The Ski Slope Method: Building Momentum in Decluttering

Decluttering can feel like standing at the top of a steep slope - daunting and hard to get started. That’s where the Ski Slope Method comes in.

This approach suggests you begin with the easy items first - things you already know you don’t need. As your confidence grows, you gradually “slope down” into the harder decisions, like sentimental items or long-kept possessions.

Therapist, turned designer, Anita Yokota created the Ski Slope method for people who feel paralysed by clutter. Instead of diving head first into the steep slope of chaos, you break a room into small “lanes” and glide between them:

• Divide the space into manageable zones and tackle one corner at a time.

• Move from corner to corner rather than front to back. Criss‑crossing the room lessens the “angle” of the metaphorical slope and keeps you from crashing before you reach the end.

• Stay in your lane until it’s completely sorted. This focus stops you from getting distracted by items in other corners.

  
  

The contained zones create quick wins and momentum, the original tester managed to tidy a bedroom in about 30 minutes and an office in 50 minutes.

Why does it work? Because success breeds success. Once you see progress, your energy builds and the process feels less intimidating.

At Sorted NI, we can use this method when clients feel paralysed by where to start. Tackling a junk drawer or an easy cupboard first can be the push you need to build momentum.

Our takeaway: decluttering is like skiing - once you take an 'on the slopes' lesson, you’ll find your rhythm in no time.