Experts share tips for quickly clearing the clutter of a doom pile.
If you’re a dedicated doom piler, take heartthere are some benefits to this not-so-organized organizing strategy.
What Is a Doom Pile?
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But in the long run, they’re not a sustainable solution.
Jamie Hord of Horderly
“Organizationally, [doom piles] are not healthy.
Use these organizer-approved tactics to help conquer your doom pile clutter.
Don’t let the doom pile bin overflow, either: Take time to empty it once full.
Trust Your Instincts and Keep Working
attempt to avoid overthinking about items when sorting your doom pile.
Go with your first thought and follow your instinct.
Then, be sure to come back and make final decisions about the maybe pile before finishing decluttering.
Create a game out of decluttering your doom pile.
It’s much easier to avoid a doom pile than sorting through it.
Set a timer to help manage the task and avoid getting overwhelmed or tired.
“The sooner you’re free to address stray items, the better,” Hagmeyer says.
Analyze the items in your doom bag or box.
“Focus on one item at a time to determine where that item should live,” Hord says.
“Piles can accumulate because were avoiding a larger task,” explains Marissa Hagmeyer of NEAT Method.
“A good example of this is mail and other paperwork that often requires an action item.
Sort things into easier-to-manage groups like ‘to shred,’ ‘to file,’ and ‘needs attention.’
Add labels to keep track of your system.
Then, make an effort to tackle each group as soon as that section is full.”