RSS
Print This Article
Clutter Busting: The One in, One Out Rule
By
Danelle Ice - Home Ever After |
March 16th, 2008 |
Category:
Clutter Control |
No Comments »
Clutter busting is a necessity in maintaining an organized home. Things can accumulate, multiply and pile up in the absence of active clutter busting.
Today, we’re going to focus on staying clutter free after you’ve put in the time and effort to declutter your home. This little rule is something I call the “One in, One Out” rule. How does it work?
Basically, for every new item you bring in to your home, you have to take one out. Give it as a gift, donate it to charity or put it into the garage sale/eBay box. It doesn’t matter where it goes, just as long as it goes!
Identify your top clutter areas and use the “One in, One Out” rule for just these areas. If the clutter level in your home is high, you can use the “One in, Two Out” rule to get things under control even faster. For example, if the kids’ toys and mom’s shirts are 2 things that are overabundant in your house, first pare them down. Once you get to the right number, the only way to keep it at or close to that number is to enforce the rule. When you’re thinking of buying a new toy or shirt, think to yourself, “Am I really prepared to take an old one out and donate/sell it?”
Talk to your family and make sure everyone is on the same page. Only pick 2 or 3 areas to start with and make sure everyone knows what they are. It will take a little reminding and a little getting used to, but even this small rule will get your children thinking about material things in a different light. They may think twice about asking for a new Elmo toy if it means they have to give up one of their other toys! You may find it helps eliminate the “more is better” attitude so prevalent in our society and teach them to value what they have.
The “One in, One Out” rule will help you to keep your fantastic results after decluttering by maintaining the level of your stuff. We don’t want our possessions to be in charge of us!
You might like these articles too:
I know how overwhelmed you can become with clutter…I went through my home and threw away so many things I did’t need, gave away or repurposed. It has changed my life to some extent, not to be addicted to all these things. I can find things now. I buy less and Use things up. I no longer stop at garage sales or thrift stores unless there is something I really need. Flylady.org is a wondreful site that can help you declutter…Love your blog Danelle,,,I just found it today..Pulled you into my favs..
Boy, you are right on with the need for communication when de-cluttering. I overstepped many times when trying to donate some of my wife’s items. Now I buy large plastic containers and label them for storage.
You have a fantastic blog and I would love to have some input from frugal female bloggers on my site. Drop by any time and join in the conversation.
that is an awesome idea … I wish i could follow it
thanks for visiting me I really like the topics on your blog. I am going to follow you back !
I feel like getting rid of clutter is a weekly job! I don’t know where it all comes from!