1. You’ll be able to see exactly what items you have in your space as well as determine the realistic volume for each category of items. 
Let’s face it. You’re probably not going to get rid of anything until you see exactly what you have. Getting like-items together FIRST takes away that fear of “But what if it’s my only one?” It also will show you exactly how many duplicates and triplicates you’ve got. We just found 8 boxes of Pirates Booty in a client’s pantry. EIGHT. Costco sized boxes. Her response? “I mean, I just don’t wanna run out.”

2. You’ll be able to think in broad categories instead of individual items. 
This will allow you to do the initial sort really quickly because you won’t have to think much. There’s no decision making during this step unless something is glaringly obvious.  If you find a dog turd or what used to be an apple, PLEASE throw it away. Immediately. Your goal is simply to get all of the items in your space sorted. You can  listen to music or Friends reruns or the Pat McAfee show while you work because there won’t be any deep thought required at this point. And a little distraction helps the time go by faster. (You wanna take any guesses on which one of us listens to what while they work?!)

3. You can stop and start as much as you need to without ever having to backtrack. 
Using boxes instead of just piles allows you to walk away without having to worry about having to start all over again. You know you’re gonna get tired. Or a family member will need something from you. Or you’ll be interrupted. Or, if you’re like us, have to poop. Walking away won’t mean you lose ground. Walking away just means you’re taking a break.

4. Your space is still functional throughout the process.
As you clear some space, you’ll be able to line the labeled boxes up against a wall, so, instead of digging through a mound of miscellaneous junk, you can go right to the correct category for whatever item you’re seeking. Need your phone charger? Instead of having to crawl under your bed and rifle through dirty laundry and dust bunnies, just head straight to your tech box.

5. It breaks up the organizing process into bite size steps.   
This means that instead of looking at the space and feeling like you have to solve every single problem right up front, you work in layers. First layer? Sort all like items together. Second layer? Go through each category and decide what stays and what goes. Layer three? Figure out how and where to house everything you’re keeping. Layer four? Make it cute. Yes, you’re going to touch an item multiple times (add link and article about why the touch it once rule is bullshit), but it’s worth it because you’re guaranteed the end product will be a system that actually works.

6. It allows you to ask for help.
How scary is it to think about someone else in your space making decisions about what stays and what goes? Whether it’s a friend, your spouse, or you’ve recruited your kids, sorting items into like categories allows you to employ some manpower without having to worry about losing something precious. 

7. Once all of your items are sorted into like-categories and you do move on to the “what to keep” extravaganza, you’ll be able to make faster decisions because you’re only dealing with one category at a time. 
You won’t have to make a decision about a pair of shoes one second and then immediately have to make a decision about a pad of Post It notes that’s been dropped in the bathtub.  Your mind won’t have to switch gears a million times. 

So whatcha think?  Willing to give it a shot?