What happens when two packrats get married and live with two cats, two dogs, and two kids? A whole ton of clutter. But we’ve been taking some serious steps toward trying to cut through our mess, including testing out a few of REAL SIMPLE’s favorite decluttering techniques to see what works—and what doesn’t. (After all, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all decluttering method that works for everyone!)
We experimented with the two-box declutter method—after previous forays with the 15- minute clean and the room-by-room decluttering routine. Here’s the full rundown of the method—including some tips that could make this the breakthrough method for containing your clutter once and for all.
How Two-Box Decluttering Works
As you might imagine from the name, the two-box method requires just two boxes (or bags!): One for things you’re keeping and one for things you’re willing to donate or discard. As you’re making your way through the clutter, you pop each item into the appropriate box. When a box is full or you’re finished, you start putting the items in the “keep” box away. As for the items in the donate/discard box, you either get rid of them right away (bold!), or if you’re unsure, set a deadline for determining their fate a month later.
Benefits of Two-Box Decluttering
If you’re looking for a really deconstructed decluttering technique, this may be the method for you. Here’s what we liked:
You can make decisions faster
Basically, the two-box decluttering method boils down to a yes/no decision—so it was easy to get through a whole big box of papers and an overstuffed basement storage shelf quickly.
Making a lot of progress can help keep you motivated
Because you cut through clutter fast with this method (I got through the shelf in question in just 20 minutes), you get that feeling of satisfaction that comes from a mission accomplished, and that led me to move on to tackling another project—my under-sink storage—instead of calling it a day.
Downsides to the Two-Box Method
The two-box decluttering method did have a couple drawbacks that may have you thinking twice about using it.
It’s a little too easy for the donate stuff to stick around
We often fall victim to one of the more common issues people have with decluttering—you make the decision to let something go, but then the items that are supposed to leave the house don’t make it to their final resting place. In the past, we’ve had clutter destined for a charity sit in the entryway for months before we finally got them out the door. I’m planning to try to arrange a faster removal this time around—but right now, it’s cluttering up my entryway.
We procrastinated on the keep box, too
The stuff we kept that belonged in the space we were decluttering was put back right away, but the keep box items that belonged in other rooms lingered in those boxes. (In fact, there may be a keep box within feet of me as I write this.) Because the boxes don’t feel as cluttery as the actual items in the box, I don’t have the same drive to get rid of them—which is definitely a problem.
The keep box took a while to empty
Because the items were meant to return to different spots throughout our house, we spent a lot of time wandering around returning the items to where they belonged—great for our step count, not so great for our time management.
Make the Two-Box Declutter Work for You
The two-box method definitely has a place in the pantheon of decluttering methods, but you’ll want to follow a few of these tips to make it work better for you.
Add a garbage bag to the mix
It probably goes without saying, but rather than mix things that are definite trash in with the donations, have a trash bag near you to toss those out right away—no need to add a second step there.
Have a plan for your giveaway items
Set a date for a garage sale or a charity pickup, create a deadline to post them to your local Buy Nothing group, or put them right in the back of your car so you can drop them off at a charity near you. It’s way too easy to just let them linger in your home.
Consider a “phase two” for your keep items
Rather than randomly wandering your home with a collection of tools, books, and other wayward items, organize the keep box by room. That way, you can streamline the effort—and get things back to their rightful spots even faster.
