Decluttering Made Easy: The Power Of Sorting And Categorizing
“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t”
~Joshua Becker
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SORT & CATEGORIZE?
Sorting and categorizing is the physical act of separating and grouping items based on their similarities, purposes, or characteristics.
Sorting is essential when decluttering because it helps identify duplicates or unnecessary items, making deciding an item's fate easier.
Once you see those three can openers, letting go of the broken one and the one with the missing grip is easy peasy!
Before you dive into sorting, remember it's a simple, straightforward process. The secret? Empty everything. Yes, everything! 😊
Whether it is a kitchen cabinet, bookcase, or linen closet, remove every.single.thing. This will give you a sense of starting fresh, encouraging you to return only those things you use, need or love.
This will set you up for a successful sorting session!
🌟 PRO TIP 🌟
If you have a folding table, set it up to give you the extra surface area needed to empty all the items and sort with ease
WHERE DO I START?
Start with one area of the room, closet, or shelving unit and move strategically in one direction, focusing on the section you are working in.
Avoid moving throughout the room or outside of the room; this will reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and allow you to finish one small space at a time.
When sorting, assess items individually to determine their fate into the following categories.
Keep
The 'Keep' category is for items currently serving you in your life TODAY. These are the things you use, need, or love. They're the ones that bring a smile to your face or make your life easier. The ‘keep’ items must be further sorted and categorized by similarities, purposes, or characteristics.
Relocate
These items belong in the “keep” category but do not belong in the space you are currently working in.
For example, you are organizing your kitchen and come across essential documents that belong in your office. Place these ‘relocate’ items in a bin or container labelled “to relocate” with painter's tape and a Sharpie marker.
🌟PRO TIP🌟
To ensure maximum productivity during your decluttering session, avoid moving ‘relocate’ items to their designated spot until you've finished decluttering the space you are working in.
Garbage & Recycling
When decluttering, decide what items go into the garbage or recycling.
🌟PRO TIP🌟
If you are having difficulty making decisions when sorting through your belongings, starting with garbage and recycling can be helpful.
Move through the space with a garbage and recycling bag and pick up the obvious items for garbage and recycling- such as broken or irreparable items, scrap papers, packaging, cardboard, expired food items etc.
Donations
Consider donating items you no longer love, use, or need.
Donation items are gently used or still in good condition but are no longer needed or wanted by you. These items include clothing, shoes, furniture, household goods, books and toys. (more on this later:)
Sell
When decluttering, the sell category refers to items still in good condition and with some value. Selling on online marketplaces, consignment stores, or even at garage sales can recoup some of the original cost.
🌟PRO TIP🌟
If you decide that items are to be sold- label them with your painter's tape and place them near your front door with the intent to move them out of the house ASAP.
Commit to a timeline to get them out the door so they don’t remain in your home as clutter. If they don’t sell in a reasonable amount of time, consider donation.
