Sometimes, we just need to quiet our overthinking and get organized anyway. I say that because we have all been there, staring at that cluttered corner of your home for days, maybe weeks. You want to tackle it. You need to tackle it. But every time you think about where to start, your brain starts spinning, and suddenly, folding the laundry or scrolling Instagram feels easier. Is that you?
You are not alone. I’ve been there. As a busy mom and organizing expert, I’m no stranger to the mental overwhelm that comes with the idea of organizing. It’s not just the stuff that gets in our way—it’s the overthinking that keeps us stuck.
Look, you’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re just overthinking. And the good news? You can still get organized anyway.
Today I want to share three ways I quiet that overthinking voice and move into action—even when my brain is trying to talk me out of it. These are the exact mindset shifts and simple tricks I use to stay focused and make progress, one step at a time. Let’s get organized!
1. Start Smaller Than Small
2. Say It Out Loud (Yes, Really)
Have you ever noticed how loud your inner voice gets when you’re overwhelmed? That voice that says, “This will take forever. I don’t know where to put anything. I’m going to mess it up.”
Here’s my favourite counterattack: speak the truth out loud. When I catch myself spiralling, I pause, plant my feet, and say something like, “This doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be done,” or “Done is better than perfect.” I even repeat, “I can do this in 10 minutes,” if that’s all I have.
Speaking those words out loud interrupts the cycle. It reminds your brain that you are in control. That you’ve done hard things before. That you can do this, even if it’s not perfectly planned out.
Try it next time your brain goes into overdrive. Your kids might look at you funny, but hey—you’re modelling problem-solving, right? Plus, it’s a mindset step to get organized.
3. Create Visual Wins
- Making your bed first thing in the morning
- Clearing off a countertop completely in the bathroom or kitchen
- Tidying just the entryway
- Clearing off your desk surface
- Tidying the floor and the couch in the living room
Final Thoughts
Listen, Mama, you can get organized. Yes, you are juggling a lot. Maybe you’re running a household, running a business, or running after little ones (or all of the above). So if organizing feels heavy, I want to remind you of this:
You don’t need to do it all. You just need to do one thing.
Decluttering and organizing are skills, but they’re also a mindset. It’s about choosing progress over perfection. Momentum over pressure. Peace over performance.
That cluttered drawer? That pile by the stairs? Those are just opportunities waiting for your energy—not your perfection.
And if you’re looking for more guided help to make this process easier (without the pressure), I created my 28-Day Easy Declutter Challenge just for you. It’s filled with small daily steps that add up to big wins. No stress. No shame. Just progress. You can start today, right where you are.
- How to Know if Organizing Right For You?
- 25 That Girl Habits You Can Actually Stick With as a Busy Mom
- Easy 28-Day Declutter Challenge 2025 + FREE Printable Checklist
- 3 Spaces to Organize When You Feel Mentally Overwhelmed
