Decluttering hack: Woman explains the dot and ditch method using stickers that makes process easier

We’re all guilty of holding onto a few things around the house – especially in the kitchen – ‘just in case’. 

It’s hard to know if you’re ever going to need certain items, but it makes the process of decluttering so much harder. 

Thankfully, a woman named Erica has shared a genius way to get on top of this, and all you need is a packet of red stickers. 

Watch the video above. 

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“If ‘I might need this someday’ is the reason you have so much stuff, here’s the easiest trick to decide what stays (without the mental gymnastics),” read the text over the video. 

“It’s called Dot and Ditch”. 

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The idea is simple: You place a small red dot sticker on anything you’re unsure about keeping. 

Then, if you use it, take the sticker off and it stays. After 90 days, go back through the items and whatever is left with a sticker in tact… it’s time to get rid of it. 

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“No more circling the same “maybe” items for years. Just clear answers – and a clearer space,” read the caption on the clip.

The hack is great because you don’t have to deal with the mental stress of looking at a cupboard or drawer full of stuff and immediately going through it, which is what leaves many of us with a growing “might need it” pile.

People on social media were surprisingly divided about the hack. 

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“I found that it actually encouraged me to use some of the items because I didn’t want to give them up but I hadn’t been using them. I have no problem letting things go, I do it every three months. I LIVE for a good purge,” replied one person.

Another commented, “Love this idea.”

Decluttering tips and hacks to make it quick and easy

One woman in the comments had an upgrade to the hack, which can help you sort through larger items too.

“Red dot for anything smaller than your arm and yellow dot for anything larger than your arm. The idea is that red dot items get 90 days and yellow dot items get a year. This will account for travel, holiday and weather dependent items,” she commented.

Others suggested the system is flawed, because you might get rid of all your winter stuff or Christmas decorations in March if you did this.

But the key here is to use common sense.

If it is something you haven’t used but know you will for the festive season, or in the cooler months or for baking a special cake once a year, don’t declutter it.

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