Use the Four-Box Method to sort and purge

Label four boxes or bags -- Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, and Relocate -- then pick a small area like a single drawer or shelf. Handle each item once and place it into one of the four boxes immediately, with no "maybe" pile allowed.

Steps

1. Choose a small, manageable area such as a drawer, shelf, or countertop.
2. Set up the four labelled containers side by side.
3. Pick up each item individually and sort it: Keep if you use it regularly or truly value it, Donate/Sell if it is in good condition but no longer needed, Trash if broken or expired, Relocate if it belongs in a different room.
4. Return Keep items to the area in an organized way. Take Trash out immediately. Put Donate/Sell in your car or a designated drop-off spot. Distribute Relocate items to their proper homes.

Tips

• Start with a low-attachment area like a junk drawer to build momentum
• Repeat with one small area per day to avoid burnout
• Setting a 20-minute timer per area keeps sessions focused