Are you finally ready to shed the weight of things you don't need? We all feel it - the nagging feeling that our physical space is holding us back. That's why we're embarking on a journey to a Sorted State using the powerful 5S methodology, and this week, we're diving deep into "Sort" (Seiri).
"Sort" isn't really about throwing things away; it's about intentionality and clarity. It’s the crucial first step that creates a foundation for greater focus and peace of mind.
The Hidden Costs of Clutter: Mental Fatigue and Decision Overload
Living with clutter is a source of stress. It’s not just unsightly; it's a drain on your time, energy, and peace of mind. Excess items constantly demand your mental processing, leading to exhaustion and difficulty making choices. This mental burden reduces your clarity and focus in other areas of life.
Think about those moments of frustration: the frantic search for lost items, the awkwardness of inviting guests over, fewer spaces that feel like a true sanctuary, and less time for what truly matter. Pinpointing the sources of such stress is an exercise that helps you calculate the true cost of clutter on your life. What is your time worth? What would you do with an extra hour and a half in a week?
What Does "Sort" Really Mean?
At its core, "Sort" (Seiri) is about separating the necessary from the unnecessary and making swift decisions.
Does this item help me do the work that I do in this space?
For the home, this translates to ruthlessly identifying items you haven't used, duplicates, or things that simply don't serve your current life and goals. It means going through everything and deciding what you truly need, use, or love. If it doesn't fit those criteria, it's clutter, and it's taking up valuable space and mental energy.
Send in the Red Tags!
Have you ever started clearing out a space with a trash bag and a donation bin? How did it make you feel when you second-guessed a decision? Red tagging is a great way to avoid these doubts.
Before I explain red tagging, let’s walk through an example. I’m sorting my desk and I’ve pulled everything off and out of the desk drawers. Think about what you do at your desk, “I use this desk to work on my laptop, pay bills, file critical paperwork, fill out forms for school and other activities, and write and send thank you notes and birthday cards. I also do some planning for work that requires physical paper."
For each item, I ask myself if it helps me do that work. Pens, yes. Stamps, yes. Old charging cables, no, red tag. Daily planner from 2023, no, red tag. Ruler, yes sometimes. Some red tag items can be immediately discarded, if they are broken beyond repair or have no value anywhere. Others need more thought.
Red-tagging gives you time to separate the decision of "does this item belong here?" from "what do I do with this item?" It seems counterintuitive to push the decision to a later date, but there’s a reason for this; when you focus on the first decision “does this item belong here?” you can move quickly, making rapid yes or no decisions.
You can download our Red Tag guide here.
Your Sorting Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sorting through things and reducing clutter requires an investment of your time and effort, as does maintaining the new Sorted State. The good news is, you don't have to tackle your entire pantry or closet in one go. You can sort a single drawer, shelf, bin, or even a small area like the condiment shelf on the door of your fridge, and know that that space is ready for the next steps in 5S – you don't have to do your entire pantry or closet in one go.
Choose a Small, Manageable Area: A single junk drawer, a shelf in your linen closet, or even a section of your wardrobe is a perfect place to begin. This allows you to experience a quick win and build momentum.
Categorize and Decide:
Remove everything from the area and wipe the empty space down. This gives you a blank slate.
For each item, hold it and quickly ask yourself:
"What work is done here, and is this item required for that work?" OR "When have I used this, or when will I need it again?"
Make a swift decision and place the item into one of three initial piles:
Keep: These items clearly belong.
Discard Immediately: Things that are clearly broken or expired! I’m looking at you Benadryl from 2007.
Red Tag: This separates the decision of "does this item belong here?" from "what do I do with this item?" so you can move quickly, making rapid yes or no decisions.
Overcoming Sorting Hurdles
It's common to feel emotional attachment or those pesky "what if I need it someday?" thoughts. My island counter used to be a mountain of my daughter's preschool art (aww, it’s so cuteeeee!!) The clutter, however, was a constant reminder of an unresolved task. Now, I keep only 4 of the "best" pieces at any time, which I often use as unique "thank you" cards for relatives. This helps me feel like they aren't wasted, others get to enjoy them, and I don't have that visible clutter constantly demanding my attention. It was a simple shift that created a significant positive impact on my mental space.
Remember, progress over perfection! Every item you sort frees up mental bandwidth.
Take a Deep Breath
The liberating power of "Sort" is immense. It's the first step in freeing up mental space, reducing decision fatigue, and creating room for clarity and focus in your life. By being intentional about what you keep, you are actively creating a home that supports your deepest desires and purpose.
Next week, we'll build on this momentum as we deep dive into "Set in Order" – finding a logical and sustainable home for everything you've decided to keep.