Declutter Tips: Simple Rules to Simplify Your Home

Feeling swamped by piles of stuff? You’re not alone. The good news is you don’t need a massive overhaul to get a cleaner space. A few easy‑to‑follow rules can spark a noticeable change in less than an hour. Below you’ll find two of the most popular methods – the 90/90 rule and the 20/20/20 rule – plus a quick daily habit that keeps clutter from building up again.

The 90/90 Rule – Fast Home Reset

The 90/90 rule is straightforward: pick any area, set a timer for 90 seconds, and pull out anything that doesn’t belong. When the timer dings, put the items back in their right spot or toss what you don’t need. Do this for three different zones (like a kitchen drawer, a bathroom shelf, and a living‑room table) and you’ll see instant progress. Because you’re only working for a short burst, you stay motivated and avoid burnout.

Here’s how to make it stick:

• Choose a timer – your phone works fine.
• Start with the area that bothers you most.
• When the alarm rings, stop. If you’re in the middle of a pile, finish that small stack before moving on.
• Celebrate the quick win and move to the next zone.

After a few sessions you’ll notice patterns – maybe you keep too many mugs or old magazines. Spotting those trends makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes.

20/20/20 Rule – Break Down the Mess

The 20/20/20 rule tackles bigger projects by splitting them into three 20‑minute blocks. First 20 minutes: sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Second 20 minutes: find a home for the keep pile (drawer, box, shelf). Final 20 minutes: bag the donate and discard piles and put them out of sight.

Why 20 minutes? It’s long enough to make real headway but short enough to stay focused. Set a timer for each block, and when it rings, move on – no overthinking, just action.

Tips for success:

• Keep a donation bag handy so you can toss it in the car later.
• Use clear bins for “keep” items; you’ll see at a glance what’s inside.
• If a decision feels tough, ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the past year. If not, it’s probably safe to let it go.

Doing one 20/20/20 session a week can clear out a whole closet in a month without feeling overwhelming.

Combine the two rules with a simple daily habit: spend five minutes before bed putting stray items back where they belong. This “rule of three” – three quick actions a day (pick up, sort, store) – prevents mess from stacking up again.

In short, you don’t need a massive purge. Just set a timer, break the job into bite‑size chunks, and make a tiny daily habit. Your home will feel lighter, you’ll waste less time looking for things, and you’ll enjoy a calmer mind. Give these tricks a try this week and watch the clutter melt away.