Monday Market Update: Which Decluttering Method Is Right For You?

While the groundhog has seen his shadow and insisted on 6 more weeks of winter, that does not mean you can’t start early spring cleaning! While most of us organize and declutter our homes so they look better, studies show those efforts can also help us feel better. Psychology Today reports that the benefits of decluttering include less irritability, decreased distraction, increased productivity, better ability to process information, enhanced self-worth, higher sleep quality and improved mood! The reason is that mess and chaos are a form of visual distraction, thus messy environments increase frustration and cognitive overload. No thanks! 

The reality is that cleaning out your home is easier said than done. For years, our Senior Spotlight has focused on the efforts and benefits of downsizing and minimizing your possessions. This week, we wanted to share 3 methods of de-cluttering that can help any one of any age or stage of life and any home size. Here you go…

The 30-Day Decluttering Challenge 

As featured in Real Simple magazine, this cleaning method is based on making a lot of progress in a distinct amount of time. While there are countless ways to frame a 30-day challenge, this author started by taking 30 minutes to identify the areas she wanted to clean and then cleared out a storage area to house the unwanted items. She also accounted for the fact that she could accomplish more on weekends than on workdays as she outlined her plan. The keyword for this method is: goal setting.

The 4-Box Decluttering Method

This approach, as published in Homes & Gardens magazine online, suggests that you choose one workspace and label four boxes as follows: the ‘keep’ box, the ‘donate/sell’ box, the ‘trash’ box and the ‘relocate’ box. By eliminating decision fatigue and allowing for immediate, visual progress, this method is helpful for those who struggle with overwhelm. The keyword for this method is: simplicity. 

The 1-3-5 Decluttering Method 

As a layered approach, the 1-3-5 method of cleaning out is rooted in choosing one big decluttering task and breaking this down into three medium-sized tasks, followed by five microtasks. Described by Woman & Home magazine as ‘a thoughtful, considered approach’, this process is more methodical and organized and less fast and frantic. Since the task breakdown can be as simple or detailed as you wish, experts suggest setting a timer to see how far you can get with the 1-3-5 method in one day (i.e. 15 or 30 minutes). The keyword for this method is: completion. 

Are you feeling inspired to try one of these methods this week? Do you have cleaning plans this spring? Do you have your own tried and true method of keeping things neat and organized? We’d love to hear all about it! 

Cheers to less stuff and less stress,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
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