Where to Start When Everything Feels Messy

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Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Start in the bathroom! Here’s why it works—and a simple bathroom declutter checklist to get you going.

wiping a bathroom counter

When your house feels like it’s one giant mess, figuring out where to start can feel impossible. Do you tackle the kitchen? The piles of laundry? The closet that looks like it’s staging a protest?

Here’s the secret: start in the bathroom.

I know—it might not sound glamorous, but the bathroom is hands-down the best place to begin when you’re overwhelmed by clutter. Here’s why:

  • It’s small. You can see progress quickly, which builds momentum for the rest of your home.
  • It’s not sentimental. Unlike the boxes of kids’ artwork or family photos, bathrooms usually don’t hold emotional clutter.
  • It’s practical. You use this space every single day, so making it clean and functional pays off immediately.
  • It sets the tone. Walking into a fresh bathroom first thing in the morning feels like a win—and you deserve an easy win when life feels messy.

So, if everything around you feels overwhelming, grab a trash bag, put on your favorite playlist, and start in your bathroom.

2 bathroom checklists printed

The Bathroom Declutter Checklist

Want a step-by-step guide to tackling the space? I have 2 options for you:

  1. The Complete Bathroom Checklist: If you’re ready for a full reset, go item by item.
  2. The Fast & Fresh Bathroom Checklist: Short on time? Here’s a speedy version you can do in under 20 minutes.

Both checklists are included, so download the file and print your preference!

Why the Bathroom Works as a Starting Point

When your whole house feels chaotic, the bathroom is the easiest “win.” It’s a self-contained space, it’s not emotionally draining, and it gives you immediate results. And once you’ve got one clean, functioning space, it’s so much easier to move into the next.

Think of it like a domino effect: conquer your bathroom, and suddenly you’re motivated to tackle the kitchen counters, the laundry, or even that junk drawer you’ve been avoiding.

So the next time everything feels messy, remember—bathroom first. It’s small, it’s simple, and it’s the kickstart you need.

Long image of 2 printable bathroom checklists

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