I've tried a lot of fun tips and tricks to tidy my home, and the 'The Floor is Lava' decluttering method is no exception.
Just like the fun game it is named after, the method is straightforward and surprisingly fun to do. Simply empty the contents of the drawer or shelf you're hoping to streamline onto the floor and only allow the items truly needed or loved to make it back off the 'lava'.
If you're looking for brilliant decluttering methods that everyone in your household will enjoy, I recommend this sizzling hot technique.
What is The Floor is Lava decluttering method?
It’s always useful to find decluttering tips that everyone will want to get involved with, and this is one that kids will like, thanks to the fact that it has the same name and a similar concept to the popular floor is lava game.
Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, explains, ‘Since reviewing the items you are going to ditch is the most important part of any organizing project, The Floor is Lava will help you do this with ease.
‘It involves taking everything out of a closet or drawer and placing the items on the floor, which will allow you to review everything in context.
‘Judging your items by keeping only the things not vanishing into the lava for good is an extreme example of simplifying the decision-making process. You can use the lava as an easy framework to help guide the decisions.’
Where is the The Floor is Lava method best for?
Try using The Floor is Lava decluttering method in the bedroom, as clutter can build up easily in drawers and closets here.
Focus on decluttering closets and drawers with built-up clutter, such as bedroom nightstands, TV units, and home office desk units.
Devon Fegen-Herdman, professional organizer and founder at Declutter with Devon LLC, says, ‘It is said that clutter is delayed decision-making. Instead of taking the time and difficult decision of what to keep and what to get rid of, people often let items pile up in drawers and closets.
‘You might even have piles or stacks on the floor, behind or next to furniture, or in the corners, which is an even bigger sign that you have too much and items are not fitting into your space.’
Depending on whether you find tidying overwhelming or just like to get it all done at once, you can either empty items out one drawer or closet at a time or just empty everything from all of them onto the floor.
How to do The Floor is Lava method
The Floor is Lava method is brilliant for cluttered shelves, drawers, and closets.
Want to ignite your decluttering flame and give this method a go? Devon has shared her top tips for doing so.
- Get the family involved: Children may be familiar with the floor is lava game, so they will be able to help you pull piles of items on the floor and turn decluttering into a family bonding activity.
- Set a timer: This will help create urgency, with the goal being to remove everything from the floor fast. A ticking clock like the Rjuwurv alarm clock from Amazon will help keep you focused and energized.
- Gather all like items together: Remove and discard anything that is broken or unwanted. Then you have the tough decision of removing items that are in good shape and that you like. It'll also help you identify duplicates to donate or sell.
- Give any wanted items a home: If the items are something that does not already have a home or designated spot to live when not in use, then you must create a home for them now. If you were looking for the item, where would you look first for it?
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Once you've narrowed down the items you want to keep, you can sort out where you want to put them in by using these boxes. Label each box per drawer or closet and then carry them wherever you need to.
Once you have sorted out all your belongings, you can use these clever drawer organizers to keep them contained and visible. These will stop items building up and becoming messy. They're also non-slip, easy to wipe clean and come in eight colors.
Using The Floor is Lava decluttering method to declutter a closet? These storage bags are great for stashing garments while you decide where else to locate them. They also make for easy secondhand store donating.
Meet our experts
Ben is part of the specialized team at House to Home Organizing, and a level 5 hoarding expert. He loves finding unique methods that will transform homes and habits for good, like The Floor is Lava method.
Devon is a professional organizer and founder of Declutter With Devon. She has over 15 years of experience going into people's homes and helping them with their emotions. Devon loves to find systems that work for busy moms to bring them ease in their life, such as The Floor is Lava technique.
Caught the decluttering bug? Try doing more serious clear-outs, such as the 'Move-Out' method, the 'Out in the Open' method, and the 'C.H.A.O.S' method.
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