Attempted Implementation of the Two-Container Organizing Technique: Successes and Setbacks Revealed
What transpires when two hoarders tie the knot and share their lives with two felines, two canines, and two offspring? A monstrous pile of filth. But we've been attempting some serious strategies to combat our mess, such as trialing REAL SIMPLE's top decluttering techniques to see what yields results—and what doesn't. (Keep in mind, there isn't a universal decluttering solution that fits every person.)
We tried out the two-box declutter method—following past trials with the 15-minute clean and the room-by-room decluttering routine. Here's the complete rundown of the approach—including some suggestions that could make this the ultimate method for managing your clutter forever.
How Two-Box Decluttering Works
As the name suggests, the two-box method involves just two boxes (or bags!): One for items you'll keep and one for items you're willing to donate or throw away. While working through the clutter, you categorize each item into the appropriate box. Once a box is full or you're done, you start organizing the "keep" box items. As for the items in the "donate/discard" box, you either dispose of them immediately (bold!), or if unsure, set a deadline for making a decision about their fate a month later.
Advantages of Two-Box Decluttering
Are you on the hunt for a highly detailed decluttering technique? This might be the method for you. Here's what we liked:
You can make decisions more swiftly
Basically, the two-box decluttering method involves a simple yes/no decision—making it easy to swiftly sort through a whole box of papers and an overly stuffed basement storage shelf, for example.
Making significant progress can help keep you motivated
Because you can quickly eliminate clutter with this method (I cleared out the aforementioned shelf in just 20 minutes), you experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which often encourages you to tackle another project (such as my kitchen cabinet organization) instead of calling it a day.
Drawbacks of the Two-Box Method
The two-box decluttering method did have a couple of potential disadvantages that may make you think twice about using it.
It's too easy for the "donate" stuff to linger
We frequently struggle with one of the more common challenges encountered during decluttering—you make the decision to get rid of something, but then the items destined for disposal fail to leave your home. In the past, we've left "donate" items sitting in the entryway for months before we finally transported them away. I plan to arrange for faster removal this time around—but as of now, it's taking up space in my entryway.
We procrastinated on the "keep" box, too
The items we kept that belonged in the decluttered space were put back immediately, but the "keep" box items that belonged in other rooms continued to linger in their boxes. (In fact, there might be a "keep" box within arm's reach as I write this.) Because the boxes don't feel cluttered, I don't have the same urgency to get rid of them—which is definitely a problem.
The "keep" box took a while to empty
Because the items were meant to return to different areas throughout our home, we spent a lot of time moving them back to their respective locations—great for our step count, not so great for our productivity.
Make the Two-Box Decluttering Work for You
The two-box method definitely has its place among the various decluttering methods, but you'll want to adhere to a few suggestions to make it more effective for you.
Incorporate a trash bag
It's probably intuitive to separate trash from donations, but rather than mix trash with donations, keep a trash bag nearby to dispose of trash immediately—skipping a secondary step in the process.
Have a plan for your giveaway items
Set a date for a garage sale or a charity pickup, create a deadline to list them on your local Buy Nothing group, or put them in the back of your car to drop them off at charity nearby. It's far too easy to let them accumulate in your living space.
Consider a "phase two" for your "keep" items
Rather than randomly moving items around your home, organize the "keep" box by room. This way, you can streamline the process—and return items to their rightful places even more quickly.
After experimenting with different decluttering methods, we found success with the two-box technique, particularly the '15-minute clean' and the 'room-by-room decluttering routine'. This strategy involves separating items into two boxes: one for keeping and one for donating or disposing of. (RealSimple)
To optimize the two-box method, it's essential to dispose of immediate trash in a separate bin, have a plan for your giveaway items, and organize the 'keep' box by room in a phase two, thereby streamlining the process. (RealSimple)
