Home Edit Four-Step Space Reset

Apply the four-step method from Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin to organize any room or storage area. This Home Edit organizing routine covers pulling items out, sorting into categories, containing, and labeling.

4 time blocks, 60 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Space Edit and Purge: 15 min
Remove everything from the space and sort out unneeded items
Item Categorization: 15 min
Group like items together into distinct, clear categories
Container Placement: 15 min
Place categorized items into clear acrylic bins or containers
Labeling and Final Check: 15 min
Add visible labels to every bin to keep the system working

About this routine

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin developed their signature system to transform cluttered areas into functional, visual spaces. The Home Edit organizing routine relies on four basic steps executed in strict order: edit, categorize, contain, and label. Starting by pulling everything out of a cabinet, closet, or drawer forces an honest assessment of what actually belongs in the home.

Once items are edited down, sorting them into clear categories makes grouping logical and intuitive. Acrylic bins, woven baskets, and dividers hold these groups in place, making items easy to see and retrieve. Color coordination, often arranged in rainbow order, adds a clean visual structure that is simple to maintain over time.

The process finishes with clear labeling on every bin or storage box. Labels set firm boundaries for where items belong, preventing clutter from rebuilding. Taking 60 minutes to work through a single zone creates an organized space that stays manageable for the long term.

Why this routine works

Removes clutter by starting with a completely empty space
Creates clear categories so every item has a dedicated home
Uses visible containers and labels to maintain long-term order

FAQ

What are the four steps of The Home Edit system?

The four steps are edit, categorize, contain, and label. You pull everything out of a space, sort items into groups, place them in containers, and label each bin.

How long does a Home Edit space reset take?

A targeted space reset takes 60 minutes when focused on one drawer, pantry shelf, or closet zone at a time.

Why is labeling important in home organization?

Labels establish clear boundaries for where items belong, helping everyone in the household return items to the correct spot.

Sources

The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
The Home Edit Life, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin