When you're feeling overwhelmed by your belongings, even the most beloved home can begin to feel uninviting. If, no matter how hard you try to turn things around, chaotic clutter sets in time and again, you're in need of an effective decluttering method.
Contrary to what its name suggests, the C.H.A.O.S organizing method is actually a brilliant recipe for restoring calm where your belongings are concerned. It'll help you allocate the right amount of time to organize and simplify your surroundings, avoid overwhelm and champion family time.
Sounds promising, right? If you're looking to turn things around for good, our professional organizers share their tips on this superb home organizing idea.
What is the C.H.A.O.S organizing method?
Courtney Cummings, owner of The Stylish Organizer, says, 'This particular method of organizing is a simple and actionable approach for many people.' It involves a simple five-step process, the names of which spell C.H.A.O.S – Categorize, Helpful/ Hurtful, Action, Organize, Simplify.'
The C.H.A.O.S method was coined by Martha Carol-Stewart, author of Southern Chaos: Organizing the Southern Home available at Organizing Southern Chaos. It's not to be confused with the 'chaos' decluttering method which begins with pulling absolutely EVERYTHING out of a space you want to organize, thereby starting your process with true chaos. This gives you chaos, true, but also full visibility. Rest assured, this alternative method truly works if you commit to the full process, but it may not be best suited to anyone who feels overwhelmed when decluttering.
Back to C.H.A.O.S method or organizing. First, go through your belongings in a set space, for example when organizing your kitchen, and categorize them, placing similar items together so that you are able to see how much you really have of each type of item. This will help get rid of duplicates you should never keep.
Then, determine whether your items are helpful or hurtful. 'While it might be difficult to say that a wooden spoon is hurtful, it many not be your favorite – and you may have other you use more frequently,' continues Cummings. 'So, go with your gut feeling on whether it is a keeper or it needs to go.'
Once you have decided what to do with an item, take action. Put it back in the drawer or cabinet if you're keeping it, put it with other items to donate or sell, collecting them in a basket such as Rosecliff Heights Fabric Basket available at Wayfair, and – as a last resort – add it to the trash if necessary.
It's helpful to keep a trash bag on hand for this reason, such as the Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags available at Amazon.
Then, it's time to organize. 'Figure a way to contain and place your items that works for you are your family,' advises Cummings. With so many tidying tips and methods professional organizers swear by, there really is something to suit every space – it's just about finding what works for you.
'Finally, simplify this newly organized area for your family by labeling your bins and containers,' adds Cummings. 'Labels will set you up for success in the future,' which is why label makers are tools professional organizers can't do their job without.
All prices correct at time of publication.
With nine different type styles, this label maker is easy to use, lightweight and portable, perfect for on-the-go use.
Which rooms to use the C.H.A.O.S method in
The best part about the C.H.A.O.S method, says Vanessa Bossart, owner of GreenTerra Cleaning Service, is 'it can be applied anywhere in your home.'
For example, to organize a living room with too much stuff, use the C.H.A.O.S method to declutter and organize your coffee tables and shelves to a create a more welcoming and relaxing space, and reduce visual clutter in the living room.
Then, organize your entryway by creating a system for shoes, bags, and keys, using a shoe rack such as the great value Mainstays 2 Tier Shoe Rack available at Walmart to set the tone for the rest of your home, before decluttering your kitchen cabinets to streamline meal prep.
'I find it works best when organizing pantries and closets,' says professional organizer Cummings, who recommends using the The Home Edit Clear Plastic High Wall Turntable with Removable Dividers available at Walmart to transform and organize a small pantry with ease.
How to make the C.H.A.O.S method more effective
Professional organizer Cummings' top tip is simple. 'Get the whole family involved in the process,' she says. There's a reason this is one of the things the most organized families have in common!
'When you have a buy-in from everyone in the household, they feel invested in the organizational system and are more likely to maintain it into the future,' Cummings adds.
Create a family command center in a high-traffic area of your home to keep on top of tasks with a handy dry erase board, such as the Hivillexun 3-Pack Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard Set for Fridge available at Amazon, or a wall organizer.
Whilst the C.H.A.O.S method touches on minimizing your items as you go through them, don't underestimate the importance of editing down your belongings.
Cummings advises, 'Add three questions to this phase – Do you like it? Do you need it? Do you use it? This will help you get more out of the helpful step of this process.'
This valuable decluttering lesson will also make room in your storage ideas, making it easy to keep on top of your newly overhauled organization later down the line.
This versatile planner is available in two sizes, and will adhere to any magnetic surface. With a transparent layer of PET film, it can easily be wiped and reused.
FAQs
What is the 5-second rule for decluttering?
The 5 second decluttering rule is simple. Pick an item then count down from five before making a decision on whether you want to keep or get rid of an item. This helps to remove any indecisiveness, and allows you to make quick judgements.
It's particularly helpful when decluttering sentimental items.
What is the 80/20 rule for decluttering?
The 80/20 decluttering rule is based on the theory that people only use 20% of what they own, 80% of the time, meaning most of what you own is redundant, and can be decluttered. Of course, don't get rid of everything – variety is, indeed, the spice of life, but look around your home and consider the things that literally never get used or even looked at.
If you didn't know you had it, or had forgotten about it, get rid of it.
If you are open to trying new tips and tricks, our Homes & Gardens Decluttering Library is packed with tried and tested methods loved by the Solved team.
