Tidying up can be challenging for many, but the 'five messes' technique offers a simple solution for those who struggle with organization.
While I regularly tidy my home to ease anxiety, there are times when my usual methods fall short. That's when I discovered the 'five messes' approach, which seemed like the perfect way to manage the chaos and keep my home neat.
This method involves sorting your items into five categories, making it easier to tackle clutter without feeling overwhelmed. Here's how it works and why it's effective for decluttering during stressful moments.
The 'Five Messes' Technique
I've tried various tidying strategies, including the one-touch tidying rule, but this method stands out as one of the most efficient in reducing stress when clutter accumulates. It allows for a clear visualization of your tidying goals as you sort through your belongings, whether you're organizing your living room or cleaning your kitchen.
Developed by therapist KC Davis, author of How To Keep House While Drowning, this method divides your possessions into five groups:
- Trash
- Laundry
- Dishes
- Items with a place
- Items without a place
KC Davis is a licensed professional therapist and author dedicated to mental health support through her platform, Struggle Care.
My Experience with the Method
I applied this tidying strategy to my living-dining area, which had been neglected after using the 'ski-slope' organizing method upstairs.
Starting with the first category, I quickly cleared away breakfast dishes and moved them into the kitchen sink.
Next, I tackled laundry and trash. These tasks were swift since I usually collect laundry in the upstairs rooms, and I have a small trash can in my living space. The 'five messes' approach prompted me to wash the fleece blankets draped on my sofa, shifting my perspective on soft furnishings.
Previously, I'd only remember to wash them when I used them, but this time, I treated them like any other laundry item.
The more challenging aspect was categorizing items with homes and items without homes, yet I managed to restore order in under thirty minutes. I gathered misplaced items, like books from the coffee table, returning them to the bookshelves, and placed the TV remotes back into the sofa organizer.
For those items lacking a designated spot, I used one of my favorite laundry hampers as a temporary decluttering basket, allowing me to avoid distractions and maintain focus.
These foldable baskets are ideal for decluttering, as they easily store away when not in use.
This simple sofa organizer keeps common items like remotes and magazines off tables, adding to the tidiness.
Using this method, I could prioritize smaller tasks without feeling pressured to make significant decisions right away, which kept me from creating additional clutter. The dishes went to the sink, laundry to the washer, trash to the bin, and misplaced items returned to their designated spots. The only real decision-making came at the end when I faced a small basket of items still needing a home.
At that point, I could choose to continue sorting or take my time while watching TV. I started by deciding what I no longer needed before organizing the remaining items left in the basket. My laptop, for example, found a new home in my office desk drawer, while I decided to part with some old magazines that didn't fit on my shelves.
Final Thoughts
As someone who usually finds tidying straightforward, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the 'five messes' method streamlined my tasks. The entire process took under thirty minutes, and I could sort through leftover clutter while enjoying a show, making it less of a chore and more of a relaxing activity.
Combining this method with others, like the ski-slope organizing style, will surely transform how I maintain my home.
How to Keep House While Drowning | $17.99 at Amazon
This innovative approach to tidying helps alleviate feelings of shame and overwhelm associated with messy homes.
FAQs
What is the 20/10 method of cleaning?
The 20/10 cleaning method is ideal for those who prefer short bursts of activity. Set a timer for 20 minutes to tidy, clean, or declutter, followed by a 10-minute break to refresh. This technique prevents burnout by allowing brief rest periods.
What is the one-minute rule for cleaning?
The one-minute rule suggests that if a task takes a minute or less, do it immediately to keep small messes from piling up and becoming overwhelming later.
