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If there’s any decluttering method that’s having its moment lately – it’s the OHIO method of cleaning & decluttering. Bloggers and creators are raving about it. Magazines are writing about it. But what’s the fuss about, really? OHIO stands for ‘Only Handle It Once’. The idea is that once you pick up something when clearing up, you need to immediately decide its fate. No procrastinating. No putting off what to do with it later.
You can see the allure of this idea. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve put off what to do with that almost-empty bottle of lotion, that extra storage container lid, that tumbler that I haven’t ever used (but what if I need it tomorrow?).
But does the OHIO method of decluttering really work? In this article, I will take you through the advantages and the pitfalls of the OHIO Method. So you can make an informed decision based on your personality and lifestyle.
Understanding the OHIO Method
The OHIO cleaning method is focussed on efficiency and decisiveness.
The fundamental idea is simple: handle each item only once, make an immediate decision whether to keep, donate/sell, or discard it.
This approach is designed to prevent procrastination and reduce second-guessing.
Pros of the OHIO Method
Increases Efficiency
Since you’re making decisions quickly, the OHIO method is intended to save you time.
Reduces Mental Pile Up
The less you procrastinate, the less things weigh on your mind, the less they pile up as unaddressed mental load.
Some studies even have pointed to the advantages of decision-oriented declutter methods.
This is one of the biggest advantages of the OHIO method in my opinion.
Prevents Re-Cluttering
When you deal with stuff immediately, there are lesser chances of things being shuffled around and ending up back in storage.
Fosters Mindfulness
Since you’re picking up each item and really thinking about its fate – the process requires focus and presence.
I’ve found that it kind of forces you to be more mindful.
In some ways you’re compelled to think about possessions and their use, fostering a more intentional lifestyle.
Cons of the OHIO Method
The Relocate Problem
Since the whole rule is about dealing with each item then and there – it can take you to multiple trips across your home to relocate stuff.
Often this means taking multiple trips to the same room to keep different items as and when you pick them up, instead of taking all the items of a similar category to the right place in one single trip.
As a result, even though this method is designed to save you time – it can sometimes, counter-intuitively cause you to spend more time decluttering.
Decision Pressure
The stringent pressure to make immediate decisions can get overwhelming, especially when it comes to decluttering sentimental items.
Possibility Of Regrets
Quick decisions may sometimes also be too rushed.
This may lead to regrets about discarding or donating items that hold sentimental value or are expensive.
Low Flexibility
The OHIO method of decluttering is quite pointed and narrow in its set of rules.
This rigidity often doesn’t take into account the emotional or situational complexities of decluttering.
Is the OHIO Method Of Cleaning Right for You?
All decluttering or cleaning methods are all designed to motivate you to take action.
However, some may work better than others – depending on your personality, your lifestyle and your specific kind of clutter.
If you’re someone who prefers taking clear, immediate decisions – the OHIO method could be highly effective.
On the other hand, if you don’t like to be bound by a narrow set of actions in order to declutter or if you have a lot of sentimental & complex items to sort through, you might want to choose another declutter challenge or method.
My Verdict
I’m a serial procrastinator. But putting things off does take a load on my mind over time.
I keep thinking about how I didn’t get something done – until one day, when I’m forced to take action because guests are to drop by.
This is exactly why I like the assured decision-making rule of OHIO.
It doesn’t give my monkey brain an option, I just have to deal with it now.
While I’m totally on board with this commitment to decision-making, I’m not a big fan of the literal rule of ‘once you’ve picked it up, deal with it’. I find it far more efficient to first junk the trash items from an area, then sort the rest into donate/sell and relocate. This way you get things done in one go rather than running around your house – relocating one item at a time.
If you want understand the details of my ‘Trash Bag Therapy’ method and how it helps my clear out tons of clutter in just 20 minutes, every single time – I have a detailed free guide for you that you can sign up and download below:
Have you tried the OHIO method of decluttering? Which declutter method works for you best?
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences down below.
