Satisfy the Urge to Declutter Faster With This Simple Trick!
Do you ever get that overwhelming urge to declutter, but when you actually start, you find yourself paralyzed by tough decisions? Maybe you’re staring at a pile of old photos, sentimental gifts, or mementos that just don’t seem to fit anywhere in your home. The urge to declutter is strong, but these emotionally charged items hold you back from making real progress. That’s where the Deferred Decision Box comes in to save the day!
The Deferred Decision Box is part of my 4-box decluttering method (keep, trash, donate and deferred decisions), and it’s a game-changer for those moments when you feel stuck. If you find yourself paralyzed by sentimentality or indecision while decluttering, this box is exactly what you need to keep the process moving forward. Here’s how it works, and how it can help you finally conquer the clutter once and for all.
You Want to Declutter Quickly But Get Emotional
Long after my dad passed away, I still had a few boxes of his things. These weren’t things that I wanted to display…those things were already in a prominent place in my home. These weren’t things that were particularly valuable. They were, however, interesting or they brought back memories that I never wanted to forget. Simply tossing them or donating them felt wrong. But here’s the deal, they were just sitting in boxes, not being looked at, not being used and taking up valuable space.
Once some time had passed and I felt more ready to tackle those boxes, I used this exact method to sort and declutter. I was able to part with things I realized had very little significance to me even though at the time, it really felt like those things were important. Using my Deferred Decisions Box, I was able pare down quickly. And after a few more weeks, I was able to look through what was left again.. This time, I felt able to deal with everything except for a small handful of things! Yes, I still do have a few items that I haven’t made up my mind about and that’s okay. Decluttering is a process and I’m just glad I was able to go from several larger boxes to a shoebox amount of things!
What is the Deferred Decision Box and Why It Works for Sentimental Items?
So, what exactly is a Deferred Decision Box? It’s a box where you place items you’re unsure about but don’t have time to decide on right away. These are often sentimental items that you don’t want to toss without thinking it through. Instead of leaving them where they are or piling them up somewhere, you place them in the Deferred Decision Box. This box can then be stored out of the way and out of sight until you have time to deal with your things.
By doing this, you prevent yourself from getting bogged down in tough decisions while still satisfying your urge to declutter. Trust me, it works like magic! You don’t have to make a decision in the moment, and you still keep your decluttering session moving forward.
How the Deferred Decision Box Helps You Satisfy the Urge to Declutter Faster
When you’re on a roll with decluttering, the last thing you want is to get stuck on one or two items that you just can’t seem to part with. This is where the Deferred Decision Box shines.
The beauty of the Deferred Decision Box is that it lets you make progress without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of spending 20 minutes debating whether to keep an old scarf from your grandmother or an album full of childhood memories, you simply place it in the box. The best part? It helps you satisfy that urge to declutter without stopping your flow.
Once that sentimental item goes in the box, you’ve made the decluttering decision. You’ve moved forward without dragging out the process or causing any unnecessary stress. It’s a win-win!
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Deferred Decision Box for Maximum Decluttering Success
If you’re wondering how to implement the Deferred Decision Box in your own decluttering routine, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Start Your Decluttering Session
Begin your decluttering session as you normally would. Focus on easy-to-declutter items first—think old magazines, unused kitchen gadgets, and expired toiletries. This helps build momentum and sets you up for success. - When You Hit a Sentimental Item, Place It in the Deferred Decision Box
As you encounter sentimental items that you’re not sure about, simply place them in the Deferred Decision Box. You’re not throwing them away or getting rid of them forever. You’re just setting them aside for later so you can keep decluttering. This way, you don’t get stuck on one item and can continue making progress. - Don’t Overthink It
The key to using the Deferred Decision Box effectively is not to overthink it. If you’re unsure, just put it in the box. Don’t stress about the decision—remember, you can revisit it later with a clearer head. - Keep Going
Once you’ve placed the item in the box, keep decluttering. Don’t let that one box slow you down. You’re building momentum and setting yourself up for success by focusing on other areas of your home.
When and How to Revisit the Deferred Decision Box
Once you’ve filled up your Deferred Decision Box, it’s time to revisit it. But don’t worry, this part is much easier than you think.
Revisit the box after a week, a month, or whenever you feel ready. The key is that by that time, you’ll have a clearer perspective on whether or not these items truly belong in your home. You might discover that you no longer have any emotional attachment to the scarf or photo album, and it’s time to let it go. Alternatively, you may find that one or two items are worth keeping, but you’re able to make that decision from a place of clarity, not overwhelm.
Once you’ve gone through the box, take action. Donate, recycle, or keep the items that bring you joy. But most importantly, clear out the box so it’s ready for your next decluttering session.
Turn Your Urge to Declutter into Action with the Deferred Decision Box
The Deferred Decision Box is a powerful tool that lets you satisfy the urge to declutter while keeping your process flowing. It helps you avoid getting bogged down by tough decisions, especially when dealing with sentimental items. By using this box, you’ll be able to declutter without feeling overwhelmed and create the space you deserve in your home.
Next time you’re decluttering and feeling stuck, remember the Deferred Decision Box. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep moving forward, no matter how many sentimental items you encounter. You’ve got this—and now you’ve got a great tool to help you stay on track!
Let me know in the comments how it works for you or if you have any questions about using the Deferred Decision Box in your decluttering routine. Happy decluttering!
