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Your home should be a place of peace, but when clutter piles up, it can feel anything but calming (trust me, I’ve been there!). If you’re constantly battling mess, you’re not alone—but did you know that your environment has a bigger impact on your well-being than you might realize?

Studies show that clutter can spike stress hormones, drain your energy, and leave you feeling overwhelmed. That’s why I turned to Julia Goldberg, professional organizer and founder of Love It and Label It, for expert advice on creating a home that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to maintain.

Julia shared the most common clutter hotspots, the biggest mistakes people make when organizing, and simple ways to keep your home feeling peaceful—without perfectionism. She also explains how decluttering can boost your overall health and offers practical strategies for handling sentimental items without keeping everything.

If you’re ready to bring more order to your home and your mind, keep reading for Julia’s top decluttering tips!

The Best Place to Start Decluttering (Without Overwhelm)

Julia recommends beginning with a manageable space, like a single closet or a small entryway area.

Why? Tackling a smaller area first lets you see progress quickly, which builds motivation to keep going. It also helps you get a feel for the process—sorting, deciding what stays, and finding a proper home for each item—without feeling like you’ve turned your whole house upside down.

It’s a simple but effective strategy: start small, build momentum, and keep going. If the idea of decluttering still feels daunting, grab a trash bag and start by tossing out anything that’s clearly garbage. Even that tiny step can create a sense of progress and control, making it easier to keep going.

By starting small, you avoid the all-too-common mistake of pulling everything out, getting overwhelmed, and giving up before the job is done. Instead, you create quick wins that make the whole process feel easier—and even enjoyable!

The Biggest Mistake People Make When Organizing

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get organized is buying storage bins before having a plan. It’s easy to grab a pretty container at Target, assuming it’ll work somewhere—but without measuring or assessing what actually needs to be stored, those bins often end up useless or even making the clutter worse.

The right way to organize? Start by emptying the space, figuring out what you’re keeping, and only then choosing storage solutions that fit your needs. Measuring is key, even though most people (myself included!) don’t love doing it. That’s where hiring a professional organizer helps—they know the best products, what fits where, and how to create a functional system tailored to your home.

Another common mistake is not considering your organizing style. Some people thrive on detailed labels and micro-organization, while others (like me) need broad categories to make things easy. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what matters is what works for you and your household.

The best systems aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they’re practical. That’s why Pinterest-perfect setups often fail in real life. Instead of forcing an idealized version of organization, focus on creating a system that actually supports your daily habits and lifestyle.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Systems Working for You

Staying organized isn’t a one-and-done process—it’s about creating systems that evolve with your life. Just like in health, where maintenance requires consistency, your home organization needs regular check-ins to ensure it still fits your needs.

How do you know a system isn’t working?
If you constantly work around it rather than with it, it’s time to reassess. Life changes—kids grow, schedules shift, and priorities evolve. Your systems should, too.

How do you maintain organization?
Set visual cues that signal when action is needed. A full mail tray means it’s time to sort. A toy bin at capacity signals a declutter. Just like in health, where weight fluctuations or energy levels tell you when to adjust, organization has natural checkpoints—honor them.

The key? Create systems that align with how you actually live. If you won’t decant cereal, skip the containers. If weekly paperwork sorting doesn’t work, set a threshold-based system instead. Sustainable organization—like sustainable health—is about realistic habits, not rigid rules.

How an Organized Pantry Supports Healthy Choices

Just like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping your home organized is about setting up a system that works for you. When it comes to food choices, your pantry setup can make a huge difference. If the healthiest options are at eye level and easy to grab, you're more likely to reach for them first. On the flip side, tucking treats away in a harder-to-reach spot naturally reduces impulse choices.

An organized pantry also helps with grocery shopping—when you can see what you have, you avoid overbuying. This kind of setup mirrors what I tell my clients in health coaching—create simple, visual cues to support better habits. For example, if you restock protein drinks when you're down to five, you never run out. The same goes for food organization—when your pantry flows with your habits, making healthier choices becomes effortless.

Letting Go: Managing Sentimental and Uncertain Items

It's common to have emotional attachments to items. Some people find it easy to let things go, while others struggle—especially when it comes to heirlooms, gifts, or objects tied to memories. A helpful mindset shift is to remember that the joy of a gift comes from the act of giving. Once it's yours, you’re not obligated to keep it, especially if it’s just sitting unused.

For those items you think you might need but rarely use, try a “time will tell” bin. Store them out of sight and set a reminder for six months. If you haven’t thought about or needed them by then, it's a sign to let them go. The key is to be realistic—if keeping something is adding to clutter or stress, it may be time to part with it.

Many of us are also inheriting boxes of belongings from boomer parents. Before holding onto everything, ask yourself: Would I have wanted this from my own parents? If not, consider lightening the load for future generations. Keeping a few meaningful treasures is far more impactful than storing a lifetime of stuff.

Key Tips for Decluttering and Organizing

• Start Small – Avoid overwhelming yourself by tackling a manageable area first. Decluttering can be emotional and lead to decision fatigue, so take it one step at a time.
• Stay in One Room – Don’t leave the space you’re working on. Instead of taking items to other rooms immediately, create piles or use baskets for things that belong elsewhere. This prevents distraction and keeps you focused.
• Pull Everything Out – To truly organize, you need to see everything you own. This allows you to sort efficiently and identify what you no longer need.

Tips for Maintaining an Organized Space

• Use Visual Cues – Pay attention to signals like an overflowing bin or cluttered surface. When something is full, it’s time to take action.
• Refresh When Needed – Organization systems evolve. If something no longer works, it’s okay to tweak it rather than feel like you’ve failed.
• Don’t Put It Down, Put It Away – Avoid creating clutter by immediately returning items to their proper place instead of setting them down “just for now.”

Decluttering and organization don’t have to be overwhelming—start small, stay focused, and build habits that keep your space tidy. Want to learn more about Julia’s work? You can connect with her here:

Website: https://www.loveitandlabelit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love.it.and.label.it/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loveitandlabelit