Decluttering vs. Organizing: Which Comes First?
When tackling an organizing project—whether it’s a single room or an entire home—the first and most crucial step is always decluttering. Before you can create a space that functions smoothly, you need to clear out what doesn’t belong. But as you start removing misplaced items, a common question arises:
Should you put things away one at a time, or gather everything first and then put it all away at once?
Well, the answer depends on your organizing style and how your brain and energy levels respond to the process!
The “One at a Time” Approach
If you’re working solo and tend to feel overwhelmed by clutter, a step-by-step approach might be best. This means:
✔️ When you find a stapler, take it straight to the office.
✔️ If you come across a hoodie, return it to the mudroom right away.
This method prevents the dreaded “pile of things that don’t belong” from growing too large for you to manage before you need a break. Sometimes, by the time you finish gathering everything, you’re too tired (physically or mentally) to actually put it away, so doing it one a time might be best.
The “Gather First” Approach
On the other hand, if you’re confident in following through—or if you’re working with professional organizers who are managing the process—gathering first can be much more efficient.
🔹 Use a bin or basket to collect all misplaced items.
🔹 Once the session is wrapping up, return everything to its proper home in one go.
This method allows you to stay focused on the primary task of organizing without constantly interrupting your workflow by leaving the room.
Find the Organizing Method That Works for You
At the end of the day, organizing is about working with the resources you have—your time, energy, and personal style. If one method leaves you feeling stuck, switch it up! The goal is progress, not perfection.
Find what works best for you—and keep going! You’ve got this!
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go topinkyjackson.com
