While the holiday season can be a time of excess, once the season is over, it’s a great time to splurge. Whether you’re making space to store holiday decor or want to do a full cleanup once the festivities are over, it’s time to make your home feel cozy and comfortable.

We’ve seen our fair share of decluttering methods here at The Spruce. But just when we thought we’d tried them all, a new one appeared.

The latest decluttering trend to catch our eye is called the “Move-Out Method,” and we have to say: we’re into it.

What is the eviction method?

The term was coined by Katie Holdefehrassociate editorial director for Real Simple and author Embrace your space. The method is simple and encourages you to ask yourself one key question: “Would I take this with me on the move?”

We reached out to Jan Johnson Serafen of The Ordered Home, Inc. to get her opinion as a professional organizer. Here’s what she had to say.

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How it works

“The ‘Decluttering Method’ is a specific, methodical way of decluttering your space by evaluating things and getting rid of items you don’t need,” Serafen explains.

Of course, it’s not as simple as asking yourself just one question. Serafen explains how it’s all messed up.

Set a firm deadline for a make-believe move, remove items from a designated space—say, your linen closet, that dreaded junk drawer, or your entire garage—and decide what to keep, donate, toss, Serafen says. The only things that can be returned are the actual guards.

According to Holdefehr, there are six specific steps.

1. Set a metaphorical moving date: No, you’re not actually moving, but consider this a decluttering deadline.
2. Clear all: This can be as broad or as targeted as you like. Work with just one drawer or tackle the whole room. But whatever you decide, remove every item.
3. Decide what to take with you: Here comes the big question. Evaluate each item and ask yourself if it would come with you on a metaphorical move. If you can’t decide, be more specific, like “would I take this with me if I was downsizing?” If the answer is yes, it’s saving.
4. Play the rest: Now is the time to throw away, donate and sell the crowd.
5. Do a quick cleanup: Remember – “you’re moving”. Just as you would build a new home, clear the space before putting everything back inside.
6. Return to: Return your items in a neat, organized manner that will be easy for you to maintain.

Is it right for everyone?

One of the main reasons dissolving things can feel so overwhelming is that people try to do too much, all at once. This is a definite criticism of the KonMari method, which famously encourages you to clean your entire home by collecting all items in one category, from each room, and evaluating them as a group.

But Serafen says the “movement method” is great because it can be applied in small doses.

“Start with a small nightstand, bathroom cabinet, or the proverbial ‘junk drawer,'” says Serafen.

Make it a habit

Unlike other popular decluttering methods, the ‘move out method’ is also easy to use as often as you need.

“Get into the habit of regularly removing items you no longer use or need,” says Serafen. “Let go of the excess. Donate. You and your space will feel better.”

The holidays are a great time to use the “move method,” even if you’re just applying it to holiday decor. Serafen encourages people to look at things like decorative items they no longer have a connection to and gift wrapping materials. Because really, right? need five pairs of scissors?

Be brave and determined

Another reason people often get caught up in a cycle of clutter is that they can easily get distracted from solving things. But if you’re thinking about things beyond the confines of your current home, does it have a place in your life?

“Be determined, be brave,” Seraphen. “Especially if space is tight.”

It can be a joint activity

Let’s be honest. Only you can tell yourself if something brings you joy or if you have used an item in the last few months. But with the “eviction method” you can invite others into the process.

“Get an organized friend, partner, or professional to help you through the process,” Serafen says.

This can help you remove some of the emotional attachment you might feel to your belongings and look at things more pragmatically.