How To Clean House When You Feel Overwhelmed

10 simple steps to follow to start cleaning when you feel overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your home is more common than you might think. Life gets busy, and before you know it, clutter and chores pile up, making it hard to know where to start. The good news? You don’t have to tackle everything at once. The secret is to start small and stay consistent. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you regain control and transform your space without the stress.

1. Take a deep breath and shift your mindset by dressing to lace up shoes

It’s easy to feel defeated before you even begin, but remember: progress is progress, no matter how small. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on creating a space that feels functional and peaceful.

One of the simplest ways to boost your motivation and get into a cleaning mindset is to get fully dressed, right down to lace-up shoes. This is one of the babysteps in The Flylady Cleaning System that really makes a huge difference to your mindset.

Wearing proper shoes helps you feel prepared and ready to tackle your tasks, eliminating the temptation to lounge around or procrastinate. Lace-up shoes, in particular, provide support and stability, making it easier to move around your home comfortably and safely while cleaning. They also serve as a subtle psychological cue that it’s time to focus and get to work—just as you would for any other job. So, swap the slippers for sneakers and notice how this small change can make a big difference in your productivity!

2. Create a simple plan

Overwhelm often comes from not knowing where to start. A quick plan can provide clarity.

• Make a to do list: Write down the tasks you’d like to accomplish, starting with the most urgent or visible areas, and alocate a time to each task.
• Prioritise one room: Begin with a space that impacts your daily life, like the kitchen or living room.

Tip: If making a plan feels overwhelming, start with just one small task, like washing the dishes, clearing a table or folding laundry.

3. I like to start with a “Reset” task

Choose one task that instantly makes your space feel tidier. This might include:

• Making your bed.
• Emptying the sink or dishwasher.
• Putting away items in one small area, like the coffee table or countertop.

These quick wins build momentum and help you feel more in control and motivated.

My Top Tip: Use a timer. Set it for 5 or 10 minutes to focus your energy and prevent burnout.

4. Use the “one thing at a time” rule

It’s tempting to bounce between tasks, but this can lead to frustration. Instead, pick one area or category and stick to it for the designated time.

Example: If you’re clearing a table, focus only on putting away items on that surface before moving to the next task, or until thge timer goes off. A timer is a great hacki to keep you focussed. 

Bonus Tip: Try the FlyLady method, which encourages tackling cleaning in 15-minute increments. It’s perfect for preventing overwhelm while making steady progress. One of The Flylady's best known mantras is 'progress not perfection' . I haver this on a post it note above my sink to remind me.

5. Declutter first, clean second

Mess and clutter often make cleaning feel impossible. Start by dealing with the rubbish and removing items that don’t belong in the space. Use three bins or boxes:

• Keep: Items that belong in the space.
• Donate: Things you no longer use or love.
• Trash: Items that are rubbish, broken or no longer needed.

Once the clutter is gone, cleaning feels much more manageable.

6. Focus on the high-traffic areas of your home

If you’re short on time, prioritise areas you use most often. Cleaning spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, lounge or entryway can make a significant difference in how your home feels, and means you can invite callers in without feeling embarrassed by the state of your home. 

7. Get help If you need it

Sometimes, asking for help can make all the difference. Whether it’s enlisting a family member, friend, or hiring a professional, you don’t have to do it alone. Knowing when to ask for help is important. 

8. Celebrate small wins

Every bit of progress deserves acknowledgment. Treat yourself to something small, like a cup of tea, once you finish a task or area. Tick off the tasks you have accomplished. 

9. Create a maintenance routine

Once your space feels more manageable, keep the momentum going with a daily and weekly routines. Routines like Flylady Weekly Home Blessing Hour, Mrs Hinches Freshen Up Friday or a quick daily morning and evening routine can help prevent future overwhelm.

9. Find an accountability buddy or join an online group

If you pop over to my you tube channel Clean With Kate I will be your accountability buddy and we can make progress together. We have a like minded community of subscribers. 

Final Thoughts

Starting to clean when you’re overwhelmed can feel like climbing a mountain, but remember as The Flylady says , 'it’s about progress, not perfection'. By starting small, focusing on one thing at a time, and celebrating your successes, you’ll create a home that feels peaceful and welcoming.

You’ve got this! Let me know in the comments what your first small step will be—I’d love to cheer you on