As a professional organizer who moves frequently, I’m a huge fan of the move-out method. Every time I move, I feel like I’m less burdened because I don’t want to carry anything unnecessary to my new home, even if I’m moving to a larger home.
Aside from the added financial burden of moving, I find it easier to organize while I’m packing than to find places to put things while I’m unpacking.
As a result, the clutter in my life continues to decrease, making my space more peaceful and easier to keep clean.
Because I move so often, I’ve used the move-out method for a long time—but it works for anyone, even if you plan to stay put for the next few years!
That’s because the technique simulates the experience of moving, allowing you to declutter in a pragmatic way and give your home a fresh start.
If you’re tired of clutter and would like to try this mindset shift, read on as we explain in detail what the move-out method is and how to implement it.
The move-out method is an organizing technique that Katie Holdefel, deputy editor of Real Simple magazine, developed in her book, Embrace Your Space. The concept is simple: It encourages you to organize each room or area as if you were preparing to move out of your home.
Holdefer believes that the key question when organizing each space is: “If I were to move, would I take this space with me?”
Evaluating each item with this premise in mind, you’ll naturally tend to only keep the things you need, want, or cherish.
And it will feel more practical to get rid of items that don’t fall into those categories. The move-out method refers to making a conscious effort to keep the things you leave behind in your home, even if you don’t plan to move anytime soon.
How to implement the move-out method
1. Choose a space to start
Before you begin any organizing project, it’s crucial to choose a specific area to focus on. I always recommend starting small, like with a junk drawer, bookshelf, or medicine cabinet.
If you’re ambitious, take on a bigger challenge, like organizing a closet or kitchen. Focusing on one manageable space at a time prevents the process from becoming overwhelming too quickly (and makes it easier to stick with it!).
2. Get everything out
Next, remove all items from your chosen space. I recommend having a “temporary location” nearby, such as a clean table, countertop, bed, or even the floor if necessary. Before you begin, lay down a sheet or towel to protect the surface and keep it clean.
Arrange everything so that everything is visible, so you can clearly see what you have.
We often forget about things hidden deep in drawers, closets, cabinets, or buried under other items. This step will bring them to the forefront so you can make a more informed decision.
3. Evaluate Each Item
Different organizing methods will allow you to ask yourself a variety of questions as you organize your items. From Marie Kondo’s famous quote, “Does this item spark joy?” to the 90/90 rule’s “Have I used this item in the past 90 days?
Will I use it again in the next 90 days?”, these questions can help you look at the items in your home rationally.
The questions in the moving method serve the same purpose. However, what works for one person may not work for another.
So if you find yourself struggling to decide if something makes you happy, it’s more effective to think about whether you would take it with you if you were moving tomorrow.
4. Reorganize Your Space
Before putting anything back in, give the space a good clean while it’s still empty. Vacuum, dust, or wipe surfaces and floors to keep the space clean and ready for the next step—reorganizing.
Only tackle items in the “keep” pile and carefully return them to their original locations. Use storage containers like bins, drawer dividers, and labels if you think that helps keep things tidy. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate how neat and organized it looks now!
5. Review Your Space Regularly
Regular maintenance is essential for lasting results, no matter which home organization or decluttering method you use. The beauty of the move-out method is that it resets your space, so you can easily spot when clutter is building up again.
If you’re good with visual cues, that alone can prompt you to reevaluate your belongings. If you’re always feeling overwhelmed, set a calendar reminder to repeat this task every few months so you can keep your home tidy with minimal time and effort.
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