The little-by-little approach is designed to help you get into the habit of de-cluttering, rather than to rely on the de-cluttering binges that don't work.

What's a de-cluttering binge? This is the term I use to describe when we allow things to gradually worsen, then feel so exasperated with the mess that we have to spend several hours/days/weeks just concentrating on cleaning up and nothing else. It can happen with our personal relationships as much as our physical clutter, so it's good to get into the habit of prevention! This is where the little-by-little approach can help.

The approach is very simple in concept and a breath of fresh air to the binge clutterer! All you do is arrange your de-cluttering into neat piles or boxes, and/or make a list of what you want to achieve. When you have a few minutes to spare, select something you can achieve within that timescale and complete it. Don't try to do more than you set out to, as this enthusiasm can lead to a de-cluttering binge, which won't help you get into the habit of de-cluttering regularly.

If you regularly find that you want to de-clutter a little more than you allowed yourself during a little-by-little session, think about it when you are not de-cluttering and see if it's something you could reasonably achieve without putting too much presssure on yourself. If so, gradually increase the time you allow by ten minutes until you build up to your personal limit. The most important thing to remember, though, is not to overdo it. Yes, I know you want to shift all the clutter, and yes, I know it makes a lot of people feel depressed or inadequate to look at it. We must, however, tackle it in a way that makes it stay away, and this is what the little-by-little approach will do for you. Be patient for a little while longer and we'll make sure the clutter goes for good.

Here is a quick example to show how the little-by-little approach actually works. Let's take a look at paperwork clutter...