Pro organizers say this is why the 'reverse decluttering' trick really works
Decluttering can be overwhelming. After all, it's hard to part with certain things, especially if you have a sentimental attachment or think they might be useful. That's where this creative decluttering method that lets you keep items can be helpful. Organizing experts filled us in on the reverse decluttering method, which combines upcycling and organizing. Rather than putting your unneeded items in a garbage bag or donation box, the reverse decluttering method challenges you to see if you can find another use for the item. For instance, you might use an old candle jar as a makeup organizer or a worn-out towel as a cleaning rag.
This organizing strategy is best if you know you can be disciplined about getting rid of the items that can't be upcycled. If you suspect you'll just end up moving your clutter from one box to another without actually repurposing your items, it may be best to try a different decluttering approach. Some of the strategies that Good Housekeeping editors have tried and loved include the core 4 method, the 10-10 method, and the 30-second method.
Keep reading for everything you want to know about reverse decluttering. And if you're looking for even more upcycling inspiration, check out our collections of expert tips on how to repurpose pillowcases, tablecloths, old t-shirts, and more.
What Is Reverse Decluttering?
Reverse decluttering is much like upcycling, but with an organizational twist. Before you start decluttering, create a "Keep" box for any knick knacks or worn items you might be able to reuse or transform. Even if you don't have a full solution for each item just yet, keep it until you're done decluttering. Then, you can go through the box and put your creativity to the test.
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"We, as professional organizers, understand that people have a sentimental connection to their belongings, so the process of helping people downsize has to be gentle but guided with expertise. If there are ways to repurpose items in your home to give them new life that will be functional for your lifestyle, we are big supporters," says Christie Childers of Imagine It Done.
Items to Keep
So what exactly should you keep? While nothing is necessarily off limits, it's important for each old item to serve a new purpose. Here are a few favorites according to pro organizers.
✔️ Candles
Once all the wax is gone, candles can become canisters for cotton balls in the bathroom, desktop organization for paperclips in the office or even vases for small flower arrangements around the house.
"They could also be turned into other organizers to hold makeup, toothbrushes, pens or pencils, kitchen utensils or TV remotes," says Hannah Goetz of Hannah Goetz Organizing.
✔️ Jars
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You probably gain a few jars every time you grocery shop — why not find another purpose for them? "Any old glass jars can be used as decanting containers for food, dry goods, supplements or medicine. The options are endless," says Devin VonderHaar of The Modern Minimalist.
✔️ Mismatched Socks
We're not saying you should keep all of your old socks, but you could definitely repurpose a pair or two to create a couple handy shoe deodorizers. Fill up old cotton socks with baking soda, tie them with a rubber band and throw them in your shoes overnight. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for even more of a fresh scent.
✔️ Boxes
Debating what to do with that old box? VonderHaar suggests using it as a drawer divider in the kitchen, office or bathroom. "Some people also use old shoe boxes in a similar way," she says.
Cereal boxes can also be repurposed: "You can cut off the tops, lie them on their sides, cover them with a fun peel-and-stick wallpaper and use them as paper filing trays or a mail sorter," says Goetz.
✔️ Old Textiles
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Before you go ahead and throw out that old t-shirt or towel, consider what's on your cleaning to-do list. Pro organizers agree that old textiles can usually be repurposed into rags, even if that means cutting a larger towel into multiple smaller pieces.
✔️ Grocery Bags
Plastic or reusable grocery bags can come in handy when organizing a closet. Think smaller items like gloves, scarves and hats that don't stay put on hangers. Throw them in an old tote, hook them onto a hanger and store them all together for easy access.
Tips From the Pros
When you're in the process of reverse decluttering, you might be tempted to repurpose items that no longer serve you. Keep these expert tips in mind to avoid creating more clutter.
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- Don't rush it: "Declutter everywhere first, and create a pile for items that may be reverse decluttered. Once you’ve edited down and gotten donations out of the house, then reassess the items to be reverse decluttered and make final decisions," says VonderHaar.
- Keep function in mind: "Be intentional about what you choose to repurpose — if it just leads to more piles or ends up unused, it’s probably not worth keeping," says Goetz.
- Be realistic: "Anything that is stained and soiled, has a long-lasting bad smell, no longer fits you and likely won’t again or is past a listed expiration date must go," says Childers.
