{"id":6777,"date":"2020-12-03T19:42:14","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T01:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/3.146.49.248\/?p=6777"},"modified":"2026-01-06T08:48:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T14:48:24","slug":"using-the-box-technique-when-you-have-too-much-stuff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/using-the-box-technique-when-you-have-too-much-stuff\/","title":{"rendered":"Using the Box Technique When You Have Too Much Stuff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accumulating clutter happens gradually and many people don\u2019t realize the state of chaos their home is in until it becomes overwhelming. Whether you\u2019re constantly having to search for things you need or can\u2019t seem to find any storage space to put newly acquired items, consumerism happens. We all fall subject to advertisements for the newest products, the prettiest d\u00e9cor, or the most convenient kitchen gadgets. The problem is that eventually the initial awe wears off and you stop using whatever it is you bought, or you get bored with trendy d\u00e9cor. If you start to feel cramped in your own home, it could be time to get rid of some of your things. As minimalism has continued to grow in popularity, more people have started to consciously downsize. When you own too much, especially in a home that doesn\u2019t have adequate storage space, you add unnecessary layers of stress to your everyday tasks. Luckily, there are plenty of strategic techniques that can help you take back your home and reduce clutter that\u2019s fogging your mind. In this article, we\u2019ll discuss everything you need to know about <strong>using the box technique<\/strong> when you have too much stuff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3791617.jpg\" alt=\"Using the Box Technique When You Have Too Much Stuff \"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>How to Use the Box Technique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The box technique is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.breakthetwitch.com\/decluttering-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">popular method to declutter your home<\/a> without causing a mess or adding stress to the process. It\u2019s fairly basic and can be done in any household, any time of the year. The underlying premise includes gathering different boxes and going room to room filling them with your things. Move through the following steps to effectively use the box technique when you have too much stuff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gather Four Different Boxes and Properly Label Them<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first thing you need to do to successfully use the box technique is find boxes. You\u2019ll want to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodhousekeeping.com\/home\/organizing\/a64459069\/four-box-decluttering-method\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">four separate boxes for this task<\/a> to make things as efficient as possible. Label them with the following categories: keep, store, trash, and donate\/sell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-kaboompics-com-5879.jpg\" alt=\"Using the Box Technique When You Have Too Much Stuff\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong> A Keep Box<\/strong> \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/10-decluttering-habits-that-you-can-start-doing-right-now\/\" title=\"\">if you\u2019re trying to declutter your home<\/a>, your keep box should end up having the least number of things inside. These are going to include things that you use regularly, things that have sentimental value, or things that simply fill you joy when you see them every day. Try to limit this box for the most effective results.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A Storage Box<\/strong> \u2013 this box should include things that you absolutely can\u2019t part with, but also don\u2019t need in your home. Instead, you\u2019ll move these items into a secure, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/storage-services\/climate-controlled-storage-units\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">climate controlled self storage<\/a> unit that\u2019s accessible whenever you need it. As you put things into this box, create an inventory to make the self storage process easier later on. Once you fill this box, sort the contents into new boxes that will go into your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">self storage<\/a> unit. Try to pack similar items together (holiday d\u00e9cor, seasonal clothing, etc.) to make retrieval easier later on.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A Trash Box<\/strong> \u2013 your trash box should contain anything that\u2019s not salvageable. If you don\u2019t want something but it\u2019s still in good condition, donate it. However, if it\u2019s falling apart or is too old then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/spring-cleaning-101\/\" title=\"\">toss it in the trash box<\/a>. If it\u2019s damaged and can\u2019t be fixed, it belongs in the trash. Don\u2019t overload donation centers with items that other people can\u2019t use.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A Donate\/Sell Box<\/strong> \u2013 if you don\u2019t want something but it\u2019s still in good condition, put it in the donate\/sell box. You can realistically separate this box into two, but it\u2019s easier to do that as a final step before going to your donation center. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/best-ways-to-make-money-off-your-clutter\/\" title=\"\">If you are getting rid of things that have a high value, sell them<\/a>. If you think that the process of selling it isn\u2019t worth the value, donate it. You can also try holding a garage sale or creating a post on social media and then donating anything that doesn\u2019t sell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/box-267837_640-1.jpg\" alt=\"Using the Box Technique When You Have Too Much Stuff \"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Go Through Your Home Room by Room<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve <a href=\"https:\/\/adhdcenterforsuccess.com\/site\/the-four-box-method-decluttering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">created your boxes and have a good understanding of what will go in each<\/a>, it\u2019s time to get started. Start by picking one room to conquer first and then divide that room into smaller sections. If you try to tackle a room that\u2019s too large all at once, you\u2019ll get overwhelmed and stop halfway through. Try focusing on a corner or a piece of furniture. Make sure that you give yourself enough time and don\u2019t try to finish the entire house in one day. Go slow and take your time figuring out which box everything belongs in. Try to evaluate each of your items individually and focus on what they mean to you. If the item has a purpose, great. If not, consider putting it in either the trash or donation box. If you try to go too fast, you\u2019ll end up with excess stuff in your keep or store box and not enough in the donate or trash box. You might also end up throwing away things that could be salvaged for donations or trash.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re having trouble with this process, ask yourself a few questions about the item you\u2019re evaluating. Think about how often you use it, whether or not it has a place in your house already, or if it adds to disorganization. If you didn\u2019t already have what you\u2019re holding, would you buy it? Take the Marie Kondo approach and ask yourself if each item sparks joy. If it does, great. If not, get rid of it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Be Rational<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing that should be stressed during this entire process is that <a href=\"https:\/\/ideas.ted.com\/got-too-much-stuff-try-these-7-tips-to-help-pare-down\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">things are not the same as memories<\/a>. While a lot of people have difficulty letting go of items they\u2019re emotionally attached to, these items may be causing you more harm than good. Consider whether or not you really need each item and if there\u2019s an emotional attachment that you just can\u2019t part with, put it in your self storage unit. If you don\u2019t continually think about the specific item, but still keep the memory alive, you might not be as attached to the item as you thought.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same concept goes for things that you think you absolutely need. While <a href=\"http:\/\/3.146.49.248\/organize-your-kitchen-like-a-pro\/\">there are hundreds of kitchen gadgets and products that claim to make your life easier<\/a>, how often do you actually use them? Do you really need a plastic \u201cavocado slicer\u201d or can you get the job done with a basic butter knife? Be rational in what you keep. Chances are you\u2019re actually over-complicating life and wasting money by purchasing these types of items. When you start to get rid of them, <a href=\"http:\/\/3.146.49.248\/12-storage-tips-for-your-small-home\/\">you\u2019ll clear up space and find that life becomes more peaceful<\/a>. Plus, you\u2019ll stop wasting money on things you don\u2019t need in the future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve gone through all of your products, head to your closet. Be rational on what you\u2019re going to keep and what you should probably donate. If your clothes don\u2019t fit, get rid of them. While smaller clothes can be motivational, you shouldn\u2019t keep an entire wardrobe that you wore when you were three sizes smaller. Instead, donate them and reward yourself with a new wardrobe once you hit your goal. You\u2019ll find yourself much happier with a closet full of clothes that actually fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/pexels-artem-beliaikin-994523.jpg\" alt=\"Using the Box Technique When You Have Too Much Stuff \"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Empty Boxes and Repeat<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve filled up your boxes, empty them into their respective places and repeat the process. Remember to categorize your storage items so that like items are stored together. When your donation box is filled, decide whether or not you want to try and sell anything or simply head to your preferred donation center and drop off your items. For the things you\u2019re going to keep, make sure that you find a place for them that won\u2019t add to your home\u2019s disorganization. If you can\u2019t find a good place for them, consider moving them into your self storage location. Everything in the trash box should go straight into your trash cans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make sure that all of your things are kept safe, find a self storage facility that has good security and offers climate controlled units. The Lock Up Self Storage has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/the-lockup-self-storage-locations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">storage locations<\/a> in multiple states around the U.S. for your convenience. We offer flexible leasing options alongside a variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/storage-services\/pricing-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">storage options to fit everyone\u2019s budget<\/a> and varying needs. All of our units are temperature controlled and climate controlled to keep your things in the best condition possible. To give you even more peace of mind, all of our locations are equipped with top-of-the-line security features. Our secure self storage facilities feature security-controlled gate access, motion-sensitive lighting, 24-hour camera monitoring, and perimeter alarms. Many of our locations offer electronic coded access specific to each tenant. To find a self storage unit, contact one of the representatives at The Lock Up Self Storage. Give us a call at 1-866-327-LOCK or find a unit online today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Accumulating clutter happens gradually and many people don\u2019t realize the state of chaos their home is in until it becomes overwhelming. Whether you\u2019re constantly having to search for things you need or can\u2019t seem to find any storage space to put newly acquired items, consumerism happens. We all fall subject to advertisements for the newest [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":6813,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-storage-tips"],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6777"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9671,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6777\/revisions\/9671"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelockup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}