Efficiently Declutter Using the 'SPACE' Approach
Craving a tidier home? Frustrated by sheer volume of stuff collecting in your spaces? Fret not! The SIMPLE SPACE method could be your savior. Created by master organizer, Julie Morgenstern from the hit book "Organizing from the Inside Out," this formula simplifies the process of decluttering and leaves you with a neat and organized environment.
So, what is the SPACE method of decluttering?
It's pretty straightforward - just follow these five steps while you clean:
- Sort: Group similar items together. For example, if you're decluttering your bedroom, sort books, t-shirts, shoes, etc., into separate piles.
- Purge: Next, decide what doesn't serve a purpose in your life and bin it. If you don't use it regularly, it's probably time to let it go.
- Assign: Assign every remaining item a specific spot. Remember, each item should have a designated place within your home.
- Containerize: Place your belongings into appropriate containers. This instantly helps you create an orderly space.
- Equalize: Maintain your system by putting things back into their assigned spots after usage and keeping containers in their respective places.
Let's break it down:
Pick an area in your home that you want to declutter, say, your office. Once you've chosen your space, divide it into smaller sections, like your desk, filing cabinet, closet, night stand, or kitchen drawer. Start by sorting the items present in each sectioin. Place like-items into separate piles. You might find yourself grouping writing tools, paper goods, and charging cords together.
The next step is purging. Critically review each item sitting in front of you. Adopt the 'five-second rule' or '20/20 rule' to swiftly decide what you want to keep and what's excess baggage. The 'five-second rule' suggests that if you can't think of any use for something in five seconds, discard it, while the '20/20 rule' encourages you to visualize how many times you've used an item in the past year. If the answer is less than 20 times, the item is a clutter.
Following the purge comes 'assignment'. Assign a specific spot for every kept item. Now, fill those designated spots with containers - use cups for writing tools, drawers for paper goods, and boxes for cords.
Finally, 'equalize': retain the system you've just created. When you've finished utilizing an item, put it back into its designated container. Keep containers in their designated location too, so you're not left frantically searching for them. Inspect your neatened area regularly and repeat the process periodically to declutter and reorganize any items that have misplaced themselves.
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Applying the 'SPACE' method to declutter your home can significantly transform your living space. For instance, using this method on your office could lead to a more organized and efficient work area. By following the 'SPACE' method, you'll not only declutter your home or office but also implement a system to maintain its tidiness, making your 'SPACE' decluttering method a home and workspace game-changer.
