Outsmart Clutter With the ‘Ski Slope Method’: Tips for an Organized Home From Anita Yokota
The 'Home Therapy' author's tactics streamline cleaning
What does skiing have in common with organizing? Plenty! Anita Yokota, author of Home Therapy, devised the popular ‘Ski Slope Method’ of organizing to streamline decluttering. Here, a few of her strategies.
Start easily by picking one corner
Just as a skier starts small on the bunny hill, it’s best to tackle clutter one step at a time. “Break up a room into smaller sections,” says organizer Christina Giaquinto, Professional Organizer at Modular Closets. Start by picking a single corner of one room. “This method allows you to quickly feel accomplished each time a section is complete.”
Get more done quickly by zigzagging
The Ski Slope Method encourages you to crisscross a room like a skier slaloming her way down a hill, whooshing from corner to corner. To do: Choose a new small section on the opposite side of the room each time you finish decluttering the previous area. “This subtle shift in direction interrupts monotony, helping your brain stay engaged and energized,” explains organizer Daniel Brown (HandyCleaners.com). “It also prevents burnout in ways working in a straight line or in a circle can’t match.”
Boost momentum with ‘gondola breaks’
While racing down a mountain is the exhilarating part of a ski trip, the ride back up on the ski lift offers a chance to rest. “The Ski Slope Method allows for guilt-free breaks,” Yokota explains on her website (AnitaYokota.com). “You can pause when you need to—whether that means taking a breather or grabbing a snack—and still feel like you’re making progress.”
Corral clutter with ‘ruck packs’
When skiing in the wilderness, skiers carry a ruck pack for gear. To apply this idea to decluttering, grab two baskets—one for trash and the other to stash items that don’t belong in the space you’re decluttering.
Make it fun by savoring rewards
Skiers often cap their day with a rewarding cup of hot cocoa. Follow their lead by ending your organizing tour de force with a reward, says organizer Christian Pfeiffer (ValleyOrganizing.com). “It can be anything from a cocoa to a manicure—just set a decluttering goal for the day, then let yourself enjoy your reward.”
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