Decluttering is a great feeling. But getting started can be hard. Sometimes you don’t know where to begin. Or maybe you have a clear idea of what needs to be done, but it seems too overwhelming (like that messy pantry!).

We understand. Decluttering is not just a physical task, but also a mental and emotional one. And that can make it hard to get started.

Don’t let yourself put it off. Use these tips to motivate yourself to declutter when you feel ready. Here are some simple ways to overcome the obstacles and start decluttering now.

1. MAKE A TO-DO LIST

If you need some guidance, get a bag and a big list of things to declutter. Then just follow the list and start clearing out your stuff.

2. ONE SHELF RULE

To use this method, you first decide how much space you have for storing something, like a shelf or a bin. Then you sort out your stuff and only keep what fits in that space.

This way, you have a clear limit on how much you can keep and your decluttering task becomes easier.

3. REMOVE THE MESS

Instead of trying to pick your favorite items of a certain type, pick the worst and remove them. This is in contrast to the typical search strategy of keeping only the best.

4. KEEP A CHECK ON YOURSELF

5. GIVE A SHU UP CALL

A common obstacle to decluttering is feeling guilty for violating some “rules.” To overcome this, you need to ignore the negative thoughts.

For instance, you don’t have to keep something that you don’t enjoy or use just because you think: “It was expensive when I bought it,” “It might come in handy one day,” or “It was a gift from someone I love.” These are not valid reasons to hold on to something that doesn’t serve you.

6. IT IS A NECESSARY EVIL