The Black and White Secret to Decluttering

Professional organizers have a secret weapon for tackling overwhelming clutter: a simple, color-coded system. It's a method that transforms chaos into order with surprising ease. Let me share this simple tip so you can use it too!

The Black and White Method

The core of this approach lies in the simple yet effective use of black and white trash bags.  Since the categories are generally KEEP, DONATE & TOSS this makes it easy to keep these things separate.

Black Bags for Donations:

Fill these sturdy bags with items in good condition that no longer serve you. Anything unbreakable including clothing, linens, toys, and household items. Trust me, only use 3-mil thick heavy-duty black contractor bags to prevent accidental tears.  Black lawn bags will not do.

The benefits are two-fold:

1.  The opaque bag prevents others from seeing what is being donated.  Once the decision is made it stays made

2.  And donation centers like to receive things this way as the bags are easier than card board boxes to dispose.

White Bags for Trash:

This is for items that are truly beyond repair or use. Be ruthless! This category includes broken items, expired products, and anything that’s simply garbage. 

I like the Glad Force Flex bags as they are super sturdy and the last thing you need Is for your trash to break open on the way to the bin!

Additional Supplies for Decluttering Success:

Save these items from package deliveries and grocery runs to make it cheap and easy to clear out.

•  Brown Paper Bags: Perfect for recycling paper items like magazines, newspapers, and junk mail.

•  Small Boxes: Use these for sorting smaller items or grouping items you are keeping to return to specific rooms. Also good for packing breakable donations or things that go back to other people.

•  Padded Envelopes and Packing Paper:  Save these from online deliveries for cushioning breakable donated items.

By following this simple system and gathering the right supplies, you'll be well on your way to a clutter-free space. Don’t forget to arrange for a donation pick up or schedule the time to drop them off to really have your decluttering project completed!