“How Do I Get Motivated to Organize My Home?”

Just as my talk on creating a functional space was coming to a close, a hand went up and someone asked,

“How do I get motivated to organize my house?”

Almost immediately, another person added,

“Where do I start?”

These two questions come up more often than any others—and for good reason. Organizing your home isn’t just about containers and checklists; it’s about facing what feels overwhelming and figuring out how to begin when motivation is low and the task feels huge.

The good news? You don’t need to have all the energy or answers right away. You just need a place to start—and a reason that matters to you.

Let’s break it down into something that feels possible.

Why Motivation Is Hard to Find

We often think we need to feel motivated before we act. But the truth is:

Action comes first. Motivation follows.

It’s not about waiting for a spark of inspiration. It’s about choosing a small action—something manageable—and letting that success create momentum.

But even before that, there’s one thing that makes all the difference: having a clear, personal goal.

Anchor Your Effort to a Goal That Matters

Instead of organizing just to be “tidy,” try asking yourself:

• What do I want my home to feel like?

• What do I want to be able to do in my space that I can’t do comfortably right now?

Here are a few real goals I’ve heard from clients:

• “I want to feel comfortable having friends over for dinner again.”

• “I’d love to host my grandkids for a sleepover without clearing off the guest bed first.”

• “I want to park my car in the garage this winter.”

These personal goals are powerful motivators. They’re rooted in your life—not just your stuff. Keep your goal in mind, and it will help you stay focused and inspired.

Where to Start When You’re Overwhelmed

Start small. Smaller than you think you should.

✔️ Choose one manageable area:

• A junk drawer

• One shelf in the pantry

• Your nightstand

⏱ Give yourself a time limit:

Set a timer for 15–30 minutes. Stop when it goes off, or keep going if you feel up to it. But having a clear start and stop makes the process feel doable.

Start where emotions are lowest:

Skip the photos and keepsakes at first. Go for expired food, unmatched socks, or old paperwork. Fewer emotional decisions = faster wins.

An orderly kitchen drawer is a good place to start!

Still Can’t Get Motivated? That’s Normal.

Sometimes, despite your best intentions, the clutter keeps you stuck. Maybe you've started and stopped more times than you can count. Maybe you get distracted, overwhelmed, or discouraged halfway through.

That doesn't mean you're lazy or unmotivated. It just means the job is bigger than one person can handle alone.

Here’s One More Way to Get Started—Ask for Help

If you've been staring at the same clutter for weeks (or months), consider this:

Hiring a professional organizer is not a last resort—it’s a smart first step.

I can help you:

• Clarify your goals

• Create a plan tailored to your space and lifestyle

• Stay focused and supported throughout the process

• Turn “I don’t know where to start” into “I can’t believe how far I’ve come”

Sometimes all it takes to get motivated is having someone by your side who knows exactly how to help.

If you’re ready to move from stuck to start, I’d love to help.

Let’s make space for what really matters—starting now.

—Jodi Holtz

Professional Organizer

Helping You Create a Home You’re Proud of