Decluttering Methods: Find What Works for You

The internet is overflowing with decluttering methods. A quick Google search reveals dozens. That’s quite overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing the daunting task of decluttering. The good news though it that with so many options, there is certainly at least one that will work for you and your specific project.

To help declutter the decluttering methods, we’re going to explore some of our favorites at An Eye to Simplify as well as share a useful tip or two for each method.

The Four Box Method: A Foundational Approach

Why It’s a Favorite

The Four Box decluttering method offers a structured and simple approach to sorting, which helps empower you to make concise choices about your belonging to productively declutter. While it’s efficient enough to stand on it’s own, it almost always come into play in some form in all decluttering methods. The reason is because it represents the fundamental decision-making process you must work through when determining what to do with your stuff.

• • Keep it and find a designated place for it

• • Donate it to someone who can use it

• • Sell it to recoup/make money

• • Trash it because it’s no longer useful or valuable

While making these decisions can be challenging, the Four Box Method provides a structured framework that simplifies the process. Focusing on just four options is helpful for avoiding overwhelm in decision-making.

Here’s How It Works

• • Gather supplies: grab four boxes or containers sized appropriately for the size of space you are preparing to declutter and label the boxes – Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash.

• • Sort the clutter: make a quick decision about keeping/donating/selling/trashing each item and place it into the appropriate box.

• • Manage the boxes when full: take the trash to the curb for collection day, place donate boxes in your car for drop off at the local donation center and set aside sell items to prepare (e.g., clean photograph, post on social media) for sale.

An Eye to Simplify Tip

• • Use a box or container you are willing to part with to collect donation items. This saves you the time and effort of transferring them to such a container.

• • Line the trash box with a trash bag so you don’t have to do the extra work of transferring the box contents to a trash bag.

Move-Out Method: Create a Clean Slate

Why It’s a Favorite

Treating your space as if you’re moving out by emptying it of all its contents is the idea behind this decluttering method. It’s a powerful method that offers a sense of renewal that people often yearn for in their space. It’s a great method to use if you want to look at your space and belongings with fresh eyes and purpose.

Here’s How It Works

• • Allocate time: set aside a significant block of time, potentially several hours depending on the size of the space.

• • Designate a holding area: choose a nearby location outside the decluttering space to temporarily place removed items.

• • Completely vacate: remove every single item from the space, including furniture and decor.

• • Deep clean: take advantage of the empty space to thoroughly clean it. Wash walls and ceilings. Scrub floors and baseboards. Dust all surfaces and cracks and crevices. Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.

• • Sort through removed items: use the Four Box Method (Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash) to evaluate each item.

• • “Move-in”: place selected keep items back in the space; relocate the rest.

An Eye to Simplify Tip

While you’re using your imagination pretending to move out of your space, use it to set a move date too. Of course, you’re not actually moving. This date is intended to serve as a strict deadline to have whatever space you need to declutter empty and clean by the chosen date. Challenge yourself but be realistic.

The Minute Method:  Quick Declutter Session

Why It’s a Favorite

This less time-consuming decluttering method is an awesome way to manage clutter overwhelm and achieve tangible results quickly. It works best for small spaces like drawers, cabinets, and shelves. It’s great for creating a quick sense of accomplishment and provides instant gratification to continue motivating you to continue decluttering wherever needed. It’s an ideal method for those who struggle with procrastination or find the idea of a large-scale decluttering project daunting.

Here’s How It Works

• • Ready the supplies: if necessary for the size of the space you want to declutter, grab four small containers and label them Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash. Grab something to set a timer (e.g. phone, kitchen timer).

• • Set the timer: determine the time you can dedicate to the task (e.g., 10,15,20 minutes) and set your timer.

• • Go to work decluttering: quickly decide which of the four containers to place each item. When the timer goes off, stop sorting, even if you’re not finished.

• • Repeat (if necessary): if you have more time and energy, reset the timer, and continue decluttering. If you don’t, schedule a time with yourself to revisit the project.

An Eye to Simplify Tip

If you have a competitive spirit, gamify this decluttering method by challenging yourself to “beat the buzzer.” If the buzzer wins that’s ok. You win regardless because you made decluttering progress.

The Ski Slope Method: Conquer Clutter One Zone at a Time

Why Its a Favorite:

No snow and wintry weather are required for this strategic approach to decluttering. A great method for any size space, this zigzagging decluttering method helps keep your brain engaged and is ideal if you don’t want to take on too much at once or like to have a “roadmap” to keep you focused. It can make the largest of decluttering projects feel manageable and make it easy to start and stop your work by zone.

Here’s How It Works

• • Identify your path: imagine your space as a ski slope, with one of the furthest corners representing the “top” and the doorway serving as the “bottom.”

• • Zone In: divide your path into smaller, manageable zones (e.g., top left corner, top right corner, along the wall, etc.).

• • Declutter Zone by Zone: start at the “top” zone and zig zag your way through, decluttering each zone using the Four Box Method (Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash) until all zones are complete.

An Eye to Simplify Tip

Keep your zones small to avoid being in one spot for too long. A regular zone change helps you maintain momentum and avoid feeling bogged down.

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a daunting or overwhelming chore. By exploring different decluttering methods and finding what works best for you and the project at-hand, you can approach a decluttering project with a clear purpose and plan to realize lasting results. Celebrate your progress along the way, be gentle with yourself and adjust your approach as necessary because the best way for you to declutter is the way that works best for you.

If you are looking for some 1:1 guidance or hands-on help for your decluttering projects, An Eye to Simplify is here for you. We offer personalized services for your exact needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Simply yours,