Many see structure as the opposite of chaos, but the chaos method for decluttering says otherwise. It embraces the mess to create order and make space for the essentials. Here’s how you can try this method with your clients.

What Is the Chaos Method?

The chaos method was introduced by professional organizer Kim Jones, who described the technique in an interview with The Kitchn. It’s originally a technique to unpack after a move, but it’s also helpful for general decluttering and tidying. You empty every cabinet, box, wrapper, container, bag, or cupboard in a room or house, then organize and put them in their places.

This technique can sound like a lot — it gets worse before it gets better. However, the initial mess of this decluttering strategy encourages you to confront all your belongings and see what you need to let go of or keep. Doing so helps create a more organized space that improves focus and reduces stress.

How to Use the Chaos Method

Simplicity works best with clients — thankfully, the chaos method can be easy to introduce. Here‘s a breakdown to make the most out of this technique.

Take It All Out

The first step to chaos organizing is taking everything out. What “everything” means is up to you and your client. If they are new to decluttering or have a large space, it might be best to focus on one or two rooms at a time to minimize overwhelm.

Once you’ve chosen an area, remove all items from the bins, cupboards, bags or drawers. Lay them out on a table, countertop or floor. This process reveals everything in the space and might stress some people out, but don’t give up. Everything will soon go back to its proper place.

This is the hardest step for many who have tried the chaos method. Confronting everything you have can be challenging, especially if you haven’t decluttered your space in a while.

Sort Into Categories

Once everything is out, it’s time to sort it. Divide the room into zones for different item categories. You can also use bins for smaller things like clothes — sticky notes and labels can come in handy for this step. Then, go through your giant pile of items and place them in their appropriate spots.

For example, if you’re using the chaos method to organize your closet, create piles for coats, shoes, t-shirts, pants and other relevant categories. This step allows your client to gain more control over the initial mess and see how much they have.

Declutter

During or after sorting the items, your client can start decluttering. You can create three additional piles for items you plan to donate, recycle or throw away.

Once everything is in respective piles, deal with these three categories first — take out the trash, put the items to donate in your car or another room, and place the recyclables in the garage or designated bin. Removing them before organizing takes out the temptation to bring them back into the space.

Reorganize

After decluttering, it’s time to organize what’s left behind in a way that makes sense with your client’s lifestyle. For example, you can place the most-used items on a more accessible or open shelf, while seasonal objects or appliances could be more hidden.

You can also use this step to refresh and deep clean the space. Open a window to improve air quality, or vacuum and wipe down surfaces to freshen them up and make them look better. With everything clean and in its rightful place, the chaos decluttering method is complete.

Tips on Helping Clients Declutter

Decluttering is often a major project, which is why people have enlisted your help as a professional. Here are some tips to ease them into the process and help them successfully declutter their spaces.

Acknowledge and Empathize

Decluttering and organizing might come as second nature to some. However, this isn’t always the case for many, especially if they’ve grown attached to most of their stuff.

Empathy can be incredibly helpful in this process, as decluttering can be emotional. Avoid referring to their things as “clutter,” “junk” or anything negative. Instead, focus on how the process can create more space to enjoy life.

Focus on the Big Picture

Visualizing the result can help clients be more open to letting go of what they don’t need. Help them see the importance of decluttering by looking at inspirational photos or drawing up a plan. Looking at space as it is alongside what it can become encourages them to see what they have in excess and how decluttering can help them achieve their dream space.

You can also stress the benefits of keeping a clean and clutter-free home. A recent survey by the American Cleaning Institute found that 88% of Americans feel physically and mentally better when they have clean surroundings.

From Chaos to Order

Despite its name, the chaos method can be an excellent strategy to bring order to a cluttered home. Leaning into the mess helps clients better understand and manage their organization and consumption habits. With empathy and guidance, you can help them make sense of their stuff and build systems that work for their lifestyle.

Photos by Sarah Brown and Robin Battison via Unsplash