Decluttering often feels like an all-or-nothing proposition. We assume we need to carve out days or weeks, roll up our sleeves, and plough through years of accumulated stuff in one marathon session. It’s no wonder we dread and avoid it. The project feels colossal, and the potential for frustration is high.
I certainly felt that way. For years, I was overwhelmed by my cluttered home but had no clue how to fix it. I let junk drawers and overstuffed closets become the norm. I longed for tidiness and order but had no idea where to begin.
That’s when a friend introduced me to the Core 4 Method, a straightforward 4-step approach that breaks decluttering down into bite-sized, conquerable missions.
Declutter your home and office in just four steps
Feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your home or office? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to keep their spaces tidy and organized. But there’s good news: you can declutter any area using a simple 4-step method called the “Core 4”.
What is the Core 4 Method?
Professional organizer Kayleen Kelly developed the Core 4 method after helping thousands of clients clear out their clutter. It breaks the decluttering process into four manageable steps:
Let’s go through each step in more detail so you can start organizing your own spaces today.
Step 1: Clear out
The first step is to remove everything, including trash, from the area you want to declutter. This could be a closet, bathroom, desk drawer, or an entire room. Throw away any broken or unusable items.
Once the space is empty, clean it thoroughly. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum to start with a fresh slate. Don’t worry about the pile of stuff you just removed – you’ll deal with that next.
Step 2: Categorize
Grab some boxes, bags, or bins and label each one with a category, like “office supplies”, “skincare”, “kids’ toys”, etc. Sort every item into a category. Try to keep the categories broad – you can always subdivide later if needed.
Avoid a “miscellaneous” category, as that encourages future disorganization. Everything should have a designated place. Use as many containers as you need for all your categories.
Step 3: Cut out
Now that everything is sorted, it’s easier to see what you have too much of. Go through each category and pull out items to donate, sell, or toss.
Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I have multiples? Would someone else get more use out of it? Aim to cut out as much as you reasonably can. Have bags or boxes ready for donations, sales, recycling, and trash.
Step 4: Contain
The items you’ve decided to keep now need permanent homes. Store like with like and avoid overcrowding containers. Clear stackable bins work well, as you can easily see the contents.
Frequently used items should go in easy-to-access spots, while rarely used things can go higher up or further back. Label everything clearly. Invest in a label maker or use tape and a marker. The key is to make your system simple to maintain.
The Core 4 method works because it’s easy to follow and forces you to make intentional choices about your belongings.
Start small, with a single drawer or closet, and work your way up to larger spaces as you build decluttering momentum. Soon, you’ll be enjoying a more organized, functional, and peaceful home and work environment. Give the Core 4 a try and see the difference it makes!
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