'Big results before you know it' – experts urge you to use the ‘Take Away 10’ method for simple decluttering with zero decision fatigue

Have you ever looked at your decluttering checklist and felt completely overwhelmed? Or struggled to make consistent decisions that truly make a difference to your space? If that's the case, the 'Take Away 10' method might just be the perfect cure.

Shortcut your way to an organized home overhaul by focusing on one room, area, or even drawer, and take away 10 items to put back where they belong, or to donate – it's as simple as that.

Here, professional organizers share their thoughts on this straightforward decluttering method, with their top tips for streamlining success.

What is the 'Take Away 10' method?

As Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly, explains, ''The 'Take Away 10' method is exactly what it sounds like. This method involves you finding 10 things in a space – whether that's your bedroom, primary closet, or even just your junk drawer – and getting rid of them!

'Instead of diving head first into a decluttering project with no plan, choose 10 specific things to get rid of.'

For that reason, this is a great technique to combine with the 'Didn't Know' decluttering trend, which involves quickly and easily decluttering items you didn't even know you had. And, as Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, adds, 'You can then repeat the pattern again and again,' setting yourself up for a successful decluttering session.

How the 'Take Away 10' method helps decision fatigue

Knowing how to overcome decision fatigue when decluttering can be difficult, especially if you're trying to overcome a decluttering roadblock. Luckily, as Tracy highlights, the 'Take Away 10' method can be used to combat feelings of low mood, stress, and mental exhaustion.

She explains, 'When you see a closet that is stuffed to the brim or a garage that you can't park your car in, you might shut down immediately. Being faced with a very cluttered space can be overwhelming, and it can lead to decision fatigue if you try to tackle every item in the space at once.'

However, like the 'ODT' decluttering method, choosing just 10 things to declutter keeps you focused on a specific, smaller goal, and breaks the whole decluttering project into more manageable chunks.

Tracy continues, 'Doing a little bit at a time, taking away 10 things a day, will lead to big results before you know it. Just think about it, if you take away 10 things away for just three days a week for a month, you’ll have taken away 120 things by the end of the month.'

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Where the 'Take Away 10' method works best

If you've been struggling to declutter your home when you feel overwhelmed, then this method is for you.

Tracy says, 'This method works great for spaces that feel totally daunting to you. You could use this method to conquer your dreaded junk drawer and have it finally close shut again. You could also use this method on the guest bedroom that’s become a dumping ground.

'Taking away 10 items at a time in any room can make a huge difference if you are consistent with it.'

Professional organizer Ben agrees with Tracy, adding that this method works well in places like the basement and attic, 'that tend to have a lot of 'make it go away', 'kick the can down the road' decisions.'

For some areas, Ben says this method is more about finding 10 items that actually belong elsewhere in the house and putting them away than it is about always decluttering items. He adds, 'Since we don't want decluttering regret or anxiety, getting rid of items should just be a part of the organizing process, not the end goal.'

Of course, how you use this method will depend on you, your decluttering project, and your space – the beauty lies in its flexibility.

Meet the experts

Ben Soreff

Ben has significant experience with level five hoarders, often relying on quick and easy techniques like the 'Take Away 10' method to transform cluttered and chaotic spaces.

Tracy McCubbin

Tracy has been professionally decluttering and organizing since 2006, with over 20 years of experience helping clients successfully declutter their homes.

If you do choose to use the 'Take Away 10' method to declutter rather than tidy up, being aware of the home items decluttering pros say you'll regret throwing away can help to avoid remorse later down the line.