Because tidying up shouldn't feel like a full-time job.
If you feel like you're always cleaning, but your house still looks cluttered, you're not alone.
The truth is, decluttering isn't just about getting rid of stuff-it's about creating simple habits that prevent the mess from piling up again.
I asked organization and decluttering experts for their best advice, and they all agreed: these seven rules are the key to keeping your house clean-for good.
1. The "One In, One Out" Rule
What most people do:
- Keep bringing new things into the house without getting rid of anything.
- Let closets, toy bins, and kitchen drawers gradually overflow.
What experts say instead:
- Every time you bring something new in, one item must go out.
- This keeps clutter from ever creeping back in.
Pro Tip: Apply this rule to clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets-everything.
The result: Your home stays clutter-free without big cleanouts.
(Source: The Minimalists)
2. The 5-Minute Reset Rule
What most people do:
- Let messes build up all day.
- Wait until it's overwhelming before cleaning up.
What experts say instead:
- Take just five minutes at the end of each day to do a quick reset.
- Put away anything out of place before bed.
Pro Tip: Set a timer for five minutes and make it a game with kids.
The result: Waking up to a clean house instead of a disaster.
(Source: FlyLady Cleaning System)
3. The "Touch It Once" Rule
What most people do:
- Move clutter from one spot to another instead of dealing with it.
- Leave mail, laundry, or dishes in piles to "get to later."
What experts say instead:
- Handle things immediately instead of postponing.
- Example: Open mail? Sort it now. Dirty dish? Put it straight in the dishwasher.
Pro Tip: If it takes less than a minute to deal with, do it now.
The result: No more piles of clutter waiting for "later."
(Source: Marie Kondo)
4. The 80/20 Rule for Stuff
What most people do:
- Keep way more than they actually use.
- Store items "just in case" even when they never get used.
What experts say instead:
- You only use about 20% of your stuff 80% of the time.
- Get rid of the extras you never touch.
Pro Tip: If you haven't used it in a year, donate or toss it.
The result: Less clutter, more space for what actually matters.
(Source: The Pareto Principle)
5. The 10-Minute Decluttering Rule
What most people do:
- Put off decluttering because it feels like a huge project.
- Wait for a "perfect time" to tackle the mess.
What experts say instead:
- Declutter in short bursts-just 10 minutes a day.
- Over time, small efforts lead to huge results.
Pro Tip: Focus on one small area per day (junk drawer, one shelf, one cabinet).
The result: A clutter-free home without marathon cleanout sessions.
(Source: Peter Walsh, Organizing Expert)
6. The "Everything Needs a Home" Rule
What most people do:
- Shove things into random drawers or piles.
- Constantly lose keys, chargers, or paperwork.
What experts say instead:
- Everything in your home should have a designated place.
- If it doesn't? It's clutter.
Pro Tip: Use labeled bins, baskets, and drawer organizers to keep things in place.
The result: You always know where things are-and where to put them back.
(Source: Dana K. White, Decluttering Coach)
7. The "Declutter Before You Organize" Rule
What most people do:
- Buy bins, baskets, and storage solutions before decluttering.
- Organize stuff they don't actually need.
What experts say instead:
- Declutter first, then organize what's left.
- Don't create a system for junk-just get rid of it.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, "Would I buy this again today?" If not, let it go.
The result: You organize less stuff and keep only what you truly need.
(Source: The Home Edit)
Decluttering Is Easier When You Follow These Rules
Experts agree-decluttering isn't about perfection, it's about habits.
By following these simple rules every day, your home can stay clean, organized, and stress-free-without constant effort.
Which decluttering rule do you swear by? Drop a comment-I'd love to hear!
