Let Things Go with the “No Contact” Decluttering Method

Clean breaks are never easy, particularly right after the decision is made to set off in a different direction. While going “no contact” is usually the wisest choice in the long run, the truth is that the immediate aftermath is rough. But applying the same principle to decluttering a home can have the opposite effect. In fact, it may make it easier for some people to let stuff go. 

“The ‘no contact’ decluttering method can be a great option for getting yourself unstuck,” says Katrina Teeple, professional organizer and founder of Operation Organization. “While it’s ideal to be able to decide in the moment whether you are going to keep or donate items, this stops so many people from decluttering. Decision fatigue is real, and the ‘no contact’ method allows you to see how your home would feel and function if you keep less without the fear of regret.”

It’s common during the organizing process to backtrack and second guess. But don’t let imagined scenarios stop you from trying to be more streamlined. After all, sometimes stress over the present is worse than regret over the past. If you’re ready to move on from disorganized surroundings, even slowly but surely, read about the “no contact” decluttering method below. 

What is the “No Contact” Decluttering Method?

Of all the decluttering methods out there, this one is undoubtedly understanding. The “no contact” approach asks followers to put items they may no longer need into a box until a specific date. When that deadline hits, the owners can decide whether or not these boxed items are still needed. Maybe nothing was missed, but maybe certain things were. In any case, this set amount of time helps make the decision clear. 

“Boxing up things you think you can live without and putting them in a closet or garage for a set amount of time takes the pressure off—people can see what is possible for their lives while living with less,” Teeple says. 

Who is the Method Best For?

Teeple has used the “no contact” method on clients who are new to decluttering or perhaps more sentimental than most. She’s also incorporated it into plans for those in the middle of a big life change, such as downsizing. It’s best to start with non-essentials, from holiday decorations to seasonal clothing, to get a sense of what can be deemed superfluous. “The key to a successful experience with ‘no contact’ decluttering is setting and sticking to a future date when you will reevaluate if you can get rid of the clutter you boxed up,” she says. 

Pinpoint a deadline in the near distance, and be sure to mark the date in a place you’ll remember. “Setting a date of six months in advance is a good idea, even though people may think, ‘That is so long!’” Teeple says. “Give yourself adequate time to experience life without the clutter. Doing so will make you more likely to get rid of what you boxed up. But if you love your new space after a couple of months, then by all means get rid of the clutter sooner!”

What Supplies Do I Need? 

You’ll want to use boxes that can stay out of sight for a while, so you may have to purchase new ones depending on what’s going inside. “What I have found in my 20 years of professional organizing is that the ‘no contact’ method causes clients to get rid of so much more, because it eliminates the worry about letting something go that they were on the fence about,” Teeple says. 

She recommends getting eight medium-sized packing boxes and four trash bags ready for one run-through, so that you don’t have to stop if you’re on a roll and you can immediately toss anything that’s broken or unnecessary. Teeple also suggests taking pictures of the area you’re working on before the decluttering gets underway, so that you’ll have a reminder of the past when it’s time to reopen the boxes. And the last supply detail will also come in handy for the future: A permanent marker.

“Label the boxes with their general contents and don’t forget to date it,” she says. “This will help remind you of what’s in the box so you won’t have to reopen everything you’ve decluttered later.” You’ll also want to store the boxes in a spot that you won’t come across every day, to limit the temptation of picking through it. 

How to Do “No Contact” Decluttering

Since you’ll have ample supplies to get this project underway, and a generous timeframe to adjust to the shift, Teeple suggests filling the boxes with items throughout your entire home—not just a specific room. 

“It’s best to do this over the course of a week,” she says. “This doesn’t mean you have to spend all day decluttering, but I suggest two uninterrupted hours per day over a week, or two uninterrupted weekends, to hit all the nooks and crannies.” 

Plan for the process to go room by room, and build momentum where things are easier to either toss or go “no contact.” For instance, start in a guest room that’s sneakily storing old linens in drawers or a living room that’s filled with board games that haven’t been touched in years. As you get used to clearing out stowaways, you’ll have the confidence you need to move on to more challenging spots. 

“Stick to a room until you feel like you’ve decluttered it sufficiently,” Teeple says. “You want to feel the effects of clutter-free spaces, not just a-little-less-cluttered spaces.” Make sure that you fill the boxes with things that may still be useful and aren’t duplicates. If the items are sentimental, decide if you want to keep them within arm’s reach or can possibly part with them at a later date. With “no contact,” you can see what it’s like to go without. 

When it’s time to open the boxes you set aside, be honest about how you felt in the interim. More often than not, you can donate the contents without getting emotions involved. And better yet, the results of this method should last. “Once you have completed the ‘no contact’ decluttering method, you should be able to buy less, keep less, and be more thoughtful about your consumption.”