Use the SPACE Formula to Declutter More Effectively
When you set out to declutter and organize, it may be easy at first, but if you don’t have a plan, things can become overwhelming and get out of hand pretty quickly. Structure goes a long way toward helping you stay on track, see results, and keep you motivated. This is why there are so many techniques and methods . Try this simple formula called SPACE if you want it to be simple and easy to use.
What is the SPACE method of tidying up?
The SPACE formula comes from professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, whose book Organizing from the Inside Out has been a hit for years. This is the acronym you stick to as you work:
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Sort by grouping similar items
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The urge to get rid of what you don’t need
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Sign , giving away everything you have at home.
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Containerization by placing these items in containers.
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Upgrade your skills by servicing your system
How to use SPACE to declutter and organize things
Start by choosing a place to work, such as your office, bedroom or kitchen. From here, you can even break it down into smaller areas, like a desk in front of a filing cabinet, a cabinet in front of a nightstand, or a silverware drawer in front of an under-sink cabinet. Once you’ve allocated a space, think of an acronym and start sorting. Take everything out and sort it. So, if you’re in your office, try sorting your writing instruments into a pile, then paper products like sticky notes or mini flags, then charging cords, etc.
Next comes purification, so be critical of everything in front of you. Don’t worry about it; Use the five-second rule or the 20/20 rule to quickly make decisions about what stays and what goes. If you don’t use it often, get rid of it. You don’t need to get sentimental or waste time on this, which is what those who like to tidy up usually get hung up on. If you come across anything in good condition that could be useful to someone, feel free to sort it into the donation pile rather than the trash, but make sure you have a plan to get the pile to the donation center as soon as possible rather, so that it does not end up in the trash. Don’t be cluttered.
From there, assign all houses. This can be done simultaneously with containerization. All of these writing instruments should be kept in an easily accessible cup. Paper products should be placed in a box. Charging cords can be placed in a small box. Place containers in a place where you will remember to look for them and where you can easily put things back when you’re done using them.
Finally, balance the balance by maintaining your system. Once the area is cleared, you need to maintain it that way; this is the most important part. No matter what containers you use to store different things, always put them back when you’re done using them. Keep containers where they belong so you don’t have to search for them when you need them. Every few weeks, do a stripped-down version of SPACE, removing and reorganizing everything you didn’t use or didn’t fit.