Put Everything in Its Place
Once you’ve sorted everything, it’s time to take action. Put the “Keep” items back in the space neatly, get rid of the waste/rubbish, and take the recycling and donations out of your house as soon as possible. The quicker you remove these items, the less chance they have of creeping back into your life.
6. Admire Your Work
Stand back and look at the area you’ve just decluttered. It might seem small, but it’s a big step towards creating the home you want. The basis of the Snowball Decluttering Method is that this sense of accomplishment is the fuel that will keep you going.
7. Plan Your Next Step
Now that you’ve completed one space, think about what you’d like to tackle next. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Focus on one small space at a time, and let your successes build on each other. In this way, decluttering will become more of a habit instead of a big hurdle you’re trying to climb over.
TIPS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED WITH DECLUTTERING
Sticking with any decluttering method requires motivation, especially when you’re tackling bigger spaces. Here are a few tips to keep your snowball rolling:
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Instead of saying, “I’m going to declutter the entire house this weekend,” try, “I’m going to declutter the kitchen counter today.” Small goals are more achievable and less intimidating.
2. Track Your Progress
Keep a journal or take before-and-after photos of the spaces you’ve decluttered. Seeing how far you’ve come can be incredibly motivating.
3. Reward Yourself
Give yourself a little treat when you complete a space. It could be as simple as a cup of your favourite tea, a relaxing bath, or watching an episode of your favourite show.
4. Involve the Family
If you live with others, get them involved! Decluttering as a team can make the process faster and more fun. Plus, it teaches everyone the importance of maintaining a tidy space.
5. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Remember, decluttering is a process. It’s okay if it takes time. Celebrate every small victory and keep moving forward.
CONCLUSION
The Snowball Decluttering Method is all about starting small and building momentum. It’s a gentle, achievable way to declutter your home without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on one small area at a time, you can gradually create the calm, organised and most importantly, decluttered space you’ve been dreaming of. So why not get started today? Pick a drawer, set a timer, and let the decluttering snowball begin! Your future self will thank you.
Have you tried the Snowball Decluttering Method and, if so, how did it work for you? Does it sound like something that could help you get started if decluttering has been difficult for you in the past? I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment at the end of this article.