Then we tested our hypothesis: the 20/20 Rule. Anything we get rid of that we truly need, we can replace for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from our current location. Thus far, this hypothesis has become a theory that has held true 100% of the time.
1. Take the 12-12-12 challenge. The rules are simple: locate 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to be returned to their proper home. That's it.
Start small and simplify. Beginning the decluttering process by starting small and focusing on one area at a time can be a highly effective strategy to prevent overwhelm, maintain motivation, and achieve tangible progress in organizing your living space.
Aptly named, the 5-second decluttering rule challenges you to pick up an item and within this short time frame, decide whether to keep or discard it. If you can think of a place to put said item, it's a keeper. If you're failing to come to a conclusion, it's time to let that item go.
What Is the 90/90 Rule? Here's the gist: When you come upon an object you're unsure about decluttering, ask yourself two questions: Did you use it in the past 90 days? If not, will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer is “no” to both questions, away it goes.
“No decorative object smaller than a cantaloupe.” Oklahoma City designer Valerie Helgeson recommends giving your pieces elbow room. “This creates negative space, which is actually a positive,” she said. “It gives the eye and mind a break.”
The 333 method philosophy revolves around one simple rule: you choose 33 items to wear for 3 months. This includes clothing, accessories, outerwear and shoes, but excludes essentials like underwear, sleepwear or workout gear.
In the quest for a clutter-free home, the “one touch rule” stands out as a simple yet powerful strategy. This rule suggests that you handle items only once, putting them away immediately rather than setting them down temporarily.
Coined by pro organizer Kayleen Kelly, the “Core 4 Method” breaks the decluttering process into four simple steps: clear out, categorize, cut out, and contain. In essence, it's designed to take the stress and overwhelm out of the organizing process.
Research shows that people use 20% of what they own 80% of the time. The rest takes up space, mostly untouched. Consider the things in your home, the clothes on your body, and even what you take in your luggage on vacation.
First, designate a day to organizing your home. Then, tackle each problem area for a set amount of time, whether 30 minutes, an hour, or more or less. By dedicating a specific time to an area, you put the finish line in sight. Once your timer goes off, put away whatever is left, and move on to the next area.
What is the first thing you should do when decluttering? Not all clutter is trash, but starting with the clutter that is might be a sensible place to start. Clear counters of old mail, shipping boxes, and other items that can be tossed. Doing this room-by-room will give you a clean slate to start actually organizing.
A: The 5-year rule for decluttering is simple: Look at your stuff and ask yourself, "Have I used this in the last five years?" If the answer is no, it's probably time to let it go — unless it's something with major sentimental value, of course.
The 4 container decluttering method is fantastic if you have too much stuff! It's easy to do and makes the process faster. You will have a total of 4 boxes to go through your items: A trash box, a giveaway/sell box, a storage box, and a put-away box. It's a simple way to knock out clutter easily.
Declutter before cleaning
But it's super helpful to have baskets or even garbage bags on hand to collect stuff that belongs in other rooms. For example, when I tackle the office today, I'll have a basket for the stuff that belongs in the bedroom and a basket for the stuff that belongs in the guest room.
“The entryway into one's home should be the first space you organize above all others, whether that is a foyer, long hallway, or just an entrance area,” according to Jane Stoller, founder of Organized Jane and author of “Decluttering for Dummies.”
The 333 method is essentially a bite-sized version of a capsule wardrobe. You choose three tops, three bottoms, and three shoes, and challenge yourself to create as many outfit combinations as possible with your selections.
'The 1 In, 10 out decluttering rule is a refreshingly simple minimalist approach to managing clutter,' says Di Ter Avest, home and lifestyle professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized. For every new item you bring into your home, you remove ten items.
Step 1: Decide what you want to declutter
The first step is to make a list of what needs organising. Focus on contained spaces such as a drawer, cupboard, nook, or shelf, rather than whole rooms.