Try the virtual move method to get any space in your home de-cluttered and organized. The process is simple, and results will astound you!
Have you ever heard of a “virtual move”?
The premise is simple: you’re not actually moving. But if you were moving (today, tomorrow, in the very near future), would you bring this item with?
How to make a virtual move to declutter
Define Your Space
First, define the area you want to declutter. Unlike a real move, a virtual move should be done to your whole home at once.
Choose a smaller area – like a closet, a room, or even just the cupboards on the left side of the kitchen.
It’s Moving Day
Now, pretend you are moving and it’s time to pack.
Seriously, grab a big moving box to set next to you if that helps you visualize the process. You are packing for a move. Does this item go into the moving box, or does it get sent to the trash or donation pile?
Repeat this process for every single item in a particular area.
Should I completely empty the closet (or room) before I start decluttering?
Well, that one is up to you. There are two methods for completing a virtual move, and both work. It’s all about your personal preference.
1 – empty the whole closet or area first
This works for very small areas – think a closet or a pantry. It’s probably not reasonable to do this with your home office.
Just dump out the contents of the space on the floor, and grab one item at a time.
If you want to keep it, place it back in the closet or space. If not, donate or trash it and move on to the next item.
2 – pull out one item at a time and then replace what you want to keep
This works best when you have a large, open area to work with – think a hallway floor, a bed, or a dining room table.
You can easily pull out one item at a time – then place it in either the keep pile, the donate pile, or the trash.
Once you have completely emptied the space, you can replace everything from the “keep pile” in an orderly and organized fashion.
The whole point of a virtual move
Whatever method you choose from above, the question you ask yourself is the same: “If I were moving tomorrow, would I bother packing this item.”
As someone who has moved more than her fair share, I can personally attest that this works. There is something about having to pack up, move your stuff from one place to another, and unpack it all that makes you really scrutinize whether you really want or need it after all.
So with this one simple criteria in mind, go empty out that closet or drawer that has been bothering you, and make that virtual move to declutter. You won’t regret it!
