For many of us, decluttering feels like death by a thousand choices. Whether it’s decision fatigue, or sentimentality, or a bit of scarcity fear, we might find it easier to hold onto things rather than choose what goes away. 

But what if the first step wasn’t to decide what has to go? What if decluttering didn’t initially involve getting rid of anything? Would it even still be considered decluttering?

According to one organizing enthusiast, the answer is yes. And, in fact, it can make decluttering that much more effective. 

Dawn Madsen, who aptly goes by “the Minimalist Mom” online, has over 800 helpful videos geared towards simple strategies to declutter homes. She also has a mentorship program for those who want some one-on-one guidance. 

Recently, Madsen discussed the concept of “backwards decluttering,” which flips the script on how we normally tidy up and makes the process “fly by.” With zero “hard decisions.”

How to “Reverse Clutter”

Here’s how it works: 

Step 1: Select the things you use regularly, and place them in “prime real estate”

Madsen suggested placing daily use items like toothpaste and moisturizer in the drawer next to the sink.........

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