Decluttering-Blaze or Gaze Method?
Decluttering-Blaze or Gaze Method?
I recently read this book titled, Minimalist Living: Decluttering for Joy, Health, and Creativity by Genevieve Parker Hill.
In it she discusses two ways of Decluttering using the blazing method or the gazing method.
To lessen stress, you declutter intentionally to honor your belongings. Depending on your personality, one of these methods may work better than the other. Let’s find out which one may describe your best decluttering method.
The “blazing” method is an efficient way to declutter. Similar to ripping off a Band-Aid. First, quickly identify the items you need and discard the rest. This method saves time and should make you feel comfortable. You’re not worrying about what you discard because you know it’s unnecessary. However, this may be challenging for some, so the author suggests getting a box to put your discarded items in. Put a date on the box and set a time to review what’s inside quickly. Take out what you need and then donate the rest. To make it even more challenging, don’t look in the box before discarding or donating.
The “gaze” method of decluttering takes more time and involves looking at your possessions, reminiscing, and assessing each item. It may be a slower process, but it’s less risky and more emotionally involved. Stay focused and ask a friend to keep you on track.
You could also combine methods, such as quickly organizing your closet (using the “blaze” method) and taking your time with your books (using the “gaze” method). Whatever method you choose, find what works best for you.
Have you tried the “blaze” or “gaze” method of decluttering? Let us know how it works for you. And remember, you can always contact Basic Organization for your organizing and decluttering needs.
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Sue
I haven’t heard of either of these methods. It’s fun to give a name to a process, though, and I can see the way in which these names (Blaze and Gaze) fit the methods described. I always recommend a mixture of these methods. If something is easy – the blaze method works. If it is more emotionally challenging then the Gaze method would be better. I like my clients to make decisions that are thoughtful and with which they are comfortable. Thank you for sharing this book and these methods.
Great insight Diane. Yes, I agree that the clients should make that decision.
I’ve never heard of the “blaze” or “gaze” approach. I tend to be more of a gazer, I think. I like to take time to look at each item, rather than feel pressured to make “big” progress. That said, I tend to be quick decision maker, which keeps me from getting too hung on on each little item.
Clever to ponder how our approaches can differ, and to realize there are merits in both!
Different approaches are good because people will relate to different methods.
These terms of “blaze” and “gaze” in relation to organizing are new to me, but I’m intrigued. When I work with clients, most seem to need the gaze technique. This makes sense, as people who have difficulty separating from their possessions may feel like they need more thought and introspection. The ones who blaze (particularly through practical items) tend to be the clients who have multiples — a lifetime of duplicate and triplicate kitchen items, or bins of cosmetics and toiletries that they haven’t weeded.
I’m more of a blazer for my own possessions. I don’t have trouble letting go of practical things. Sure, I gaze a bit (OK, a lot) over books or CDs, but in general I don’t keep a lot of things, so it’s easy to take one look at something, make a keep/toss/donate decision, and zoom on to the next item.
I am always entertained by the invention of a new set of terms to apply to our approaches to organizing. Thanks for sharing this!
I’m like you, Julie. When I’m in the mood, I blaze through my things and declutter. I think it’s because I’ve watched a lot of clients struggle to let go of things.
Like Seana, the terms “blaze” and “gaze” as applied to decluttering are new to me. Most of my clients are in the “gaze” lane. For myself, I am a combo of the two.
Recently, we renovated our guest bedroom, which held a lot of the kiddos’ memorabilia. I enjoyed some leisurely “gazing” as I revisted photos, writing, artwork, and memories of time spent together. On the other end, there are times, like when doing my seasonal clothing change, that I “blaze” through and easily let go of those items I no longer like, wear, or fit.
You are a mix of blaze and gaze. I have to sort through my kid’s memorabilia and suspect that I’ll gaze through that, but I’m more of a blazer.
Interesting. I have never heard of the term Blazing or Gazing methods for decluttering. Thanks for sharing. It does make sense, though. I find that clients have used a variation of both methods. Sometimes, we use the blazing method; other days, we may use the gazing method, depending on which area we are decluttering.
I’ve also had clients who blaze through a decluttering project. I love this!