I Tried the 'Move-Out Method' of Organizing and My Home Has Never Been Tidy

For over a decade, I've been writing about home decor and organization. But much like a chef who's too exhausted to cook when they get home, after a long day of covering topics like closet decluttering and kitchen organizing tips, the last thing I want to do is clean my own space. That's why when I discovered a decluttering method that actually motivated me, I knew it would work for others. (In fact, I was so sure of the 'move-out method' of organizing that I featured it in my first book on home decor and organizing, *Embrace Your Space*.)

Having moved through numerous rental apartments, I'm all too familiar with the chaos of relocating. But each move, though stressful, taught me a powerful lesson: nothing will make you as decisive a declutterer or as meticulous a cleaner as moving. Realizing the energy a big move generates, I channeled that power into a decluttering approach I could use whenever needed: introducing the 'move-out method' of organizing.

What exactly is the 'Move-Out Method' for decluttering?

The great news is that you don't need to hire a moving company or buy packing supplies for this method—just a bit of creativity and a firm deadline will do the trick. Ready to achieve a space that feels as fresh as a new home? Follow these steps to implement the move-out method in your own space.

1. Choose a Moving Date. This isn't about moving, but about setting a strict deadline! Decide if you'd like to declutter the whole house, just one room, or even a single closet, and pick your move-out date based on that.
2. Clear Everything Out. When you're moving, you're not only decluttering but also packing up everything you own. To make this method authentic, start by removing all the items. If you’re cleaning out a drawer, pull everything out. Clearing a closet? Pile everything on the bed. Organizing a toy chest? Empty it all onto the floor.
3. Decide What to Keep. Pick up each item and ask: Would I want to take this with me if I were actually moving? How about if I were relocating to a much smaller space (say, 500 square feet)? If you'd go through the effort of packing, transporting, and unpacking it in a new home, it belongs in the 'keep' pile.
4. Let Go of What’s Left. If something didn’t make the cut but is still in good condition, put it in a donation bag. For items that are broken, stained, or no longer usable, recycle or dispose of them as best you can.
5. Give Everything a Quick Clean. It’s rare that every space is emptied completely. So while you have the area cleared, take the chance to vacuum up any dust and wipe down the walls.
6. Move Back In. Now that you’ve kept only the essentials, start moving everything back in. Take your time, as this is your “new home”—fold shirts in your dresser or hang dresses in the closet at your own pace. When you're done, your space should feel like a fresh start.

Additional Tips

Stay Focused

When you're on the move, there's an urgency that keeps you focused, helping you quickly decide what to hold onto and what to let go of. With the moving truck on the horizon, there's no time for indecision. Harnessing that same sense of urgency can propel you through the decluttering process. (And, of course, take a moment to relax knowing that you're not actually moving today.)

Try using the Cardboard Box Test.

Unless you're the kind of person who unpacks the day you move in (which I admire), you're probably familiar with how some items stay packed away for months, untouched, until you finally get around to unpacking them. The fact that those items have been sitting unused for so long might be a good sign that they aren’t worth keeping after all.

If you're struggling to part with items but still feel unsure, try this: pack them in a cardboard box, label it with a date (it could be three months or nine months from now), and set a reminder on your phone or Alexa. When that date arrives, if you haven't needed to retrieve anything from the box, it's time to donate the contents without second thoughts.

Break it down.

You don't need to tackle decluttering your entire home in one go. Break it down into manageable sections—the pantry one weekend, the bedroom closet another. Just set a time limit for each area and approach it with the same sense of urgency you’d have while moving.