'In a surprisingly efficient manner, the 'Dot and Ditch' method of decluttering outsmarts 'decision fatigue'.
Clutter's eternal foe: The 'just in case' mindset is often the hindrance to successfully decluttering a space. This mentality can lead to holding onto items indefinitely, rather than discarding them when their usefulness or sentimentality wanes. To combat this issue, the Dot and Ditch decluttering method has emerged as a practical solution.
The Dot and Ditch method simplifies the process of decluttering by using colorful stickers to mark 'maybe' items. After placing a sticker on an item, if it is used within the next 90 days, the sticker is removed. If, after the 90-day period, the sticker remains, the item is considered surplus and should be discarded or donated. In essence, the Dot and Ditch method combines elements of the 90/90 rule and the expiry decluttering method.
Professional organizers have shared insights into making the most of this decluttering method:
- Erica Layne, owner of The Life on Purpose Movement, initially introduced the Dot and Ditch method on Instagram. She emphasizes that this trick helps overcome decision fatigue when decluttering, making it the perfect solution for those struggling with indecision. Layne uses big red stickers, reminiscent of round red stickers available at Walmart, to mark 'maybe' items and avoid keeping them 'just in case.'
- Orna Fathers, founder of Grace This Space Interiors, home organization expert, and lead designer, finds the method to be both simple and effective. When faced with uncertainty about keeping or discarding an item, placing a red dot on it creates a low-pressure way to pause the decision without avoiding it. Fathers admits that, if after 90 days the sticker remains, the item has essentially made the decision for the owner. This gentle nudge helps clarify the need for an item without inducing the usual guilt associated with decluttering decisions.
The Dot and Ditch method is best suited for items that tend to blur the lines between 'maybe' and 'meh,' such as kitchen gadgets, decor pieces that no longer fit with your current style, and impulse purchases. Especially beneficial for larger, more expensive, or harder-to-replace items, the Dot and Ditch method works well for objects that feel too valuable to discard but aren't being utilized efficiently, like a bulky juicer or a vintage lamp. Orna Fathers advises against using the red dot method for sentimental items, as they often require more emotional processing and conversation.
To optimize the Dot and Ditch method's effectiveness, Fathers suggests setting a few ground rules:
- Keep a list of red-dotted items to prevent anything from getting lost in the shuffle.
- Schedule one review day at the end of the 90-day period to assess all items at once, making the process more intentional.
- Commit to acting on the decision. If the dot remains after 90 days, it's time to let the item go. Making a note on a wall calendar or digital reminders can help establish a firm deadline.
- Make it a fun game! Incorporating family members into the process can turn a daunting task into a lighthearted and engaging activity.
Home organizers swear by the simplicity and effectiveness of the Dot and Ditch method in reducing decision fatigue and decluttering homes more efficiently. With various color options for the stickers and resources like a wall calendar to track deadlines, the Dot and Ditch method offers a straightforward and achievable decluttering solution.
- The Dot and Ditch method, which involves using colorful stickers to mark 'maybe' items and assess their utility after 90 days, is particularly useful for decluttering home-and-garden items that may blur the line between 'maybe' and 'meh', such as kitchen gadgets and decor pieces.
- By adopting the Dot and Ditch method and setting ground rules like maintaining a list of red-dotted items, scheduling review days, committing to decisions, and making it a fun game, one can effectively declutter their living space and achieve a more streamlined interior design that aligns with their current lifestyle.
