Yahoo Lifestyle How the ‘Pile Decluttering' Method Can Help When You're Feeling Overwhelmed
For anyone in need of a quick-fix to unruly mess, the 'pile decluttering' method is popular as it's a simple way to clear and organize items quickly.
There are a few variations on the pile decluttering method when it comes to the number of piles used and how they're categorized, but the premise remains the same.
In a nutshell, this decluttering method refers to gathering all the items in one space you want to organize into one pile and then separating them into smaller piles depending on the categories you want to use — usually keep, donate/sell, or throw away.
This means you then have a blank slate to work with and can put everything in the 'keep' pile away in a more organized fashion.
We asked professional organizer Liz Mansell, of LM Homesort, to talk us through the basics of the pile decluttering method and explain just why it's so effective.
What is the pile decluttering method?
"The ‘pile method’ is a really simple way of taking the overwhelm out of a disorganized space and, most importantly, doing it quickly," professional declutterer Liz Mansell tells Country Living.
"Let’s take a work desk, for example," she continues. "A space where you need to be productive and have mental clarity, yet the piles of paper, folders, stationary or coffee cups are taking over the space, creating a blocker for creativity.
"Using the pile method removes the stress and brings the focus back. The pile method involves collecting all the unorganized items together in any given area or space and making one big pile of items.
"Instantly, the chaos of the desk is now a space of only organized items, where you can now work easily and be more productive and creative."
What are the three piles for decluttering?
There are thought to be three piles typically used for the pile decluttering method.
Generally, these are 'keep', 'donate/sell' and 'discard'. But before separating items into these three piles, you could also use different piles for types of items to gain some order initially.
People will also then often separate the 'keep' pile into sections according to where they live in the room — and there are usually some rogue items that have made their way into the wrong room as well, which will need a new home.
What are the key steps for the pile decluttering method?
"After making the first initial pile of things to be organised, it’s now time to start categorizing into smaller piles," Liz Mansell explains.
As well as the main three piles discussed, Liz recommends organizing items by type — similar to the 'Organizational Triangle' decluttering method — to streamline the process.
She suggests: "For example, if you’re sorting paperwork, keep like with like, such as bills in one pile, medical letters in another pile, school correspondence in another, and so on.
"If it’s clothes, the same rules apply for categorizing: make a pile of trousers, another for jumpers, another for T-shirts and so on. With clothes in particular, it’s important to note that you will also need a ‘discard’ pile' or a ‘charity’ pile."
After sorting through until you have finished sub-categorizing, Liz explains it’s time to filter the items back into the original space and get rid of the charity/discard pile.
The home organizer adds: "If you’re sorting clothes, the same applies: hang like with like, fold like with like, which provides a system of organization."
To summarize, the key steps for the pile decluttering method are:
Choose a space to declutter.
Empty everything into one big pile to sort through.
Decide on your categories — usually keep, donate/sell and discard, plus any subcategories.
Sort through the pile, making decisions quickly.
Discard unwanted items according to their type (rubbish/recycling). This will clear space quickly.
Find homes for kept items and return them using a 'like for like' method. Some items may need to go into storage.
Deal with donation and sell piles — visit a local donation center or look into eBay to sell items.
Why is the pile method so effective?
"The pile method is a super effective way of decluttering and organizing as it removes the overwhelm," Liz Mansell explains.
"By taking the items away from the chaotic space, sorting them out, and then only filtering back in once the items are known to be needed, it breaks them down into smaller, much more manageable tasks."
The home organizer continues: "This means we are more likely to finish what was started and not feel overwhelmed, leaving you with a clear, organized space."
How does the pile method measure up to other decluttering methods?
According to professional declutter Liz Mansell, the pile method works so well as it's a realistic way to declutter. "The pile method, or as I would call it, the categorizing method, is by far superior in terms of other methods," she tells us.
"Many home organizers like to make rules, such as ‘one in, one out’ or ‘declutter 30 things in 30 minutes’, yet they are not as realistic as they don’t enable us to get stuck in.
"The pile method keeps things simple, and you can choose to do whatever size area you have the time for. If you only have 20 minutes, perhaps choose one shelf. If you have an hour, choose one cupboard. Creating rules around decluttering and organizing just sets you up for failure."
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