I’ve lived in a clutter home and it gets old. Eventually, I said “enough is enough” and tidied it up. That was what prompted me to investigate popular decluttering methods. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of tried-and-true models that work. Since I did the research, I decided to put them into an article and share it. Here are ten popular, albeit genius methods that that can help to seriously tidy up your home. Hopefully one of them works for you. Some are geared toward decluttering and others toward staying decluttered.
10. The 12-12-12 Challenge
The 12-12-12 Challenge is a simple decluttering exercise where you find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to return to their proper places. This method, popularized by blogger Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist, is designed to make decluttering manageable by giving you a clear, achievable task. It’s perfect for those who feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff they own but need a structured way to start. The focus on returning 12 items to their proper place also helps build better organizational habits.
9. The KonMari Method
The KonMari Method, created by Marie Kondo and detailed in her bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, is one of the most well-known decluttering approaches worldwide. This method involves tidying by category rather than location, starting with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items last. The key principle is to only keep items that “spark joy,” meaning you should physically hold each item and assess whether it brings happiness. If not, it’s time to discard it, always thanking the item for its service before letting it go. This method encourages a deep emotional connection with possessions and emphasizes mindful consumption.
8. The Four-Box Method
The Four-Box Method is a simple system where you label four boxes: “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” “Trash,” and “Relocate.” As you declutter each room, every item you encounter goes into one of these four boxes. This method allows you to make quick decisions and ensures that everything has a designated future, whether it stays in your home, finds a new one, or is discarded. It’s particularly effective for people who struggle with letting go of items because the “Relocate” box ensures you aren’t hastily throwing away things that still serve a purpose but belong elsewhere.
7. The Minimalist Game
Created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the Minimalist Game turns decluttering into a daily challenge. On day one, you get rid of one item, on day two, two items, and so on until by the 30th day, you’ve discarded 30 items. By the end of the month, you’ll have removed 465 items from your home. This gradual process makes decluttering less overwhelming while providing a sense of accomplishment every day. The game-like format makes it fun and sustainable, particularly for those new to minimalism.
6. The 20/20 Rule
Another concept from The Minimalists, the 20/20 Rule helps you declutter by focusing on items you think you might need “just in case.” The rule states that if you can replace an item in under 20 minutes for less than $20, you should let it go. This strategy helps break the habit of keeping things that serve no real purpose but feel necessary for rare, hypothetical scenarios. It’s especially effective in clearing out items like duplicate tools, kitchen gadgets, or outdated technology that’s easy and cheap to replace.
5. The 90/90 Rule
Also introduced by The Minimalists, the 90/90 Rule asks whether you’ve used an item in the past 90 days and whether you plan to use it in the next 90 days. If the answer to both is no, it’s time to let the item go. This method is particularly useful for eliminating clothing, gadgets, or household items that take up space but serve no real, ongoing function. By focusing on a 6-month window, the rule helps you be realistic about what you actually use, encouraging a more functional, minimalist home.
4. Swedish Death Cleaning (Döstädning)
Swedish Death Cleaning is a decluttering method popularized by Swedish author Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. It involves slowly decluttering your home, particularly in older age, so that your loved ones won’t be burdened by your possessions after you pass away. The focus is on going through your belongings thoughtfully, considering what is meaningful and what can be given away, sold, or thrown out. It’s not meant to be morbid but rather a freeing process that lets you focus on the items that matter most while giving you peace of mind.
3. One In, One Out Rule
The One In, One Out Rule is a straightforward method that helps maintain a clutter-free home once initial decluttering is complete. The idea is that for every new item you bring into your home, you must remove one item in return. This prevents excess accumulation and forces you to be more intentional with your purchases. It’s particularly useful for maintaining wardrobe control, book collections, or even kitchen gadgets. Over time, this habit fosters a more mindful approach to consumption and keeps clutter at bay without needing massive decluttering efforts.
2. The 5-Minute Declutter
The 5-Minute Declutter method works by setting a timer for five minutes and tackling a small decluttering task during that time. The idea is that anyone can find five minutes in their day, and even a small amount of progress adds up over time. This method is effective for people who feel overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering or who have busy schedules. Breaking down decluttering into tiny, manageable tasks helps build momentum and makes larger projects seem more achievable.
1. The Capsule Wardrobe
A Capsule Wardrobe, a concept made famous by fashion designer Susie Faux in the 1970s and later popularized by bloggers like Caroline Rector of Unfancy, involves curating a small, versatile wardrobe of high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. The goal is to limit your clothing to about 30-40 items per season, which not only reduces clutter but also simplifies your daily routine. By focusing on fewer, more versatile pieces, you eliminate decision fatigue and create a more streamlined, functional wardrobe. The Capsule Wardrobe method emphasizes quality over quantity, making it perfect for those who want to declutter and refine their personal style.
