We don’t need more shelves, bins, or Pinterest boards—we need better decluttering rules. Your space isn’t shrinking. Your stuff is just multiplying without permission. How would it feel to declutter without letting go of your personal items? Liberating, right? Well, Arrange It All, your professional home organizer team, brings you some golden rules for decluttering.
These 15 rules for decluttering your home aren’t about guilt or perfection—they’re about making space for what matters. Come along as we explore a clutter-free mindset that actually works. Your future self, sipping tea in a serene, tidy room, will thank you.
Do you know? 80% of the clutter in homes is due to disorganisation, not lack of space. (1)
15 Rules For Decluttering Your Home
If your home feels more chaotic than cozy, these 15 gentle decluttering rules will help you bring back the calm
1. One-In, One-Out Rule
Looking for the best decluttering rules? For every new item you bring, take matters into your hands before it starts overflowing and leads to stress.
2. The 80/20 Rule
You use 20% of your things 80% of the time. Focus on identifying and keeping that vital 20%—and reconsider the rest.
3. Start with Easy Wins
Begin with areas that are quick and emotionally easy to declutter, like a junk drawer or old paperwork. This is among the golden rules of decluttering.
4. The 5-Minute Rule
Only have a few minutes? Spend five minutes decluttering something small. Tiny, consistent efforts make a huge difference.
5. Touch It Once
When you pick something up, decide immediately whether you want to keep, donate, or relocate it.
6. Declutter by Category, Not Location
Instead of organizing room by room, declutter by category (clothes, books, tools) so you see everything at once.
7. The “Does It Spark Joy?” Test
Ask yourself if the item still brings joy or serves a purpose. If not, let it go.
8. Create a “Maybe” Box
Struggling to decide? Place items in a box, seal it, and mark a date 30 days from now. If you don’t open it, you likely don’t need what’s inside.
9. Limit Your Storage
Set physical boundaries (like one shelf or one drawer) per item category. If it doesn’t fit, something has to go.
10. Avoid the “Just in Case” Trap
Most “just in case” items are rarely used. If you haven’t needed it in over a year, you probably never will.
11. Give Every Item a Home
If something doesn’t have a concrete place to live, it becomes cluttered. Assign a place—or say goodbye.
12. Handle Duplicates Wisely
Keep your favorite and donate the rest. You probably don’t need five coffee mugs or six pairs of black pants.
13. Be Honest About Aspirational Clutter
Let go of things you keep for your “ideal self”—like old hobbies or clothes that no longer fit your lifestyle.
14. Schedule Decluttering Time
Put it on your calendar like any other appointment. Consistency matters more than speed.
15. Finish the Job
Don’t just declutter—complete the cycle. Take donations out the same day, trash what needs trashing, and return items to their actual place.
Conclusion
With over 167+ happy places created, 1256+ lives impacted, and 4962 hours spent, we at Arrange It All are your partners in decluttering! Decluttering isn’t about having less—it’s about making space for what truly matters. With the right mindset and these practical golden rules of decluttering, you can turn chaos into calm. The beauty of these strategies is their flexibility; you don’t need perfection—just intention. Whether you start with one drawer or your entire home, every step you take brings more clarity, peace, and freedom. Remember, it’s not just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that reflects your life, not your leftovers.
FAQs On Decluttering Rules
1. What is the 5 second rule for decluttering?
The 5-second rule is all about: If you can’t decide whether to keep or discard an item within 5 seconds, it’s probably not essential. Trust your gut and avoid overthinking.
2. How to declutter in 10 minutes?
Set a timer and focus on one small area—like a drawer, shelf, or corner. Quick, consistent decluttering sessions make huge differences over time.
3. What is the core 4 method of decluttering?
The Core 4 are: Keep, Donate, Trash, Relocate. Every item should go into one of these categories for a hassle-free and decision-based process.
4. What do I declutter first?
Start with easy, non-emotional items like expired products, junk mail, or old clothes.
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