Clutter is never a good thing. Whether you listen to scientists or the little voice in your head that sounds like your mom telling you to tidy up your room, you know that a messy environment is not doing you any favors. Don’t believe us? Several recent scientific studies have shown direct links between disorganized living and working spaces and higher levels of stress and lower self-esteem.

Despite knowing this, it can still be challenging to declutter. Where do we even start? MUJI has a simple four stage process for achieving a more compact life. It is not about minimalism or just getting rid of your stuff indiscriminately, instead it is about being selective and smart about the things you do own and how you store them.

STAGE 1:

Think about your possessions

The trick here is to categorize your belongings into what is necessary and not. Are you holding on to old clothes that don’t fit or are so dated that they belong in a museum? Do you have your old report cards from kindergarten? These are unnecessary items that neither add to your life nor have any function. Keep only what is truly necessary and get rid of the rest.

Sort

Put everything out where you can see it. Things that are functional and still needed go into the necessary pile. Things that have no real use but are important to you like gifts, souvenirs or keepsakes can go into your “Happy” pile. Finally, things that have no real value or function should go into your “Bye Bye” pile. Keep only what you need or what excites you.

Evaluate

Some things might have nothing but sentimental value. Instead of keeping them in your drawers, move them online instead. take pictures of old documents, keepsakes and mementos so you can let them go.

STAGE 2:

Think about the shape of your storage

Now that you have gotten rid of things and know what you want to keep, it is time to think how to put them away so that it serves you. Planning your storage solutions in a way that fits your life and space will transform your home from cluttered and messy to efficient and beautiful.

Layout

You should already have everything out in your three piles from the last stage. Put all of the items in your “Bye Bye” pile in bags and boxes and put them near the door or in your car so you can either throw them away or donate them. Look at the other two piles.

MUJI’s Tip: You might want to consider displaying your special items instead of hiding them away. MUJI’s acrylic boxes and organizers are perfect for these. They’re also perfect for things like jewelry and makeup where seeing your items easily will help you remember to wear and enjoy them.

Stay flexible

Choosing storage that allows for change in size and use can make it so much easier when your collections grow or shrink.

MUJI’s Tip: The Polypropylene Storage Drawers (PP drawers) are a perfect example. They stack easily on each other and come in several different widths and heights. You can add more when you need to, or pack them away flat when you don’t.

Organize

Eliminating mess, imbalance, and disorganization by making sure that items that go together live together. Keep items tidy in drawers by using the smaller propylene trays. Consider adding the velour divider in your acrylic drawers for your dainty jewelry. Not only will it protect your precious items, it will also keep them organized and make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.

STAGE 3:

Think about how to store items

Consider how items are used when storing them. Similar items like pens, notebooks and staplers should all be kept in the same location. If you mostly use these items in your living room then they should be stored there.

MUJI’s Tip: The Rattan Boxes are great for storage but are also beautiful decor pieces that can blend in with almost every interior aesthetic.

Arrange

Things like stationery are easy to categorize and keep together, other items might be trickier. It might be easier to think of when and where you use items. For example, all seasonal clothing can be put away together regardless of their type, since they will all need to be packed and taken out at the same time.

MUJI’s Tip: Documents and paperwork should be stored properly in the file boxes so that you can always find your birth certificate or contracts when you need them.

Store

Frequently used items need to be easily accessible, while items that aren’t can be put away under the bed or higher up on shelves.

MUJI’s Tip: Label your containers and boxes if within are items that you don’t want to store in an acrylic box. We often forget what is in a box if we haven’t opened it for a few weeks. It is easier to just label them instead of having to open and check every single one.

STAGE 4:

Think about enriching your life

Think about enriching your life We own things because they are necessary or bring us joy, or at least these should be the reasons. If the clutter is stressing you out, then it is time for these items to go. When you consider buying something new, you should keep in mind how and where you are going to find space for it in your life and in your home.

Compact Life

An efficient and simple life is a stress-free one which you can plan for by using efficient design, highly versatile products and a little thinking. The more organized your space is, the more organized your day will be for the things you really enjoy doing.

MUJI’s Tip: It will take time and energy to sort everything out, but the future savings in time, space and energy will make up for it.

Visit the MUJI store in Phase 2 and Grand Avenue – The Avenues. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast.