The decluttering method that's all about keeping things instead of letting them go

Traditionally decluttering is about going through your belongings and deciding what to get rid of.

But another approach flips that idea so that you're focusing on what you want to keep, and it can be a game changer for anyone struggling to let things go.

It's called reverse decluttering – and even the name sounds more appealing and motivating than decluttering alone.

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Professional organiser Julie Whiting from The Decluttering Co explains that this approach makes us feel better.

"Humans are hard-wired to feel the impact of loss more than the equivalent gain – it's a cognitive bias called loss aversion – that's one reason why decluttering is difficult. Flipping the narrative so we focus on what to keep rather than what to lose might cause us less pain," she tells 9honey Living.

Reverse decluttering can also feel more empowering and lead to a home with items you really appreciate and actually use.

"This creates a sense of intention and helps you build a home that reflects who you are and how you want to live. It also gives you a clearer idea of your personal style and what's most important to you moving forward," Belle Harte, professional organiser from The Organised Abode co, explains.

An approach Harte uses that allows for reverse decluttering is looking at every item in a particular category.

This is instead of going one by one and considering things as you go.

"For example, if we were decluttering board games, we would collect every single one from around the home and place them together. When you see the entire category laid out in front of you, it's much easier to make clear, confident decisions about which ones you truly want to keep," she says.

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As good as reverse decluttering sounds, it does have some drawbacks with the main one being the time it takes to do.

"It can take longer, because you're considering every item carefully, the process can feel slower, especially if you have a lot of belongings," Harte says.

Knowing you want to keep something is one thing but there is still the issue of having space to put it.

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There's also the potential to keep more than you really want or need since the method makes you feel like you have permission to get rid of less.

"Depending how decisive we are, it may prolong or delay the inevitable tough decisions. Saying 'I really love these 20 items' does not solve the problem of how to deal with the remaining 20, which may still be difficult to remove from our lives for various reasons," Whiting adds.

Reverse decluttering isn't for everyone but for some people it could make things a lot easier to get started.

Whiting recommends it for "people who are feeling stuck" as shifting perspectives can kickstart the decision-making process.

This method can also help those feeling sentimental, anxious or overwhelmed by decluttering, according to Harte.

She also recommends it for anyone keen to organise their home with intention.

"By focusing on what you truly want to keep, you naturally highlight the things that support your current lifestyle and bring you joy. The end result is a space that feels calm, meaningful, and uniquely yours," she explains.

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