Three Labeled Boxes Are the Key to a Successful Decluttering Session
Before getting rid of anything, set up three outboxes labeled 'Donate,' 'Maybes,' and 'Sell' to sort items during decluttering. These can be any containers you already have, like storage cubes or old boxes. This simple first step helps organize the process and is the opening task of Apartment Therapy's free 14-day Decluttering Cure program.
The three-outbox system is the opening assignment in Apartment Therapy's Decluttering Cure, a free 14-day program that runs three times annually in January, April, and September. Participants are encouraged to repurpose household items like storage cubes or shipping boxes rather than purchasing new containers, with trash bags kept nearby for waste. The "Maybes" category serves a dual purpose, accommodating both undecided items and belongings needing repair. The program also offers email updates, a downloadable calendar, and progress tracking, with the 2026 edition featuring organization award winners.
This approach could help people who feel overwhelmed by decluttering by breaking the process into manageable, clearly defined steps. The three-box method may reduce decision fatigue and emotional attachment issues, potentially benefiting households facing clutter-related stress. As home organization content continues to grow in popularity, such structured programs could influence how individuals approach tidying, possibly leading to more donations and secondhand sales that support local charities and circular economies.