It’s already late February and by this time, we can often find ourselves in the lull of a new year, not yet hitting the ambitious goals we set for ourselves at the top of the year. It’s all-too easy to sink into the overwhelm of it all.
The encouraging truth is that all progress counts, even if it feels small! Today we’re going to look at a few simple ways we can take these small steps that make for a big impact. We’re talking five-minutes of your day, or single-step actionables that you can slip in when evening plans fall through for when you’re needing a win.
The 5-Minute Tidy: Small Efforts, Big Impact
When everything feels overwhelming, the thought of deep cleaning or decluttering can be paralyzing. That’s where the power of a simple 5-minute tidy comes in. Think of this as a quick sweep of your space. Whether it be your office desk, your kitchen counters or living room, do a visual scan and note the problem areas.
- Set a Timer: Feel free to allocate just five minutes to focus on tidying. You may be surprised by how much it will help! If you have the time to go longer and wish to, by all means. But the focus here is to…
- Target High-Traffic Areas: Focus on spots that accumulate clutter quickly— entryways, kitchen counters, nightstands, or living room surfaces.
- Quickly Sort: As you go, sort items into three categories: put away, throw away, or donate. Then do so– as soon as that five minutes is up, return items to their home, toss the garbage, and put donatable things into a tote to donate.
- Engage the Household: If you live with roommates, kids, or your spouse, get those who are available involved. A collective effort makes a big difference.
A few 5-minute tidies throughout the week can create noticeable change without taking up the task of a potentially overwhelming clean-out, and the quick gratification is a nice easy win!
Navigating Inherited Belongings
Inheriting items from loved ones can feel like a great honour, but also a heavy responsibility. You may feel obligated to keep everything, even if space is limited. We see it often when working with our clients that this can be a big brick wall. When you are feeling ready, pick an evening where you can begin working through these things, and consider the following:
- Where there are belongings that carry a lot of meaning, do not feel rushed to get rid of these. There absolutely is value in hanging onto cherished items, and some things we simply make space for.
- For items that do not carry meaning for you, or are taking up space that you do not have, it is ok to let go of these things.
- Consider functionality. If you can integrate an inherited item into your daily life—such as using your grandmother’s teacups or wearing a loved one’s jewelry—it may hold more value than if it’s just stored away.
- Digitize memories! If something holds sentimental value but isn’t practical to keep (ie: artwork, clothing, etc.) consider taking photographs or journaling about its significance.
- If an item isn’t meaningful to you, it may be treasured by another relative. Redistributing heirlooms can honour their history while keeping your space manageable.
Remember: You are not required to keep everything in order to honor a loved one’s memory. What matters most are the memories and stories you carry with you.
Letting Go of “Someday” Items
Many of us hold onto things for “someday”—a piece of clothing we might wear again, a hobby we might pick up, or furniture we might use when we have more space. But keeping too many “someday” items can contribute to clutter and mental stress. Once you choose to make a decision on these, allowing yourself to finally let it go can be both quick and rewarding.
- Be Honest with Yourself: If you haven’t used it in the last year, maybe it’s time to let this item go.
- Give Yourself Permission to Let Go: Releasing paused-hobby items doesn’t mean that you are giving up on dreams—it means you’re making room for what serves you now.
- Find Them a New Home: Donating or gifting these items can bring joy to someone else who will actually use them.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps Lead to Big Change
When you’re overwhelmed, organization can feel impossible, but it can also be a part of what relieves your overwhelm. Small actions such as a 5-minute tidy, finally navigating inherited belongings, and letting go of “someday” items—can help you regain control and create a space that feels peaceful.
The key is progress, not perfection. Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that even the smallest step forward is still movement in the right direction.
If you find you need someone to come in and navigate this with you, we're always here to help! Don't hesitate to reach out to the team local to you!
