The Move Out Method of Decluttering is getting a lot of pub lately, from Real Simple magazine to ApartmentTherapy.com. Everyone seems to love it. The name itself intrigues me, so I read up on it. And I tried it. This is what I think about it.
I have a little bit of experience in this area. I have moved a ton of times. And I work with people, on the daily, who are moving or have moved at my brick and mortar store: Consignments Ltd. Believe me, there’s nothing that lights a fire under your clutter problem better than the looming date of a truck pulling into your driveway.
So How Does The Move Out Method Work For Decluttering?
Basically this method can be used for anything from a drawer or closet to an entire room or house. It’s a way to light that fire psychologically. It works like this:
- 1. You Set a Fictitious “Move Out Date” – and stick to it
- 2. Then You Clear Everything Out – down to the walls and floor
- 3. Decide What to Take With You – this is the hard part and you keep only what you KNOW you can use in your new (fake) home
- 4. Then You Let Go of the Rest – consign, donate or trash
- 5. Clean the Empty Space – as if you’re moving out, wipe the walls and the floors
- 6. Then Move Back In – in your newly decluttered space/fake “new” home.
So What’s My Verdict on The Move Out Method For Decluttering?
That list sounds pretty simple, right? Well I tried it.And Guess what? The results for me were a bit mixed. In my front hall closet, which is now shinny and has room for guest coats for the first time, it was a win. I went through 30 coats. Yes, I have issues. I skinnied them down to 18. Admittedly, still a bit of a problem. The floor is clean and free of junk. The top shelf has folded scarves and hats in neat piles. A box of items went to clothing consignment. A bag of things went to donation. And a small amount went to the trash.
When I tried it in my garage I felt a little overwhelmed by the self-imposed pressure of a fake move date. I hemmed and hawed and really never got started after the first wall of things. Nothing went to consignment, not even to Consignments Ltd.! Nada to donation. And only a few things did make it to the trash.
I think the problem with this method is that you have to buy into the whole “we’re moving thing.” If you can’t do that, or you don’t respond well to pressure, especially false pressure, this method is not for you. I’ve tried a lot of other methods, and I have to say, I am still a fan of the KonMari Method. I think I’ll pass on the Move Out Method for Decluttering. Let me know if you try it and fair better?
You can also check out some of my previous blogs on organization to see what I think does work. Have a look at: Secrets To Decluttering: The KonMari Method, Get Organized With Thrift Purchases, How To Reduce Clutter: The Six Week Box and finally How To Organize Your Closet and Start 2023 Right.
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