Feeling overwhelmed? You are not alone. There are days when I am overwhelmed and just don’t want to do anything, or just have so much to do and dont have a lot of time. I don’t always see when I am overwhelmed either, but I am told it does show up inside me in forms of decision fatigue and easily irritation.
When your mind is spinning, your to-do list feels like it’s to the ceiling of your home, and you don’t even know where to start—the last thing you want to hear is “just pick a room and go.” I’ve been there, staring at clutter with no desire to tackle it, not because I didn’t want to organize, but because my mind felt so foggy and busy that even choosing a drawer felt like a mountain.
Today, I am going to share what I recommend starting with when you’re mentally overwhelmed and don’t know where to start: the first 3 spaces to organize that will help your mind feel lighter.
Because yes, organizing can clear physical space, but more importantly, it clears mental space too.
1. Your Nightstand
When you wake up in the morning or go to bed, your nightstand is right there with you. Of course, if you don’t have a nightstand, this could be the area on top of your dresser that you use.
When this little area is cluttered with stuff, it actually has a bigger impact on your mental clarity. Just the sight of clutter in general, including your nightstand, can add instant stress or overwhelm when you’re trying to start or end your day.
So, take 10-15 minutes, and declutter this space:
- Toss old receipts
- Toss the used tissues
- Put away the five chapsticks
- Return the half-finished book you’re not actually reading
- Put away the change from your pockets
- Toss used wrappers and empty water bottles
Keep items that help you rest or recharge. For me, that’s my white noise machine, Himalayan salt lamp and a small box with quick essentials like my hand cream, chapstick, and Tylenol.
Bonus tip: You can still make your nightstand personal without clutter. Remember, less is more than enough. Think about keeping it simple by adding a calming photo, a small plant, or a little affirmation card.
2. Your Bathroom Counter
You might be wondering why the bathroom is my second choice, but hear me out.
Apart from seeing your nightstand, the bathroom counter is where you really start your day. This is the area you use to freshen up with washing your face, brushing your teeth and doing your hair. If you’re walking into a state of mess, rushing around looking for things, you are already starting your day in chaos.
Start by clearing everything off the counter because you need a fresh start. Then, only putting back the essentials (example: hand soap, hand cream, facial products). Be honest about what you use daily and either remove or relocate the rest elsewhere.
- The makeup you haven’t touched in six months? It can live in a drawer or go entirely.
- That perfume bottle you adore but haven’t used since 2022? Either start using it or let it go.
Lastly, group like items together in small trays or bins. This not only makes your life easier, having all that you need in that category all in one spot, but it also feels tidy and calm. Ultimately, you are giving your essentials a home so that your mornings can be smoother. You will be surprised to see peace throughout your day.
3. The Drop Zone
Tired of walking through the door and being greeted by clutter? You know, the shoes scattered all over the place, jackets without hangers or hooks and backpacks everywhere. I hear ya!
We all have a drop zone area (a.k.a. the first place things land when you walk in the door). Maybe it’s the entryway bench, the mudroom, the kitchen counter, or that one corner of the dining table or desk area that tends to collect everything. You know the one I’m talking about.
This spot is powerful because it’s the space that sets the tone when you enter your home. So let’s reclaim that space:
- Start by doing a 10-minute reset.
- Clear everything off
- Sort through what needs to be trashed, recycled, or re-homed
- Then, create a simple system that works for your real life.
Don’t overcomplicate it. For example, use a small tray for keys, a basket for incoming mail, and a hook for your bag. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s function that feels good.
Why These 3 Spaces to Organize Matter Most When You’re Mentally Overwhelmed
Why these spaces to organize when you’re overwhelmed, versus tackling the closet? Or the kitchen? Or the kids’ toys?” I totally get why you might want to get those off your list, but I am all for tackling those spaces—eventually (aka not today).
When your brain is overloaded, you need quick wins. You need spaces that:
- They are small enough to finish in one short session
- A space you interact with every single day
- That directly affects your peace
- That you either wake up to, go to bed to, or walk in the door
When you start with these areas, you are giving yourself a nice breather so that when the time comes, you can tackle those bigger projects. Organizing doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing. Progress is progress.
Final Thoughts
Now you have spaces to organize when you feel mentally overwhelmed! Set a timer for just 10 minutes. That’s it. Start with the nightstand. When the timer goes off, you’re done. But if you feel good and want to keep going, move to the bathroom counter or drop zone. Sometimes we just need a nudge to get started. And once we do, momentum builds.
Remember, friend, you’re doing your best, and the fact that you’re reading this means you’re ready for a change. Start with one space. One drawer. One zone. And you are absolutely capable of taking these spaces to organize. You’ve got this!
- Top 3 Organizing Habits You Should Practice (Right Now)
- What’s the Best Way To Organize Your Bedroom?
- 30 Things in your Life you Need to Declutter & Organize By Age 30
- How to Get Unstuck When Everything Feels Like Too Much
- How to Finally Get Organized (And Actually Stick With It!)
Â
Â