The Essential Sorting Guide for Decluttering Your Space

Decluttering can seem like an overwhelming task, but it’s an essential step toward creating a home that feels peaceful and organized. In the chaos of the modern world, incorporating simple strategies to sort and declutter can truly be life changing. Imagine opening your closet and finding everything just the way you like it, with every item having a designated place. That tranquil feeling isn’t so far-fetched. With the right approach, you can take control of your space and walk the path to decluttering success.

The Essence of a Sorted Space

Clearing the physical space around you isn’t just about creating a Pinterest-worthy living room. It’s about fostering a calm and productive environment that nourishes your mental well-being. A recent study published in The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that a cluttered environment is linked to higher stress levels. On the flip side, well-organized spaces contribute to higher productivity, mental clarity, and improved eating habits.

But where to begin when your space feels like a sanctuary for chaos? That’s where our comprehensive sorting guide comes in.

We’re not just talking bin labels and closet rearrangement; we’ll provide you with actionable, step-by-step methods to tackle your clutter, no matter how daunting the mess.

Step 1: Getting Started Decluttering

Decluttering starts long before you pick up that first item. It commences with a mindset shift. A dedicated sorting plan is your most powerful tool. It’s about more than just tossing an item into a “keep” or “donate” pile. It’s considering the value of each possession, be it sentimental, functional, or aesthetic.

Set Up Your Sorting Area

Your sorting area is “mission control.” It’s the starting point where the action will happen, and it’s essential to get it right. Make sure it’s spacious enough to house distinct categories, but close enough to the rest of the space so you can maintain a steady workflow. Consider a large table or a portion of your floor, but never the bed or the couch. You need to be able to walk away from the sorting area without disrupting daily life.

Gather Supplies

Tools can be a declutterer’s best friend. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Three to four boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” “Toss,” and “Storage” (if needed)
• Cleaning supplies: dusting cloths, vacuum, wipes
• Label maker or Post-its for future organization
• Snacks and drinks (this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint!)

Step 2: Decision-Making Tips

The essential part of sorting and decluttering is making the hard calls about what stays and what goes. It’s time to learn the art of letting go.

Be Honest with Yourself

Every item must be scrutinized. Ask yourself:

• Do I love it?
• Have I used it in the last year?
• Does it serve a vital purpose in my life or bring me joy?

If the answer is no, it’s time to consider letting it go. Remember, the goal is not to get rid of everything; it’s to curate a space that reflects your life in its simplest and most usable form.

Set Limits

If your home is full of items that were “probably a good idea at the time,” setting limits can help identify the keepers and the clutter distinctly. Limit the number of items you keep in a category to what fits in a designated space – like, say, the number of bowls in the kitchen. If you get a new item of clothing, teach an old one to love someone new. Setting physical limits keeps us from collecting more than we can manage.

If you are still overwhelmed by the amount of things you have to sort, check out our in-depth guide to managing a room with too much stuff.

Step 3: The Sorting Process

The sorting process is where you’ll make real headway, category by category. But to make the task less daunting and more methodical, we recommend working through your home in a specific order.

The 12-12-12 Rule for Decluttering

One of the golden rules of decluttering is the 12-12-12 method. Find twelve items to throw away, twelve items to donate, and twelve items to be returned to their proper location. It’s a simple technique that can make a significant dent in your mess.

In What Order Should I Declutter My House?

Start with the least sentimental or emotionally charged room — this is usually the bathroom. Then move to utility spaces like the laundry room, where sentiment rarely lingers, before tackling more emotional spaces like bedrooms or home offices.

The Storage Option

For items with seasonal use or sentimental value, the “Storage” pile is a good compromise. When sorting these, be critical. If it’s a seasonal item, ask if it’s worth taking up space in the home. For sentimental items, try to limit them to a sizeable storage bin. CubeSmart has a variety of locations nationwide to help you keep your things close but keep the clutter out of your home!

The Toss and Donate Piles

These two categories are your space-savers and space-creators. Be ruthless with what goes in them. If it’s broken and not genuinely fixable, or if you haven’t used it in more than a year, it’s time to say goodbye. For the donate pile, think about who might need those items. Knowing your clutter is someone else’s treasure makes parting with it a little bit easier.

Step 4: Organization as a Lifestyle

Sorting and decluttering are only the first phases. Organizing what remains in your space is crucial to maintaining a clutter-free home. To make the most out of an organized life:

• Every item should have a home, and it should be easy to put away
• Regularly declutter — make it a habit to review your “Keep” items to ensure they’re still useful
• Stay on top of maintenance. If a chore will take five minutes or less, do it now

Remember, decluttering isn’t punishment. It’s a red carpet rollout for the life you want to live. By thoughtfully sorting and organizing, you’re creating an environment where you can thrive. It’s for your peace, productivity, and most importantly, your happiness.

Get Your Space Back Today

Sort. Donate. Store. Toss. Your space is waiting for you to decide its fate. Take this sorting guide and turn it into the roadmap for your decluttering adventure. Explore our blog for more home organization tips to keep the clutter at bay.

And if you need additional space to store items that didn’t make the cut, CubeSmart has the perfect solution for you. Find the ideal size storage unit near you with our size guide.