Facing a lengthy decluttering to-do list can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed. It often feels simpler to put it off rather than tackle it head-on.
This is where the Domino Decluttering Method shines. It breaks down larger tasks into manageable pieces, allowing you to stop whenever you need a break.
Experts suggest that this method is effective for finding motivation through personal achievements. I tried it in my own home and found it to be both easy and impactful.
Understanding the Domino Decluttering Method
The Domino Decluttering Method is quite straightforward. You begin with a small, easily achievable task, and use the momentum from that success to move on to the next, gradually working your way up to the more challenging tasks.
This efficient decluttering technique helps you ease into chores, leveraging the dopamine boost from completing each task to motivate you for the next one, like a chain reaction.
For example, you might start by clearing a few items from your nightstand, then move to decluttering the drawers, followed by tidying up your bedroom and eventually organizing your closet. Each completed step serves as a motivator, driving you forward and minimizing procrastination.
Cathy Orr, a professional organizer and owner of This Uncluttered Life, notes that this method is especially helpful for those new to large-scale cleaning, those who become overwhelmed easily, or anyone unsure of where to begin when decluttering.
"It's a way to pace yourself and achieve quick wins early on," she explains. "This encourages continued progress on larger challenges while helping individuals gauge the time and effort needed for decluttering. Plus, it offers immediate improvements in their environments."
Start small by putting away just one item and gradually build from there.
When utilizing the Domino Decluttering Method, determine your starting and ending goals to guide your progress. Think of it like setting up dominoes; you wouldn't knock over the middle domino first!
Cathy suggests beginning with a drawer in an easy area, such as the bathroom. Go through personal care items, condense where possible, recycle empty containers, and check for expired products. You may need several sessions to finish. Starting with the countertop can also be effective, allowing you to progress until the entire bathroom is organized.
You can adjust this approach to fit your attention span, similar to the Sunday Butterfly Method, where you work through a designated area and declutter as you go until the task is done.
Working room by room can also be beneficial. This is a strategy Cathy learned as a KonMari consultant. Remember, not all your dominoes need to fall in one day.
Cathy advises, "Start with something small, like taking out the trash or decluttering one drawer or cabinet. Live with the changes and notice how a little organizing can transform your space. Begin with an easy room and continue until it's complete. Then, tackle the next room that presents a bit more challenge. Consistency is key to moving forward without revisiting previous steps."
My Experience with the Domino Decluttering Method
I applied this method to tidy a cluttered entryway after the holiday season.
I usually rely on the ski-slope organizing method, but after a busy hosting period, I needed a more manageable solution for my entryway.
Utilizing clever tactics like this can be a lifesaver when dealing with health challenges, such as fatigue or chronic pain.
I'd fallen into the habit of leaving coats on chairs instead of hangers and shoes scattered on the floor instead of stored neatly. After motivating myself with some body-doubling videos, I started small by removing trash like packaging and opened mail.
With the clutter cleared and the space looking tidier, I tackled the next step: putting shoes away in the cabinet (a slimline BRUSALI shoe unit from IKEA).
Feeling encouraged by my progress, I then addressed the most significant task: organizing the coats. With more jackets than our small entryway can reasonably hold on our wall hook rack from Walmart, I had to make some tough decisions about what to keep, what to store away, and what to hang back up.
While some advise starting with the largest task, if you need a motivational boost, beginning small and building up is definitely the way to go.
FINAL THOUGHTS: This method scores a perfect 10/10 for decluttering, especially when your energy is low, but you still want to tackle the chaos at home.
Recommended Products
Two sizes
Small Woven Water Hyacinth Milk Crate
At 8x10x11 inches, these handwoven baskets are perfect for drop zones, shelves, and cabinets. They simplify tidying and hiding clutter, and the cut-out handles allow for easy transport.
Set of six
Plastic Storage Baskets With Bamboo Lid
These stacking bins work well in cabinets and drawers, maximizing vertical space while allowing for easy categorization. The perforated design provides ventilation, but avoid storing open food items in them.
Wireless
Makeid Label Maker Machine With Tape
Labeling closed storage makes it easier to find items later and helps everyone in your home maintain your organizing systems. This keeps your organization from falling apart.
Nine million copies sold
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
This bestselling book condenses a wealth of knowledge into 200 pages, making it accessible for readers of all ages.
Machine washable
Mr. Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
As you declutter, don't forget to clean and dry surfaces. These reusable cloths can be machine washed for years with proper care. Just wash them in warm water with gentle detergent (avoid fabric softener) after use.
EWG Certified
Attitude All Purpose Cleaner
This cleaner is certified non-toxic by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), meaning it contains no harsh chemicals. It's an excellent multi-surface cleaner to pair with the Domino method for quick home cleaning.
Meet the Expert
Cathy is a co-founder of The Uncluttered Life and the Declutter Deck, featured in FabFitFun. She's also a certified master of the KonMari method.
If you find it difficult to get started, try pairing the Domino method with the Try-for-Five technique, where you commit to a task for just five minutes. You may discover that after those five minutes, your energy increases enough to continue.
The Five-Day Clutter Shakedown can also help you make progress without leaving large messes behind.
