Want to declutter? Try the "move-out method'

National Post

a day ago

There's nothing like the prospect of moving to make you confront your stuff. The macramé set at the back of the closet, the tennis rackets gathering dust. Maybe there's even a picnic basket you bought with good intentions but never used because, well, you'd rather dine on a patio.
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The 'move-out method' of decluttering leverages the idea of relocating to help you declutter. Katie Holdefehr, the associate editorial director of Real Simple, outlined the process in her 2023 book Embrace Your Space.
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'Having lived in several rental apartments myself, I'm no stranger to a big move,' Holdefehr wrote on the Real Simple website. 'And while each move was stressful and a ton of work, I became intimately familiar with the benefits of moving: Nothing will ever make you as ruthless of a declutter or as thorough of a cleaner as moving will.'
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Although Holdefehr's method doesn't involve actually moving, you'll pretend that you are. Here's how to do it:
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1 Give yourself a strict deadline
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Imagine that it's your moving day. Base it on the magnitude of decluttering you want to do and the realistic amount of time you have to complete it. Tackle a drawer, a closet, a room or the whole house — but remember that a series of small wins can build momentum to tackle bigger projects.
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2 Empty everything out
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The area you've chosen should be clear so that a) you have a good idea of the space available, and b) you can see everything you own.
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'I recommend having a nearby 'staging location,' such as a clear table, countertop, bed, or even the floor if necessary,' said a Better Homes & Gardens article endorsing the move-out method. 'Place sheets or towels down to protect surfaces and keep them clean before getting started.'
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3 Choose what stays
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What would you bring with you if you were really moving — especially to a much smaller home? 'If you would go through the effort of packing it up, hauling it to the new home, unpacking it, and finding room for it — then it's worth its weight,' Holdefehr wrote on the Real Simple website.
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Anything that doesn't meet the criteria needs to go. Donate anything that's still usable and in good condition, and dispose of broken or irreparable items mindfully. Some things can be recycled while others are household waste. For appliances like microwaves and blenders, and metal items like bicycles and curtain rods, check your community waste guidelines.
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