Revitalize Your Space with the 'Declutter Like a Tourist' Technique

Finding new strategies for tidying up can be exciting, and the 'Declutter Like a Tourist' technique is one of the most enjoyable approaches I've discovered.

This method encourages you to temporarily forget your familiarity with your home, allowing you to view it as if encountering it for the first time. Identifying items that seem out of place or excessive becomes easier. I consulted with professional organizers to delve into why this approach is effective and how to implement it.

If you're interested in decluttering strategies that can give your home a fresh outlook, this one is definitely worth a try.

Understanding the Declutter Like a Tourist Technique

Though this method evokes thoughts of travel and sun-soaked beaches, it simply means to imagine viewing your space as a tourist would.

Ben Soreff, a professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, explains, 'Organizing involves time and effort, so applying a structured method can be highly beneficial. The key step in organizing is evaluation, which many overlook.'

Ben adds, 'Employing the Declutter Like a Tourist technique can enhance this evaluation phase. Viewing your belongings with a fresh perspective enables you to assess items without any emotional attachment, despite the name.'

While you can do this alone, involving a friend or family member might provide insights into items you've grown blind to.

Where to Apply the Declutter Like a Tourist Technique

This decluttering technique is effective in any area where clutter tends to accumulate, including living rooms, entryways, and kitchens.

Ben notes, 'It's also useful for re-evaluating decor and artwork.'

Regardless of what you're decluttering, it's essential to disregard previous perceptions of items, such as their cost or sentimental value.

Ben advises, 'From there, assess how often you use each item to determine its ideal placement in your home.'

Additionally, consider how many of each item you have and figure out suitable storage solutions.

Steps to Implement the Declutter Like a Tourist Technique

Curious about how to use this innovative decluttering technique? Hillary Cooper, a professional declutterer and president of Uncluttered, offers her best tips:

• Invite a close friend or family member: Choose someone who can provide honest feedback.
• Avoid cleaning beforehand: Resist the urge to tidy up before they arrive, as this will ensure genuine results.
• Inspect every corner: Encourage your co-declutterer to explore every space, just like checking into a new hotel. Open cabinets, drawers, and closets, taking notes as you go.
• Use a timer: Setting a timer can help keep the process manageable and prompt you to take breaks. You can use your phone or an Antonki timer from Amazon.
• Donate or sell unwanted items: Consider hosting a yard sale or donating to a local charity.

Suggested Products

All prices reflect the time of publication.

Amazon Basics Cube Organizers

These boxes are my go-to for sorting items during decluttering. Once you're finished, you can use them for storage or easily fold them away.

Rosecliff Heights Bavan Rattan Basket

This stylish rattan basket is perfect for keeping items you wish to keep organized and out of sight. It features sturdy handles for easy carrying and comes in three colors.

Birch Lane Vanora Decorative Box

These decorative boxes work well for keeping smaller items hidden while maintaining a stylish environment. They offer excellent storage solutions for both living and bedroom spaces.

Meet Our Experts

Ben is part of the expert team at House to Home Organizing and specializes in hoarding. He enjoys discovering unique methods that can permanently enhance homes and lifestyles, like the Declutter Like a Tourist technique.

Hillary is a decluttering specialist and president of Uncluttered. Her goal is to bring peace amid downsizing, moving, and family changes. She designs personalized plans and loves exploring innovative techniques.

Looking for additional decluttering strategies for a fresh perspective? The 'No-More-Than-4' rule, the 'Buy Again' test, and the 'Ski-Slope' organization method are also effective options.

Alternatively, consider decluttering based on your unique messiness type.