Is the ‘Move Out Method’ the best way to organize your space? We asked an organizing expert

While the holiday season can be a hectic time, once the season ends, it’s a time of excess. Great time to declutterwhether you are making space shop holiday decorations Or are you keen to do a thorough cleaning after the festivities are over, then it is time to make your home feel cozy and comfortable.

We’ve seen our fair share ways to remove clutter Here at The Spruce. But, just when we thought we’d tried them all, along comes a new one.

The latest decluttering trend to catch our attention is called the “move-out method,” and we have to say: we’re into it.

What is move-out method?

By whom was this term coined? katie holdfehrAssociate Editorial Director and Writer at Real Simple Take your place. The method is simple, and it encourages you to ask yourself an important question: “If I’m going somewhere will I take this with me?”

We caught up with The Ordered Home, Inc. to get her take as a professional organizer. John Johnson turned to Seraphine. Here’s what he had to say.

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how it works

“The ‘move-out method’ is a specific, systematic way declutter your space By evaluating stuff and getting rid of items you don’t need,” explains Serafen.

Of course, it’s not as simple as asking yourself that one question. Seraphan explains how it’s all broken.

According to Serafen, set a certain deadline for an imaginary move, remove items from a specific location — like your linen closet, that dreaded junk drawer, or your entire garage — and decide what to keep, Dan. Have to do, have to toss. The only things to be taken back are the true keepers.

According to Holdefehr, there are six distinct stages.

1. Set a metaphorical transfer date: No, you’re not actually moving, but think of it as a deadline to clear the clutter.
2. Clear everything: It can be as broad or targeted as you want. Work with just one drawer, or tackle an entire room. But whatever you decide, eliminate everything.
3. Decide what you need to take with you: This is where the big question comes. Evaluate each item and ask yourself if it would accompany you on a symbolic move. If you can’t decide, ask more specifically, like “Will I take this with me if I’m downsizing?” If the answer is yes, it’s a keepsake.
4. Let the rest go: Now it’s time to toss, donate, and sell the pile.
5. Do a quick clean up: Remember—you’re “moving.” Just like you build a new house, clean the place before putting everything back in it.
6. Go back in: Put your items back in a neat, organized manner that will make it easier for you to maintain.

Is it right for everyone?

One of the main reasons clutter feels so overwhelming is that people try to do too much at once. This is a definite criticism of konmari methodwhich famously encourages you to declutter your entire house by gathering all the items from every room into one category and evaluating them as a group.

But Serafen says the “move-out method” is great because it can be applied in smaller doses.

“Start small with the bedside table, bathroom cabinet, or proverbial ‘junk drawer,'” says Serafen.

make it a habit

Unlike other popular clutter removal methods, the ‘move-out method’ is also easily used whenever you need it.

“Get into the habit of regularly removing items you no longer use or need,” says Serafen. “Let go of the excess. Donate. You and your space will feel better.”

The holidays are a great time to use the “move-out method,” even if you only apply it to your holiday decorations. Seraphan encourages people to take stock of things like decorative items they no longer have attachment to and gift wrap materials. Because really, do you need Five pairs of scissors?

be courageous and decisive

Another reason people often get stuck in the cycle of clutter is that they can easily talk themselves into getting rid of things. But if you think about an object beyond the confines of your current home, does it have any place in your life?

“Be decisive, be courageous,” Seraphane. “Especially if space is tight.”

This can be a shared activity

let’s be honest. Only you can tell yourself whether something brings joy, or whether you have used an item in the past few months. But the “move-out method” allows you to invite others into the process.

“Enlist an organized friend, partner, or professional to help you with this process,” says Serafen.

This can help you let go of some of the emotional attachment you feel towards your items and look at things more practically.