I thought I'd heard it all when it comes to tidying, but it turns out there's one tip I didn't know: The FhiFho method.
While it might sound abstract, it's rather straightforward. It's an abbreviation for for 'full hands in, full hands out', a clever mantra experts say will make it easy to relocate items without delay.
Here, professional organizers share their advice on how to use this tidying tip, and share which areas of the home it's most effective for.
What is the FhiFho method?
Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, explains, 'This method, when applied to organizing and tidying, means that when you enter a space, you should have a handful of items that belong in that room or area, and when you leave that room, your hands should also be carrying items that don't belong in that space, hence 'full hands in, full hands out.'
In general, this is a brilliant way to tackle tidying when overwhelmed, and will work well to tidy up the whole house in less than four hours, too.
As Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly, adds, the goal of this method is to continuously put things away, to help reduce the amount of clutter you might otherwise have lying around.
'I think it’s a great method to help get control of what I call the Clutter Crumbs,' she says. 'The little bits and bobs that float about and get in the way. While it may not be practical to do it every time you walk in and out of a room, it’s a fantastic mindset to help remember to put things away.
'Unhoused items not in their proper homes are a leading cause of the clutter issue, so anything we can do to return them to their place will cut it down. Returning things to where they belong is half the battle against clutter.'
This is similar to the 'one touch' tidying rule, which also helps to break bad habits and cut clutter at the same time.
Where is the FhiFho method best for?
The FhiFho method is best for organizing kids toys, say our pros
While you can use the FhiFho method anywhere and everywhere around your house, Tracy advises that it's best for anything kid-related, like organizing toys, or organizing a playroom.
'Toys, jackets, and stuffies seem to end up all over the house, so teaching your kids to grab a toy and return it to where it lives, not only cuts the clutter but teaches children to organize,' she explains. 'That’s a win/win!'
Similarly, it will work just as well for tidying and organizing pet supplies and aligns with the pick up and place method, which sees you pick up an out-of-place item on your way around the house, and put it near, or in the spot it belongs. The cumulative effect is not to be sniffed at, as all those little nuggets of energy add up.
Drawbacks of the FhiFho method
'We don't want to let this method rule our lives or prevent ourselves from being able to relax'
While this tidying technique is great for organizing, being efficient, and preventing leaving items lying around, and there aren't any outright drawbacks of it, we do want to keep in mind human behaviour, warns Ben.
'We don't want to let this method rule our lives or prevent us from being able to relax,' he explains. 'Instead, we want to follow the principles and goals of FhiFho.'
For example, there won't always be a full handful of items you need to relocate – don't force yourself if there aren't. In fact, doing so is a tidying habit to quit for a happier life.
'We want this process to be organic,' adds Ben, and we completely agree. Ditching housekeeping perfectionism will stand you in good stead for a better and more sustainable cleaning routine.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
You don't have to physically carry items from room to room in your arms – sometimes it's much easier to pop them in a stylish storage basket instead. This one features sturdy integrated handles for convenient portability.
This gorgeous basket also doubles up as storage for your spare blankets and bedding, with a foldable design that's available in six colors.
This book details how to declutter your home like Tracy McCubbin, including how to break down the seven emotional clutter blocks, and declutter after a big life change.
Meet our experts
Ben has significant experience with level five hoarders, which has given him a unique insight which decluttering methods really work to turn round and transform a home for good, like the FhiFho method.
Tracy has been professionally decluttering and organizing since 2006, providing hands-on experience for over 20 years on sorts of tips, tricks and methods.
Have you heard of the '3-box Decluttering Method'? Experts urge you not to put off decision-making when it comes to decluttering, and for good reason.
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