Decluttering isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The way you approach organizing your space depends on your personality, habits, and lifestyle. Some people love a structured system, while others need a more relaxed, go-with-the-flow approach. If you get overwhelmed easily, small, gradual methods might work best. If you’re more goal-driven, a challenge-based method could be the way to go. The trick is finding a system that feels natural instead of forcing yourself into one that doesn’t.
The good news? There’s a decluttering method out there for everyone. Whether you need something simple, structured, or even a little fun, these proven techniques—developed by experts in organization, minimalism, and home management can help. Let’s find the one that fits you best.
The KonMari Method (For the Sentimental and Mindful)
Developed by organizing expert Marie Kondo, this method focuses on keeping only items that spark joy. Instead of decluttering room by room, you tidy by category—starting with clothes, then books, papers, miscellaneous items, and finally sentimental belongings. The idea is to physically hold each item and ask yourself if it truly brings happiness. If it doesn’t, you thank it for its service and let it go. This method is perfect for sentimental people who struggle to part with belongings but want a clutter-free space. It also encourages mindful consumption, helping you think twice before bringing new things into your home. If you enjoy emotional connections to your possessions but need a structured system to declutter, KonMari is an excellent choice.
The Container Concept (For the Strategic and Spatially-Aware Thinker)
The Container Concept, developed by Dana K. White, provides a straightforward and structured approach to decluttering. This method revolves around the idea that every space in your home is a container with finite limits—whether it’s a drawer, a shelf, or an entire room. Instead of deciding what to discard, the focus shifts to determining what fits within the designated space. Once a container is full, no additional items should be added unless something is removed. The Container Concept also encourages realistic decluttering, making it ideal for those who want an organized home without adhering to extreme minimalism. For anyone looking for a practical, sustainable, and stress-free decluttering method, this strategy keeps spaces tidy while allowing for flexibility in what stays.
The Packing Party (For the Experimental and Adventurous)
This radical decluttering method was introduced by The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. The concept is to pack up all of your belongings as if you were moving, then only unpack items as you need them. Whatever remains in boxes is considered unnecessary and can be donated or discarded. This method forces you to evaluate what you truly use in daily life rather than what you think you might need. It works well for people who struggle to make decluttering decisions and need a drastic reset. By treating your home like a fresh start, you gain a new perspective on what actually adds value to your life. If you’re adventurous and open to a bold experiment, the Packing Party can be a game-changer.
The 15-Minute Declutter (For the Busy and Overwhelmed)
Created by Marla Cilley, also known as FlyLady, the 15-Minute Declutter method is designed for those who feel overwhelmed by large cleaning projects. The concept is simple: set a timer for 15 minutes and declutter as much as you can within that timeframe. This method helps remove the fear of starting a daunting task and builds momentum over time. By focusing on small, manageable chunks, it prevents burnout and makes organizing feel achievable. It’s particularly useful for people with busy schedules who struggle to find time for deep cleaning. Over time, these short, consistent efforts lead to noticeable results without requiring long hours of work. If you often procrastinate on tidying up, the 15-Minute Declutter provides an easy, structured way to get started.
The One-Year Rule (For the Logical and Realistic)
Professional organizer Peter Walsh popularized this straightforward rule, which states that if you haven’t used an item in the past year, you probably don’t need it. It’s particularly effective for decluttering clothes, kitchen tools, and hobby-related items that tend to accumulate without regular use. This method appeals to logical thinkers who need a clear-cut timeframe to determine an item’s usefulness. It removes emotional hesitation and forces you to be honest about what you actually use. A useful trick is turning your hangers backward at the start of the year—if any remain untouched after 12 months, those clothes should go. This method works well for those who appreciate practical guidelines and want an objective approach to decluttering.
The Swedish Death Cleaning Method (For the Thoughtful and Future-Oriented)
Developed by Swedish author Margareta Magnusson, this method, known as döstädning (Swedish for “death cleaning”), encourages gradual decluttering over time to reduce the burden on loved ones later in life. The focus is on eliminating excess possessions while you’re still able to decide what is meaningful rather than leaving that responsibility to family members. Instead of rushing to declutter all at once, you sort through your belongings with intention, keeping only items that truly add value to your life. This method works well for those who prefer long-term planning and a mindful approach to minimalism. It also helps people reflect on their legacy, choosing what items are truly worth holding onto.
The 20/20/20 Rule (For the Practical and Efficient)
This method, coined by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), is perfect for those who struggle with “just in case” clutter. The rule states that if you can replace an item for $20 or less in under 20 minutes, you should consider letting it go. This approach is great for practical thinkers who value efficiency over sentimentality. It helps eliminate unnecessary backups of items you rarely use, like extra cables, kitchen gadgets, or outdated tech. The method is also useful for reducing decision fatigue by giving you a simple, logical guideline to follow. It works particularly well for people who struggle to let go of things due to fear of needing them later.
The 5-Second Rule (For the Indecisive and Procrastinators)
Originally introduced by Mel Robbins as a tool for overcoming hesitation, this rule is also highly effective for decluttering. When deciding whether to keep or discard an item, you have five seconds to make a choice. If you hesitate beyond that time, the item likely isn’t necessary and should go. This method helps eliminate overthinking and decision fatigue, making decluttering a faster and more intuitive process. It’s ideal for those who struggle with indecisiveness or procrastination when it comes to tidying up. If you want a way to make instant, confident decisions, the 5-Second Rule is a great strategy.
The Core 4 Organizing Method (For the Systematic and Practical Organizer)
Created by professional organizer Kayleen Kelly, the Core 4 Organizing Method simplifies decluttering into four actionable steps: Clear Out, Categorize, Cut Out, and Contain. The first step, Clear Out, involves removing trash and misplaced belongings from the area you’re organizing. Next, you Categorize the remaining items to gain a better understanding of what you have. The third step, Cut Out, focuses on making intentional decisions about what to keep and what to eliminate. Finally, the Contain step ensures that everything has a designated storage space, reducing future clutter buildup. If you need a clear, manageable process for tackling clutter and creating long-term order, the Core 4 Organizing Method is a great tool.
The 90/90 Rule (For the Minimalist and Decisive Thinker)
Another method from The Minimalists, this rule helps determine whether an item is truly needed. The test is simple: If you haven’t used an item in the last 90 days and don’t expect to use it in the next 90 days, you should consider letting it go. This method is especially effective for everyday clutter like clothes, gadgets, and kitchen tools. It works well for those who prefer quick, decisive decluttering and want to adopt a minimalist mindset. The rule helps eliminate the “just in case” mentality that leads to hoarding unnecessary items. If you like clear-cut guidelines, the 90/90 Rule makes decluttering effortless.
The Minimalist Game (For the Social and Challenge-Driven)
Created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), this method turns decluttering into a month-long challenge. On Day 1, you get rid of one item, on Day 2, two items, on Day 3, three items, and so on. By the end of 30 days, you will have eliminated nearly 500 items from your home. It works best for competitive individuals or those who enjoy gamified tasks and structured goals. Many people do this challenge with a friend or online community for added accountability and motivation. The progressive nature of the challenge keeps it exciting and prevents burnout. If you need an engaging and high-energy way to declutter, the Minimalist Game is a fun and effective option.
The Danshari Method (For the Intentional and Philosophical)
Coined by Hideko Yamashita, the Danshari Method is a Japanese approach to decluttering that emphasizes self-awareness and intentionality. The term “Danshari” combines three kanji characters: Dan (refuse), Sha (dispose), and Ri (separate). The philosophy encourages individuals to refuse unnecessary items, dispose of existing clutter, and separate from the desire for material possessions. This method is deeply introspective, prompting individuals to evaluate their relationship with belongings and the reasons behind accumulation. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking a holistic and purposeful decluttering experience. By practicing Danshari, one can achieve not only a tidier space but also mental clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Sunday Basket System (For the Busy and Paper-Cluttered)
Created by Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365, the Sunday Basket System is designed to manage paper clutter efficiently. This method involves designating a single basket or box where all paperwork, mail, receipts, and documents are placed throughout the week. Every Sunday, you review the contents, discard what’s unnecessary, and organize the rest into files, action folders, or digital storage. It works well for busy individuals who struggle to keep up with incoming mail and paperwork but need a structured way to stay on top of it. If paper clutter overwhelms you, the Sunday Basket System provides an easy way to maintain order and reduce stress.
The One-In, One-Out Rule (For the Minimalist and Disciplined)
This simple yet effective rule has been widely embraced in the minimalist community. Every time you bring in a new item—whether it’s clothing, kitchenware, or books—you must remove an old one. This method is ideal for those who want to prevent clutter from building up again after they’ve decluttered. It works well for disciplined individuals who prefer a structured approach to organization. Over time, this naturally limits excessive purchases and ensures you only keep things that add value to your life.
The Four-Box Method (For the Organized and Methodical Thinker)
A widely used organizing technique, this method involves labeling four boxes: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Relocate. Every item in a room must be placed into one of these categories, eliminating indecision. It’s perfect for people who appreciate structure and step-by-step organization. The method helps break decluttering into manageable tasks, preventing overwhelm. By physically sorting items, you gain a clearer picture of what you actually use versus what simply takes up space. It’s especially helpful for deep decluttering sessions and organizing entire rooms. If you love systematic problem-solving, the Four-Box Method is a practical way to declutter efficiently.