When it comes to decluttering and keeping everything organized, it can often be a never-ending chore.
This is especially the case if you don’t know where to start with the overwhelming sea of clutter.
Social media seems to be full of endless decluttering hacks that many have sworn by. So far, ’I’ve tried every method going — from KonMarie and the scary-sounding Swedish Death Cleaning to the House Hushing method and more.
But no matter how well I try to maintain such methods, it would often cause me to feel overwhelmed again.
The good news is, it turns out I’m not the only one, and there is actually a valid reason for this.
According to a home storage expert, some common decluttering hacks are causing us more harm than good.
"The promise of an effortless, instant transformation is incredibly appealing, especially when dealing with overwhelming clutter," says Max Wilson, co-founder of Pocket Storage and a leading expert in home organisation.
"People are constantly seeking that one clever trick that will solve all their storage problems. But in reality, many of these widely shared 'hacks' are superficial or unsustainable, leaving individuals feeling defeated and their homes no less cluttered in the long run.”
Here's the one common decluttering method that is best avoided!
The "Mass Purge Everything at Once" Method
Essentially, this technique involves taking out all items from an entire room or area and sorting through them in one huge session.
And while it seems like a good idea to tackle the task head-on, at one time, this is actually counterproductive.
"The idea of pulling every single item out and sorting it all in one go might seem decisive, but it’s a recipe for overwhelm and disaster," says Wilson.
"This 'hack' often leaves homes in a state of utter chaos, leading to burnout and a quick retreat, with the clutter simply rearranged or shoved back in. Sustainable change comes from manageable, incremental steps, not one gigantic, exhausting effort."
Similarly, the "One In, One Out" Rule is just as overwhelming. This method suggests that for every new item you bring into your home, you must remove one existing item.
"This rule is fantastic for maintaining a decluttered home, but as a primary 'hack' for an already cluttered space, it's insufficient," Wilson explains.
"If you have years of accumulated excess, simply replacing one item with another isn't going to significantly reduce your existing volume. You need a more aggressive initial declutter before this maintenance hack becomes truly effective."
How to declutter your home
Luckily, there are far better methods to help you cope with the task, and still be effective.
What’s more, this will avoid feelings of overwhelm and help you feel productive.
“One highly effective strategy is the 'category by category' method, suggests Wilson.
“Instead of tackling an entire room or your whole house at once, focus on one specific category of items – all your books, then all your clothes, then all your kitchen utensils.
This focused approach reduces decision fatigue and allows you to see tangible progress, which is incredibly motivating. Within each category, ask yourself critical questions: 'Do I use this regularly?' 'Does this add value to my life?' 'Does this bring me joy?'
Effective decluttering isn't about magical shortcuts; it's about making conscious decisions about your belongings and developing sustainable habits."
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