Get Organized by Power Sorting Your Home

How many times have you committed to getting organized, and then talked yourself out of it because the project seemed too big?

Thinking about the big picture and all that needs to be done can stop you in your tracks before you even get started.

Here’s a solution: Change the objective. Instead of setting out to organize your entire home, commit to “power sorting” your house.

What is Power Sorting?

Power sorting is an effective way to clear clutter and spruce up your home in a short time, without embarking on a massive project or deep clean.

To power sort, go get a big box or a large garbage bag. Walk through each room of your house and remove items that are no longer used, treasured, or loved. Repeat the exercise every few months. I schedule time to power sort my house every six months, and always fill at least one garbage bag with items to donate.

You might wonder why I would suggest dragging out the process over the course of a year when it might seem easier to get it done in one fell swoop. Except you can’t, because that’s not how your brain works.

The Psychology Behind Power Sorting

It takes two or three times of seeing something to process what you’re seeing, and how you view the object. The first time you power sort a room, you might look at an item, like an old suitcase, and think, “I’m going to use this again.”

A few months later you could see the same suitcase and wonder what you were thinking. You are able to make a decision because your brain has had time to process it.

It is especially important to power-sort your house if your goals have changed. Your brain never stops processing your environment. That means your subconscious is picking up on things that you probably didn’t realize like the exercise equipment you intended to donate, or the craft project you never finished. You don’t think much about storing them in the garage, but your subconscious holds on to what those items mean, as in, you failed to finish a project or haven’t accomplished what you set out to do.

It robs you of energy every time you see those items because you have to deal with the emotions around them. Clear out the clutter and you’ll clear your subconscious and practice self-care along the way.

Sharing Your Treasures

If it’s still hard to part with the treasures you sorted through in the guest room closet, remember there is someone out there who needs that exact item to move forward in their life.

Your donation becomes a blessing to them, in addition to allowing you to reclaim your home, and your headspace.

Instead of setting out to organize your entire home, commit to “power sorting” your house. Power sorting is an effective way to clear clutter and spruce up your home in a short time, without embarking on a massive project or deep clean.

Organizing an entire home can be an overwhelming task. Power sorting is a good start. If you would like help in tackling a large project, send me an email at Linda@UnclutteredNW.com, and let’s talk about what’s on your mind.