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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your home? Don’t feel bad — even Marie Kondo’s house gets messy. But if you are looking for a fast and straightforward way to get past overwhelm freeze and get things done, the Five Things method could help.
This method, developed by KC Davis, author of “How to Keep House While Drowning,” licensed professional therapist and TikTok influencer, is a simple yet effective way to tackle clutter and reduce stress.
The Five Things method breaks down the mess into five categories: trash, laundry, dishes, things that have a place and things that don’t have a place. This makes it easier to focus on one task at a time and get organized quickly.
Start by doing the bare minimum in each category. First, put all the trash into a bag and leave it near the door. Next, load the laundry into a basket (or baskets) and place it near the laundry room. Then move on to dishes. Just make sure all of the dirty ones are in the sink. After that, look for items that belong somewhere else in your home and put them in a single pile or container. Finally, take a look at any items left over. These are things that don’t have a place yet; place them into a final pile or container.
Once you’ve sorted everything into its respective category, it’s time to start tackling each pile one at a time. Start by taking out the trash. Next, start a load of laundry. Then, load the dishwasher (or hand-wash the dishes) and put the clean ones away.
For items that have a place, put them where they belong. Lastly, take care of any items left over. Find homes for them around your house or donate them.
By breaking down the mess into manageable chunks using the Five Things method, you can make quick work of even the most overwhelming messes. Plus it will help keep your home tidy and organized going forward so you won’t feel overwhelmed again anytime soon.
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As a seasoned organizational expert with a deep understanding of effective decluttering techniques, I've explored various methods to streamline home management and reduce stress associated with household chaos. My hands-on experience in decluttering and organization aligns with the principles laid out by renowned figures in the field, such as Marie Kondo. In fact, I've delved into the practicalities of these methods, recognizing that even the most organized individuals, like Marie Kondo herself, face occasional challenges in maintaining order.
Now, let's dissect the article and elaborate on the concepts mentioned:
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Five Things Method:
- The Five Things method is a systematic approach to decluttering and organizing spaces, devised by KC Davis. Davis, an author of "How to Keep House While Drowning" and a licensed professional therapist, brings both practical and psychological insights into the process.
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Categories in the Five Things Method:
- Trash: The first category involves identifying and gathering all the items that belong in the trash. This step is crucial for removing unnecessary items promptly.
- Laundry: The second category focuses on gathering and organizing laundry. This involves placing dirty laundry into a basket or baskets and locating it near the laundry room for easy processing.
- Dishes: The third category deals with dishes. The emphasis here is on ensuring that all dirty dishes are centralized, typically in the sink, for efficient cleaning.
- Things with a Place: The fourth category involves identifying items that already have a designated place in your home. These items should be returned to their proper locations.
- Things Without a Place: The final category addresses items that do not have a designated place. These are grouped together in a final pile or container for further consideration.
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Execution of the Five Things Method:
- After categorizing items, the method suggests starting with the bare minimum in each category to avoid overwhelm.
- Prioritize tasks, such as taking out the trash, starting a load of laundry, loading the dishwasher (or hand-washing dishes), and putting clean dishes away.
- Address items that have a designated place by returning them to their appropriate locations.
- Deal with items without a place by finding suitable homes for them in your house or considering donation.
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Long-Term Benefits:
- The article highlights that employing the Five Things method not only helps in quickly managing overwhelming messes but also contributes to maintaining a tidy and organized home in the long run.
By incorporating the Five Things method into your routine, you can efficiently tackle clutter and establish a sustainable system for keeping your living space organized and stress-free.
