Decluttering has become a popular trend in recent years, with many people looking to simplify their life and create a more peaceful and productive living environment. However, while some decluttering rules can be very helpful, others can be too rigid and may not work for everyone.
It’s important to remember that decluttering should be a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Below are 13 decluttering rules that, in my experience, can be too rigid and may need to be adjusted to fit your individual needs and lifestyle.
Remember, the goal of decluttering isn’t to live with as few items as possible, but to create a space that feels comfortable and functional for you.
Rule No.1: Always Declutter on a Specific Day of the Week
While setting a specific day for decluttering might work for some, it can also create unnecessary stress for others. Life is unpredictable and there may be weeks when you simply don’t have the time or energy to declutter. Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, try to declutter whenever you have some free time or when you feel motivated to do so.
Remember, the goal is to make decluttering a regular part of your routine, not a chore that you dread.
Rule No.2: Getting Rid of Anything You Haven’t Used in a Year
This rule is often cited as a golden rule of decluttering. However, it’s not always practical or beneficial. There are many items in our homes that we may not use regularly but still hold value. For example, camping gear, special occasion outfits, or tools for specific tasks. Instead of following this rule blindly, consider each item’s usefulness and significance before deciding whether to keep it or not.
Also, remember that decluttering is not just about getting rid of things, but also about organizing and storing items in a way that makes your space functional and easy to navigate.
Rule No.3: Never Keep Sentimental Items
While it’s true that sentimental items can take up space and contribute to clutter, getting rid of them entirely can be emotionally challenging and even regrettable. It’s okay to keep items that hold special meaning for you. Instead of getting rid of all sentimental items, consider creating a dedicated space for them so they don’t interfere with your daily life.
Remember, decluttering should make you feel happier and more at ease in your home, not regretful or upset.
Rule No.4: Always Use Marie Kondo’s Method
Marie Kondo’s decluttering method has gained a lot of popularity, and while it works well for many people, it doesn’t work for everyone. Her method is based on the idea of only keeping items that “spark joy,” but this concept can be difficult to apply to practical items like kitchen utensils or office supplies.
If her method doesn’t resonate with you, there are plenty of other decluttering methods to try. The important thing is to find a strategy that works for you.
Rule No.5: Declutter Your Entire Home All at Once
While it might be satisfying to declutter your entire home in one go, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
You could focus on one room or even one drawer at a time. This approach can make the process feel less daunting and more achievable.
Rule No.6: Discard All Duplicate Items
While it’s true that duplicate items can contribute to clutter, they can also serve a purpose. For example, if you frequently host guests, having extra sets of bedding or towels can be very useful. Instead of getting rid of all duplicates, consider whether they have a practical use in your life. If they do, find a way to store them efficiently. If they don’t, then it might be time to let them go.
Rule No.7: Dispose of All Print Media
In the digital age, print media can seem outdated and unnecessary. However, many people still enjoy the tactile experience of reading a physical book or flipping through a magazine. If your collection of print media is becoming too large, consider donating some items or exploring digital alternatives. But if you genuinely enjoy and use your print media, there’s no need to get rid of it all.
Rule No.8: Never Keep Anything “Just in Case”
While it’s true that keeping items “just in case” can lead to clutter, there are also times when such items come in handy. Instead of getting rid of all “just in case” items, try to be realistic about their potential use. If it’s something you might realistically need or use in the future, it’s okay to keep it. But if it’s something you’re unlikely to ever use, it might be best to let it go.
Rule No.9: Stick to a Strict One-In-One-Out Policy
While a one-in-one-out policy can be a good way to keep clutter in check, it can also be too rigid and not always practical. For example, if you buy a new coat, you might not want or need to get rid of an old one, especially if they serve different purposes. Instead of strictly adhering to this rule, consider it as a guideline to help you maintain balance in your belongings.
Rule No.10: Throw Away All Broken Items Immediately
It’s easy to hold onto broken items with the intention of fixing them “someday,” but often that day never comes. However, immediately throwing away all broken items can be wasteful and not always necessary.
If the item is something you use regularly and can be easily and affordably fixed, it might be worth keeping. But if it’s something you rarely use or would be expensive to fix, it might be better to let it go.
Rule No.11: Never Keep Gifts You Don’t Like
Receiving a gift that you don’t like or need can be a tricky situation. While it’s true that such items can contribute to clutter, getting rid of them can also feel ungrateful.
If you receive a gift that you don’t want or need, consider re-gifting it to someone who would appreciate it or donating it to a charity. This way, the item can still be of use and you can keep your space clutter-free.
Rule No.12: Always Have Completely Empty Surfaces
While having clear surfaces can make a room feel clean and spacious, it’s not always practical or desirable. Some items, like a coffee maker in the kitchen or a lamp on a side table, are used regularly and make sense to keep out. Instead of striving for completely empty surfaces, consider aiming for tidy and functional surfaces.
Rule No.13: Never Allow Yourself a Junk Drawer
Junk drawers have a bad reputation, but in reality, they can be quite useful. They provide a place to store small, miscellaneous items that don’t have a clear home elsewhere. The key is to keep the drawer organized and not let it become a dumping ground for random clutter. If you regularly use and need the items in your junk drawer, there’s no need to get rid of it.
In conclusion, while decluttering rules can provide a helpful framework, they shouldn’t be followed blindly. It’s important to adapt the rules to fit your lifestyle and needs. Remember, the goal of decluttering is to create a living space that feels comfortable, functional, and joyful to you.
