How do you prioritize your decluttering projects?

1 Assess your needs

Before you dive into decluttering, take a moment to assess your needs and goals. What are the main pain points or challenges that clutter is causing you? Which areas of your space are affecting your daily functioning, productivity, or well-being the most? How do you want to use and enjoy your space after decluttering? By answering these questions, you can identify the most urgent and important decluttering projects that will have the biggest impact on your life.

2 Apply the 80/20 rule

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the efforts. This means that you can achieve a lot of decluttering progress by focusing on the 20% of your space that holds 80% of your clutter. For example, you may find that most of your clutter is concentrated in your entryway, kitchen, or bedroom. By decluttering these areas first, you can free up a lot of space and create a sense of order and calm.

3 Use the four-box method

The four-box method is a simple and effective way to sort your items into four categories: keep, donate, trash, and maybe. As you go through each area, place each item into one of the boxes according to your decision. The keep box is for the items that you love, use, and need. The donate box is for the items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. The trash box is for the items that are broken, damaged, or expired. The maybe box is for the items that you are unsure about or have sentimental value. The goal is to minimize the maybe box and deal with it later.

5 Set a timer and reward yourself

Decluttering can be exhausting and tedious, especially if you have a lot of stuff to go through. To avoid burnout and procrastination, set a timer and work on one area or category at a time. You can choose a time frame that works for you, whether it's 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour. When the timer goes off, take a break and reward yourself with something that makes you happy, such as a snack, a drink, or a hobby. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your decluttering goals.