5 Step Formula for Eliminating Clutter and Creating More S. P. A. C. E.

Contributed by Jen Du Bois

After binge watching the latest Home Organizing show on Netflix you’re, probably excited about getting your homes organized too. 

But wait…before you head out to go shopping for containers and bins, it is important for you to understand that there is a method to the madness! Yes, any attempt at organizing any space in your home must be strategic for it to be successful and for the results to be long-lasting. 

There are several systems that you can follow to help guide you. The S.P.A.C.E. formula is one of my favorites because it is easy enough for any novice organizer to follow. This formula was originally coined by Julie Morgenstern, featured guest on The Oprah Show and author of Organizing from the Inside Out. Julie shares, “The key to succeeding with the S.P.A.C.E. formula is to do every one of the steps, and, most important, do them in order”.  

Here is how to use S.P.A.C.E. to attack any organizing project:

1. Sort
2. Purge
3. Assign a home
4. Containerize
5. Equalize

STEP 1: Sort

Begin by selecting one room or space. Go through all of the items in the space, be sure to touch every single item. Group like or related items together. For instance, group together all serving spoons, workout clothing, painting supplies, etc. This will help you visualize the quantity of like items you actually have. 

STEP 2: Purge

For this step, you will be making lots of decisions. You will be deciding which items you want to KEEP, TOSS, DONATE or take to another area in your home. You will need four storage bins or designated areas in the space you will be organizing. Label each one with the words “keep”, “toss”, “donate”, and “move to another space”. You will be placing items in the bins or designated area as you go through the space.

Ask yourself these questions to help guide your decision making: 

• Do I like this item? 
• Does it align with the goals that I have established for the space or the lifestyle I desire? 
• Is the item broken or damaged? 
• Have I used the item within the last 6 months? 
• Do I have multiples of this item? 
• Is this the best place to keep it? 

Make a decision about each item as you are sorting and place the item in the appropriate bin or designated area. Avoid delaying decisions as this will only contribute to clutter. 

Remember, it is important to keep only the items you will need to support your vision for the area. Move items that belong elsewhere to their designated spaces. Discard, donate and sell selected items as soon as possible. Make a very short term plan and stick with it.

STEP 3 Assign a home

Decide where your KEEP items will be stored. Think about how you will be using the space and create zones that make sense to you. Then, create groupings of the items needed to support each activity in their appropriate zone.  For example, you may decide to keep all of your morning grooming items in one drawer or all of your baking goods in one cabinet. The key here is making sure every item has a home and is easily accessible.

STEP 4 Containerize

This is where most people think they should start, but it is important for this step to occur after steps 1 – 3. 

Begin by deciding if you will be using containers. If so, decide what items will be contained. Then, measure the items to be contained and the space where they will be stored. After measuring, determine the number and style of containers you will be using. Think ease of access. Once you’ve decided, prepare a shopping list with the type of containers, size and quantity you will need. Finally, label the containers. Labeling will be helpful in finding what you need in an efficient manner.

STEP 5 Equalize

This is an essential part of ensuring the organizing systems you created remain functional for the long run. Three important steps need to occur in this phase:

1. Establish a plan for maintaining the space. For instance, set a plan to spend 5 minutes resetting your workspace at the end of the day.
2. Periodically evaluate your system to make sure it is still working for you and your family. Make adjustments as necessary.
3. If excessive shopping is an issue, establish a plan to only purchase what you actually need and commit to the “one in – one out” rule.

Thinking about all 5 steps at once may be overwhelming, but it is important to know that it is ok to start small. Start with one small closet or even a “junk drawer”.  Tackle the bigger spaces once you have a hang of it. 

Morgenstern, Julie. Organizing from the inside out: The Foolproof System for Organizing Your Home, Your Office, and Your Life. Paw Prints, 2008. 

Jen Du Bois is the founder and lead professional organizer with Organized by Jen D, a San Diego based professional organizing company. Learn all about her services here: www.organizedbyjend.com