Decluttering means taking away things you don't need, arranging them, and putting them where they belong. This article explains how to organize homes and businesses, but these ideas can also be used in other places. You can do this work by yourself, or you can get help from family, friends, or experts.

There are several planned ways to declutter and organize. Examples include Julie Morgenstern's SPACE, Danshari, and Konmari. In Danshari, it separates people who want to have few items from those who want to use their items in the best way.

History

The idea of removing unnecessary items, letting go of extra things, and freeing oneself from attachments comes from several philosophies, such as Buddhist and Christian teachings.

In 1984, professional organizing became an industry in Los Angeles, USA.

In 2009, Hideko Yamashita introduced the Danshari method in her book Danshari: Shin Katazukejutsu (original title: 人生を変える断捨離). The word Danshari is made up of three Japanese words: dan (refuse), sha (dispose), and ri (separate). In 2010, Danshari was nominated for a prize for new buzzwords by the Japanese publisher Jiyuukokuminsha.

Since then, more authors and influencers have shared their own decluttering methods. A well-known example is the Konmari decluttering method, named after Marie Kondo. In 2015, she was listed as one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time Magazine.

Professional organizers

A professional organizer helps people and businesses stay organized. They not only help arrange items and set up systems, but they also teach clients ways to keep their spaces tidy and manage organizing on their own in the future. They may help clients understand how clutter affects safety in their home or workplace.

One of their main tasks is to help reduce too much clutter, such as extra paper, books, clothes, shoes, office supplies, or home decorations, in a home or office.

For homeowners, a professional organizer might plan how to use space in a room better, help manage paperwork, teach skills for organizing things or managing time, or guide someone on how to set goals or manage tasks. This could also include working with someone else to stay focused on tasks.

In a business, professional organizers help improve productivity by making it easier to file papers, store digital files, organize supplies, or help employees manage their time better.

Some organizers have extra training to help people with specific challenges, such as brain-related issues like ADHD, OCD, hoarding, autism, or conditions like chronic disorganization, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. They may also work with children, students, creative people, or older adults.

In popular culture

The organizing industry has become more well-known because of many TV shows. One example is the British real-life TV show Life Laundry, which was on TV for three seasons between 2002 and 2004. Other English-language shows about organizing include Clean Sweep, Neat, Mission: Organization, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, Hot Mess House, Get Organized with The Home Edit, and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.

Methods

There are many ways to declutter, and these methods can be used by people on their own or with help from experts. These methods can be as simple as organizing a closet or as complicated as preparing for a move across the country.

Julie Morgenstern created a system called "SPACE," which stands for:

• Sort: Group items together.
• Purge: Remove items that are no longer needed.
• Assign a home: Decide where each item belongs.
• Containerize: Use boxes or containers to store items.
• Equalize: Check if the system works, make changes if needed, and keep it organized. This step is important for all types of organization.

In the danshari method, developed by Hideko Yamashita, the word "danshari" has three parts:

• Refuse: Say no to things you don’t need.
• Dispose: Throw away items that are not useful.
• Separate: Let go of things you no longer need or want. This helps people think clearly and live more comfortably.

Marie Kondo’s konmari method starts by gathering all items in one category at a time. People keep only the items that make them happy and find a place for everything else. Kondo suggests starting by removing items that do not bring joy. This helps people understand what they truly need and what they can let go of.

Kondo’s method is influenced by Shinto beliefs, which focus on the energy or spirit (called kami) of objects and living in harmony with the world (called kannagara). This means valuing items not just for their cost but for their importance in daily life.

Dana K. White created the "No-Mess Decluttering Method" for people who feel overwhelmed by traditional decluttering. This method avoids creating messy piles and focuses on making progress step by step. The process has five steps:

• Remove visible trash first to see quick results.
• Move items that already have a place in the home to that spot.
• Put items clearly meant for donation into a box.
• For items without a clear place, ask: "Where would I look for this?" and place it there. If the item is not needed, it is donated.
• Use the "container concept": Each storage area (like a shelf or drawer) has a limit. Fill it with favorite items until it is full. Anything that doesn’t fit is considered clutter and must be removed.

Virtual Organizing

Virtual organizing is a way to offer help with organizing tasks. This service uses online tools like video calls, phone calls, text messages, and email to guide individuals, groups, and businesses. It helps them organize physical spaces, such as homes and offices, and digital files, even if they are far away. The goal is to help people save time and feel more calm and in control. Some methods use only artificial intelligence to assist with organizing.

History

Professional Organizing, which added "and Productivity" in 2017, first appeared in a newspaper article in 1976 about Stephanie Winston. In 1986, the field became more organized in California with the founding of NAPO. Over the years, it has become more well-known through reality television shows such as Hoarders, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and Get Organized with the Home Edit, as well as magazines like Real Simple, which began in 2000. A book titled More Than Pretty Boxes by Carrie Lane also discussed the topic.

Professional Virtual Organizer

Virtual professional organizers use technology such as internet video calls, telephone, and email to help individuals and organizations manage both physical spaces like homes or offices and digital tools, such as files, calendars, and cloud storage. They also assist with organizing time, goals, priorities, and energy by managing tasks, schedules, projects, and communications. This helps people feel more in control and calm. Some methods use artificial intelligence (AI) to support the work.

A professional may work directly with a client through video calls, guiding them step by step to sort through items in real time. They may also create a plan after viewing a space, organize digital items remotely, or lead workshops for individuals or groups. During real-time video sessions, the client helps decide what to keep, sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of safely. If a client cannot move items, a local assistant can be trained to follow the organizer’s instructions without adding their own ideas.

Virtual organizing became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic because people needed safe, at-home services. It helps make managing personal and professional tasks easier by creating order in both online and physical spaces.

A virtual organizing professional is a trained consultant who uses technology like phone or internet to give advice on decluttering and organizing. They may work with individuals or companies to improve productivity and help people feel more peaceful. If a client cannot move items, a local assistant can act as their helper. If a client is deaf, an interpreter can help communicate. The goal is to teach clients skills so they can organize on their own.

For homeowners, a virtual organizer might help plan and reorganize spaces like kitchens, closets, offices, or living rooms. In a business setting, they may also help employees improve productivity. Some professionals have extra training in areas like time management, financial organizing, or helping people with specific challenges, such as ADHD, autism, or hoarding disorder. They may work with mental health professionals if a client has an underlying condition. Studies are exploring how virtual tools can help people with hoarding disorder manage anxiety during decluttering.

Certification

In April 2007, The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals started a special certification called Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO®), managed by the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers® (BCPO®). This certification is considered the top standard for professional organizers in the industry.

Certified Professional Organizers evaluate clients' habits, routines, how they learn and behave, their organizing abilities (such as managing space, data, and objects), productivity skills (like time management and setting priorities), computer skills, physical needs (such as injuries or mobility challenges), mental health concerns (like ADHD, OCD, hoarding, or dementia), and other factors (such as age, religion, or culture). They also examine the physical environment, including room size, power sources, doors and windows, furniture, and safety. They consider outside factors, such as company rules, family relationships, or lease agreements, and check what budget is available.

They create a project plan by reviewing their assessment, deciding what needs to be done, setting goals, listing tasks, and identifying tools (like storage containers, calendars, or digital apps), furniture, referrals (such as other experts or educational resources), and options for removing items (like donating, selling, or recycling). They set a timeline, estimate costs (such as fees, supplies, or vendor expenses), and complete the plan.

They carry out the plan by teaching clients organizing and productivity methods (such as sorting items, using containers, making decisions, and setting goals). They use communication skills to explain ideas, negotiate, and solve problems. They manage challenges like procrastination or changing project goals, and they track progress, budget, schedule, and client satisfaction. After the project, they check if changes are working, teach clients new skills, and suggest improvements or additional resources.

Certified Professional Organizers follow the BCPO Code of Ethics. They protect client records, keep personal information safe, and ensure computer security.

Problematic decluttering

Sometimes, people become too focused on cleaning and may throw away or sell items that belong to family members without asking for permission. This can happen on purpose or by mistake. These items might include collections that have financial or emotional value and can cause problems in relationships, such as during divorces. While throwing away someone else's belongings is not always harmful, it is important for couples who live together to talk openly and agree on what is valuable to them.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the difficulty of finding food and other basic supplies showed the risks of not having stored supplies. Because of this, some people who follow a minimalist lifestyle changed their views, leading to questions about whether more people might start preparing for emergencies in the future.