The comments I hear most often when someone is considering becoming a minimalist or just deciding they want to declutter is “I don’t know where to begin” or “I have so much stuff it feels overwhelming”.

The hardest part of decluttering is getting started. Once you take that first step the rest is easier.

You will find tons of articles on how to declutter and purge but it really comes down to this. You have too much stuff, some of it you want to keep, some you want to get rid of and some of it is just trash.

The four-box method is a simple way to organize your stuff into 4 categories, Keep, throw away, give away and store. Start by labeling 4 big, sturdy boxes. You can use cardboard boxes, totes or whatever works for you.

The Keep Box

One of the most challenging parts of decluttering is deciding what to keep. We become attached to our possessions and even though we may not need them anymore we might still feel reluctant to get rid of them.

Here are some questions to ask yourself in helping you decide if you should keep something or let it go.

Do I use this?

Do I need it?

What purpose does it serve?

If I did not own this item, would I miss it?

How often do I use this item, and does it have a place in my home?

Do I love it, and does it bring me joy?

If I didn’t already own this, would I purchase it?

The keep box should contain the least number of items, the goal is to purge and declutter so anything you put in this box should be absolutely necessary, keep only what you need and love. Let the rest go.

The Throw Away Box

This box will hold damaged and broken items. Things that you cannot sell or donate. Don’t spend too much time wondering if something is worth donating. If it is damaged in any way or you would not want to receive it throw it away.

The Give Away Box

Much of what we have is still in good condition but that doesn’t mean we should keep it. If you have not used something in a year, you have multiple copies of the same item, it no longer fits, or it has been packed away in storage and you forgot you even had it you can safely give it away.

The Store Box

All of us will end up with a few things that we might not use every day, but we need to keep. This can include important documents, family photos, and family heirlooms. Try to keep this box as empty as possible. Decluttering does not mean packing your things away. Store only what is necessary.

Declutter one area or room at a time. Once one room is complete move onto the next. When you see the progress you are making it will motivate you to continue.

When you are done with one area take the trash box to the rubbish bin and empty it. Set aside an area in your house or garage to temporarily store the give away items, put the store items in a permanent storage container and put the keep items where they belong. Once the boxes are empty continue to the next room or area.

After you have finished decluttering it is important not to “re-clutter” Carefully consider every new item you bring into your home. Don’t allow anything in that is not truly needed. Dispose of trash and broken items immediately and keep everything organized and in its place. If you do bring in something new, let something else go. The one in, one out rule.