Woman Who Cleaned Out Her Parents’ House Says If You Have To Think About Keeping Something It Is Already Gone, And Her Friend Could Not Believe How Few Clothes She Owns

Her decluttering rule fits in a single sentence. @sarah.jacobsonnn says that if you have to think about whether or not to keep something, you need to get rid of it.

In her video, she explains how she applies that rule in her own home, and it starts with a fast decision. If she has stuff she does not use or that does not fit, it is going. The minute she decides she no longer wants something, she says, it goes in a box, gets donated, gets thrown away, or is given to somebody else.

The Closet That Surprised a Friend

She says she has experience clearing out her parents’ house and that the experience was a hard one for her.

She also shares a funny moment. A friend saw her closet and asked, in disbelief, whether that was all the clothes she had. Her answer was yes. Her point is that most closets are full of things that have not been touched in years, and she says that clutter weighs on your mind.

Why the Think About It Test Works

The rule is appealing because it replaces a long debate with a quick gut check. If you have to talk yourself into keeping something, you probably do not need it. Items you love or use tend to be obvious, and the rest end up in the maybe pile that causes the most stress.

This is general advice rather than something the creator spelled out, but it fits her approach. Quick decisions keep you from getting stuck, and they keep a project from stretching for weeks.

A Simple Keep, Donate, Toss Method

Here is an easy way to use her rule. Pick a category, such as clothes, and go through it in one sitting.

Pull everything out so you can see it. Hold up each item and give yourself about five seconds. If you hesitate, it goes in the donate or toss pile.

Keep pile: things you wear, use and like. Be honest about fit, comfort and how often you reach for them.

Donate pile: clean items in good shape, like clothing, books and kitchen gear. Bag them and put them by the door or in the car right away.

Toss pile: things that are worn out, broken or expired. These can go straight to the trash or recycling.

Share with a friend or family member if something would be a great fit for them, but set a time limit. The creator says the minute she decides, it leaves, and that keeps things from piling up by the door.

Tips for the Closet

Start with items that do not fit or that you have not worn in a long time. Those are the easiest to part with. Next, look for duplicates, like five black shirts that do the same job. Keep your favorites and let the others go.

Do not worry about owning fewer clothes than other people. As her friend’s reaction shows, a smaller closet can surprise people, but it is yours. A pared down wardrobe can make mornings easier because you can see everything you own.

Keep It Going

Once you start using the rule, apply it everywhere. Try it on kitchen gadgets, bathroom products, kids’ toys and décor. Keep a donation bag in a closet so that anything you decide to part with has a place to go right away.

Be kind to yourself. If a certain item gives you real trouble, it is fine to set it aside and revisit it. The rule is a guide, not a test. Over time, you will probably find the decisions come faster.

The Takeaway

Her rule is easy to remember and easy to try today. If you have to think about it, it is already gone. Give yourself a few minutes, pick a category, and let the things you do not use leave your home so there is more room for the things you do.