Create an Outgoing Zone: The Secret to Decluttering Your Home (And Your Life)
The Outgoing Zone: A Simple Solution for Gifting, Returns, Lost & Found Items
We’ve all been there—having things in our homes that don’t need a permanent place. Whether it’s outgrown kids’ clothing that’s meant for a friend, returns you keep forgetting to send back, or that casserole dish your sister-in-law left behind (that you’re totally going to return one of these days), these “transitional” items have a way of piling up and cluttering our active use spaces. Before you know it, your entryway, closet, or kitchen is filled with things you don’t really need but still need to deal with.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by these items. But the good news is, with a little organization and intention, you can create a system that keeps these items from taking over. Introducing: the Outgoing Zone—a dedicated space in your home to corral all the things that need to be gifted, returned, or eventually taken elsewhere.
Why Do You Need an Outgoing Zone?
The key to an efficient, functional home is organization that fits your real-life needs. You might not need a permanent spot for your kids’ outgrown clothes, but you do need a place to keep them until you hand them off to a friend. Or maybe your front closet has become the catch-all for all your returns—leaving you feeling overwhelmed every time you open it.
When items don’t have a designated space, they tend to clutter the places you use most—the entryway, the kitchen, the bedroom. Instead of being scattered around your home, creating more stress and mess, an Outgoing Zone allows you to keep everything in one spot—ready to go when you are. This way, you don’t waste time looking for things or remembering what needs to be returned or passed along.
How to Create the Perfect Outgoing Zone
The beauty of an Outgoing Zone is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you need. Whether you have a small space in the mudroom or a designated corner in your garage, you can make this system work for your family’s lifestyle.
Here’s how to set it up:
1. Pick the Right Location
Choose a spot in your home that’s convenient and visible but also out of the way. Some ideal places for your Outgoing Zone could be:
The entryway or mudroom (for items leaving the house, like bags of clothes, returns, or things to donate)
A designated shelf in the garage or hallway (for larger items or bulkier donations)
The laundry room (for clothes that need to be returned or passed along)
A corner of the pantry or kitchen (for gift bags or items you’re waiting to return to the store)
Wherever you decide, the key is to pick a location that is easy to access, especially for items that are leaving the house regularly.
2. Get the Right Storage Bins & Baskets
Now, let’s talk about how to keep things neat. Use baskets, bins, or totes that are easy to access and look aesthetically pleasing. Having labeled containers can help differentiate between the types of items—whether it's donations, gifts, or returns. Here are a few examples:
Bins with handles-easy to take the whole thing to the libray, return the books, and restart the process again
A large tote bag for items to return to a friend or family member (like the casserole dish your sister-in-law forgot to take home).
A designated donation spot-keeping all donation items in one type of box or bag is crucial to keeping the system going and ensuring the donations make it into the bin, through the door, ad out of your space!
Clear labels and an organized structure mean everyone in the household knows where things go.
3. Set Clear Guidelines for Maintenance
The best part of having an Outgoing Zone is that it’s simple to maintain. The rule is straightforward: when something needs to leave your house—put it in the outgoing bin.
Encourage your family to use this zone for anything they’re planning to give away, donate, or return. Here’s a simple routine to keep it in check:
Take 5 minutes to check the Outgoing Zone. Is there anything that can be dropped off, mailed out, or handed off to a friend?
Make a list of returns or things you need to gift and make sure they stay top of mind.
At the end of the week, do a quick sweep to make sure everything in your Outgoing Zone has been dealt with. No more “I’ll get to it later”—take action!
By setting clear expectations and maintaining your Outgoing Zone, you’ll quickly reduce the clutter and have a smoother, more organized space.
A Few Bonus Tips for Managing Your Outgoing Zone
Take advantage of labels: Clear labeling is key! It’ll be easier to differentiate between returns, donations, and items you’re holding onto for friends or family. Plus, labeling helps everyone in the household stay on track.
Make a weekly or bi-weekly donation run: Take advantage of your Outgoing Zone by making a routine out of donating items that are no longer needed. Keep a local charity’s hours handy and schedule regular donation pick ups!
Use a “Return Basket” for Store Items: Instead of holding on to returns for months, have a separate basket for things that need to be returned to a physical store. Set a calendar reminder for the next available day you can return them to keep you on track!
Space Haven’s Role in Creating the Perfect Outgoing Zone
At Space Haven, we know that organization is about more than just tidying up; it’s about creating systems that work for your lifestyle. That’s why we specialize in designing custom storage solutions that not only help you organize but fit seamlessly into your home.
When we help you design your Outgoing Zone, we’ll ensure it’s easy to use, maintain, and visually appealing, making it a functional addition to your space. From strategically placing bins and baskets to creating clear, easy-to-follow systems, we can help you create a zone that works for your family—and helps you stay on top of your busy life.
Ready to Take Control of the Clutter?
If you’re ready to stop the flow of things piling up and start organizing your home with a purpose, let Space Haven help. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s create a custom, clutter-free home that works for you and your family’s busy life.
