7 Quick Decluttering Methods That'll Get You Organized in Under an Hour
As much as I love when my home is organized, I don’t always love doing the actual tidying. Luckily, there are plenty of things that can make this process easier. There are smart products as well as rules and methods that totally take the stress out of organizing — and if you’re looking for a quick, easy way to get your space neat, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the seven best (and easiest!) decluttering methods and rules that will get your space tidy in an hour or less.
The 90/90 Rule
Starting off strong, the 90/90 rule is perfect for entering the new year with a decluttered space. Essentially, when deciding whether or not to get rid of an item (aside from seasonal things), you should ask yourself two questions: Have I used it the past 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90 days? If the answer is no, it’s time to toss it.
The Didn’t Know Rule
Don’t know about this rule? Don’t worry. The didn’t know rule is as simple as it gets. If you find something you didn’t know you owned, you’re permitted to let it go. It couldn’t get easier and quicker than that!
The Two-Minute Rule
This one’s the quickest of them all. Essentially, when the two-minute rule is applied, it means that any task that’ll take you less than 120 seconds should be done right away — like, as soon as it crosses your mind. After putting this rule into practice, it eliminates all those quick, pesky tasks that take up precious brain space (and stress you out!).
The Pomodoro Technique
Unfortunately, this one doesn’t have anything to do with pasta. No, the pomodoro technique, first coined in the 1980s, is designed to minimize distractions and burnout: Pick a single task and work on it for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. Repeat these steps four times before you take a longer 15- to 30-minute break. In no time, you’ll have a whole world of stuff decluttered (or cleaned).
The Out-in-the-Open Rule
This is one of the more self-explanatory decluttering methods. The out-in-the-open rule requires you to … put everything out in the open. Once you see everything you’re going through, it’s easier to declutter, knowing it’s all right in front of you. When I tried it on an unruly pile of clothes, it helped me declutter my wardrobe in under an hour!
The SIMPLE Method
With this method, “SIMPLE” stands for: S: Sort like with like; I: Identify what to keep; M: Make a home for it; P: Put it in containers; L: Label it; and E: Establish a routine. By following these six straightforward steps, you’ll take the guesswork out of clearing out whatever you’re trying to tidy up.
The 1-2-3-4-5 Method
Yes, more numbers! With the 1-2-3-4-5 method, you start by finding five items out of order on the top of a countertop, in a room, or strewn about the floor. Count the items as you go and place them back where they belong. That’s it! Number-based methods tend to be easier to remember, which makes organizing even less of a hassle.
Which decluttering method are you most excited to try in the new year? Let us know in the comments below!
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Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
