Are you suffering from decluttering burnout? Experts reveal the 5 signs, plus how to recover and enjoy stress-free decluttering again

Decluttering burnout can feel like hitting a wall, sapping our motivation and bringing any progress we're making to a halt. But it's vitally important to be able to identify the five signs so you don't end up feeling even worse.

By taking time away from decluttering to breathe and ask yourself questions about your emotional state, you can return to the task when you're ready with a fresher mind and calm perspective.

I talked to psychologists and professional organizers to gain a better understanding of the five signs of decluttering burnout, what will happen if you keep trying new decluttering tips when you're past the point of overwhelm, and how to recover.

What is decluttering burnout?

Decluttering burnout isn't the same as trying to declutter your home when you feel overwhelmed: it's an insurmountable feeling where your brain feels completely fried from attempting decluttering methods in your home.

As Shari B. Kaplan, founder and clinical director of Cannectd Wellness, describes, 'Decluttering burnout is the emotional and physiological crash that happens when the act of organizing or simplifying your space has gone from empowering to exhausting. It’s not just that you're tired; your nervous system is tapped out.

'As a clinician who specializes in the mind-body connection, I often see this in people who approach decluttering with urgency, perfectionism, or unresolved emotional attachment to their belongings.

'They may start with good intentions but bypass their own self-regulation needs and decluttering roadblocks in the process of trying to keep getting the job done.'

What are the signs of decluttering burnout?

One of the reasons it can be hard to identify whether you're experiencing decluttering burnout is that it can manifest differently in people's lives. Tina Priestly, founder and CEO of Ready, Set, Refresh, believes there are five key emotions to look out for.

'Let's be real, you might not even realize that decluttering burnout is happening to you while you try to keep your home clutter-free,' says Tina. 'But these are just a few of the signs to look out for, and how it can show up in a person's life.'

If you're feeling two or more of these, or perhaps one incredibly intensely, you may be experiencing decluttering burnout, details Tina:

1. You get annoyed by the simplest things: Whilst decluttering, you may feel overly annoyed about minor things you discover, such as why have multiple spatulas.
2. You second-guess every choice: This is because you're unable to overcome decision fatigue. Keep it? Toss it? Put it in the “maybe” pile…again?
3. You walk into a freshly cleared room and it feels sterile, not peaceful.
4. You feel guilty: No matter what you decide and no matter what you're decluttering, whether it's decluttering sentimental items or your kitchen drawers.
5. You start avoiding the process altogether, but beat yourself up for not being productive.

What should a person do if they are burnt out from decluttering?

As tempting as it may be to power through and become increasingly critical of yourself, it won't be doing your decluttering burnout any favors, or make letting go of stuff easier. Instead, it's best to opt for an intuitive approach where you take time to listen to what you're feeling and understand what led you to become burnt out.

Linda Samuels, founder of Oh, So Organized!, says, 'When you experience decluttering burnout, it takes an emotional toll. You don’t have to give up entirely, but it's important to first recover and replenish your reserves.

'There are several ways to do this, including:

1. Step away for a short break and shift your focus: Gift yourself a break, hydrate with some water, enjoy a snack, close your eyes, breathe in fresh air, or take a walk.
2. Take a longer break, such as days or weeks: Replace your decluttering time with nourishing, energy-building activities to ease your thoughts and avoid decluttering mistakes. These can include meditating, crafting, exercising, journaling, baking, or anything that replenishes your emotional reserves.
3. Seek help from a professional organizer: Their support, accountability, guidance, and assistance with focus and pacing can reduce the stress and burden of decluttering.

FAQs

What will happen if I keep decluttering while burnt out?

Pushing through when you're feeling decluttering burnout will only make your life harder, shares Dr. Courtney Crisp, owner and supervisor of the Crisp Psychology Group. 'Taking a break allows you to take a step back, rest, and re-evaluate. But "pushing through" on the other hand, will most likely worsen the ongoing stress, keeping that stress ongoing and in a state of continuous build-up.'

Ben Soreff, professional organizer and partner at House to Home Organizing, agrees, saying, 'Sometimes it is less important to get rid of something and to declutter right now, and more important to have a plan for it when we're in a better headspace. We don't want anxiety or 'declutter regret'. We want to think about what we are keeping in a clear mindset as well as where it is going to live.'

Slow decluttering is a great way to do this when you feel adequately recovered from your decluttering burnout.

Recovery essentials

Meet the experts

Shari B. Kaplan

Shari B. Kaplan is a pioneering clinician in integrative mental health, with over 30 years of experience in trauma-focused care and the founder of Cannectd Wellness. Each year, Shari and her team at Cannectd Wellness provide care to over 1,000 patients, offering personalized healing plans that address trauma, chronic stress, and complex mental health challenges

Kaplan earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University, where she developed a deep foundation in mental health treatment and therapeutic interventions.

Tina Priestly

Tina Priestly is the founder and CEO of Ready, Set, Refresh, with over a decade of experience helping individuals, families, and older adults clear clutter and create calm, liveable spaces. She’s especially known for guiding elder Americans through the emotional process of downsizing—whether they’re moving in with family, transitioning to assisted living, or simply ready for a fresh chapter. Tina’s approach is all about grace over guilt. She believes that when you refresh your space, you make room to breathe, reset, and move forward.

Linda Samuels

Linda Samuels, CPO-CD^®, CVOP™, ICD® Master Trainer, founded Oh, So Organized! in 1993, a global professional organizing company based in New York. Linda helps overwhelmed individuals who are challenged by disorganization get unstuck and organized with compassionate, nonjudgmental, personalized virtual one-on-one sessions, workshops, and publications. She is the author of The Other Side of Organized, the Professional Organizer Mentor for Revel Coach, and writes a blog about organizing and life balance. Linda is an active member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD), where she has served as president. Media features include The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and HuffPost.

Dr. Courtney Crisp

Dr. Courtney Crisp is a licensed clinical psychologist, writer, and speaker. She has a group practice in Long Beach, California, called Crisp Psychology Group, where she sees teens and adults. She is passionate about increasing awareness about mental health and de-stigmatizing seeking mental healthcare, and has experience in all kinds of areas, including speaking to people struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Ben Soreff

Ben Soreff has been a professional organizer for 17 years, a partner at House 2 Home Organizing, and member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) for around 10 years. House to Home Organizing helps around 160 families per year.

If you're prone to decluttering burnout, trying the simple 'Didn't Know' decluttering method can lighten the emotional toll of deciding what to do with every item. The 10-10-10 method puts a cap on the time and volume of each decluttering session.