There are a lot of useful decluttering strategies and methods out there, and one of the most intuitive is the so-called “Chaos Method.” In fact, you’ve probably already used it, even if you didn’t have a name for it at the time.
Using this decluttering method, you take everything out of the area you’re working on — every drawer, basket, and shelf — and lay it all out so you can see what you’re working with. It’s a drastic approach, but the Chaos Method can help you overhaul “problem areas” that you struggle to keep organized.
Jillee’s Take:
One of the biggest benefits of the Chaos Method is that you can see everything you’ve stored in the closet, dresser, or bookcase you’re working on. This makes it much easier to identify duplicates, expired products, and junk you don’t need than it would be otherwise.
How to Declutter With the Chaos Method
1. Empty Everything Out
Whether you’re decluttering your pantry, a closet, the garage, or a dresser, the first step is to empty all the contents and put them on the floor. (This step gives this method its name, so try not to let the initial mess distract or discourage you!)
Once you’ve taken everything out of the area, take a moment to clean the area. Get rid of any dust bunnies or debris while it’s easy to do so!
2. Sort Things into Piles
Next up: sorting. Once you have everything out on the floor, you can start sorting them into piles according to type, size, or any other measure you find useful. You could make a pile for office supplies, momentos, bedding, hygiene items, etc.
As you sort through everything, take note of any items that don’t seem to fit into any of your piles. You might find a more suitable place for them elsewhere.
3. Decide What to Trash, Recycle, or Donate
The last time I used the Chaos Method to declutter a closet, it quickly became apparent during the sorting stage that I had way too many duplicate items and things I hadn’t used in a long, long time. I set out a few boxes nearby for trash, items to recycle, and stuff to donate, and that helped me stay on task and keep things organized while I worked.
Deciding what to get rid of can be tough, but some of the decluttering strategies I’ve written about previously can help make the process easier. Once you’ve sorted everything you’re keeping into piles and everything you’re getting rid of into trash, recycle, and donate boxes, you’ll be ready to move onto the next step!
4. Put Things Away
Next, take those piles of things you’re keeping and start putting them away in an organized manner. You may find strategies like Urgency Zones helpful here, but any system that makes sense to you should be just fine!
5. Enjoy Your Decluttered Space
My favorite step of the Chaos Method is the last one — standing back and appreciating my newly decluttered, clean, and organized space! Having survived the journey from chaos to order makes the results even more satisfying.
Conclusion
Make no mistake, the Chaos Method isn’t the quickest way to declutter. Even if you’re working on a single closet or dresser, it’s going to take time to take everything out and sort through it all. But when an area is in serious need of decluttering and reorganizing, this tried-and-true method can make a huge difference!
More Decluttering Tips
What you’re favorite approach to decluttering?
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Great post, I use and recommend this method often as I help people with decluttering as often as I can. When people are anxious or stressed about “decluttering” and “organizing”, the source of those feelings is almost always too much stuff. I ask them to try an exercise. I tell them we know it’s not real world, it’s just a visualization: Picture yourself with one outfit, one pair of shoes, one purse, one coat, one dish, one bowl, one cup, one glass, one spoon, one knife, one fork, one pot, one pan, one of each type of food, and so on. Take your time to visualize how much easier it would be to keep those things put away and out of sight, and how easy and convenient to access them. And know exactly where everything is!
Of course we discuss that’s not real world for most people, but how much stuff is getting in the way from that great feeling of everything put away and knowing where it is, without cramming it in and forgetting what you have.
Many people I’ve worked with feel unburdened immediately, and make a solid dent in purging (trash, donate, give away, sell) things that prevent them from having that calm, clutter-free feeling. I tell them to conjure it up in their minds any time they like then look at the clutter and think again. Make multiple passes in every room as often as possible. Do a little at a time, just 15 minutes a day, or do more, whatever works for you. But circle back often with a real world version of that serene, simple life in mind.
I use this on myself all the time. I’m CERTAIN I can’t part with xyz. A month later, I realize that no, I really don’t, and it’s gone. Try it out and see if it can help you decide to part with things you never thought you could.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sue, I am going to call you the Clutter Angel! :-) So many people need someone like you. Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful tips.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Whenever I clean out my closet or drawers, I always pile everything on my bed. That way I have to finish if I want to sleep in my bed that night!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s a great plan, Diana! It certainly would motivate you to finish the job. :-)
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