I am going to go out on a limb, and say that you’re on the lookout for strategies to make the process of decluttering a little easier. I don’t blame you – decluttering can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re not sure where to start. There are so many different approaches to decluttering, which one is right for you?
If your struggling with decision-making then employing the 20/20 rule can be one of the most effective clutter-busting tips out there. It is designed to help you clear clutter quickly and can save you time and unnecessary stress, plus it builds your confidence in tackling bigger tasks.
So, what exactly is the 20/20 rule for decluttering?
The 20/20
decluttering rule is designed to help you wheedle those everyday items that you’ve held onto for ‘just in case’. Spoiler Alert you probably will never need it.
The principle is to go
help you to decide whether to keep or discard any item that you’re struggling with, ask yourself these
two questions:
- Can I replace this item for £20 or less?
- Can I replace this item in 20 minutes or less?
If the answer is yes
to both, The item can be discarded, and you can rest assured knowing you
can easily replace it if you do need it in the future.
If you answer yes
to one of the questions, give it some extra thought as to whether you really
need to keep the item for a ‘just in case’ situation’
The theory behind this method is that
you’re unlikely to have to replace the items that you discard. leaving you
with a home that’s not only easier to clean, easier to manage but so much nicer to spend time
in. On the rare occasion that you do have to replace a "just-in-case" item - you are safe in the knowledge that you will never have to pay more than £20 or go more than 20 minutes out of our way
to replace the item.
This theory works 99% of the time for 99% of all items and 99% of all people - including you.
What Do You
Throw Away When Decluttering with the 20/20 Rule?
You will be amazed at how many objects that you can actually do without once you start working through your home. For example:
- Coffee mugs that you never drink from, maybe it is too big, or too small or makes your coffee taste funny.
- Clothing that’s no longer your style or doesn’t even fit you,
- Books you’ve already read, will not read, or were unwanted presents?
- Duplicate items maybe they are toys. hair styling tools? Kitchen appliances you never use? The list goes on and on.
If you’re finding
the process of discarding these
items hard, think about donating or selling them on to people that will truly
benefit; imagining their happiness can help you change your mindset of letting
go from a negative to a positive one.
Will the 20/20
Decluttering Rule work for me? The Pros and Cons
Making decisions on
what to keep and what to let go can be difficult (and in some cases , it can be emotional), but having a
set goals in place will enable you to look at the
situation more logically, and
speed up the decision making process – it is worth bearing in mind if you often
find yourself wondering how do I declutter when I’m feeling overwhelmed?
For example, should
you keep that bright Neon Yellow Nail Varnish that brings back such good memories from the 80s reunion
party you went to - Yes, the struggle is
real. By implementing the 20/20 decluttering rule: you will most likely not miss it, but if you did find that you could not live without it , a new bottle can be bought for £3 at the chemist 15 minutes down the road. So that's 2 yes - Decision
made…quick and easy Bada-boom,
bada-bing.
Will the 20/20 rule
help solve every decluttering dilemma? No. Not all items will fall into the
‘under 20 minutes, under £20’ category, these will require a different strategy. But it is ideal for
smaller, everyday items, and it’s often these that make up the bulk of your
clutter.
Can The 20/20
Decluttering Rule Save Me Money?
In theory, yes the 20/20 decluttering rule can save you money. It is important to remain mindful of the principle behind the 20/20 rule in order to maintain a decluttered home. Not just when assessing your items, but before bringing anything new into your home, too.
Before buying anything, try and separate what you
really need from a ‘just in case’ purchase, and always have in mind where in your home you
think it’ll go. This has been a
big game changer for me – just stopping to think – do I have a home for it? If I
don’t, where will I put it? How will I create the space for it? Before you know it,
the impulsiveness of the buy has dwindled out.
I simply walk out of the shop, without the item, and a warm fuzzy
feeling in my tummy, and tell myself what a good girl I have been 😊
If you really want the item.
Adopt a ‘bouncer’ attitude -
A ‘one in one out’ policy’, you
know like door men on a nightclub door.
If you buy something, think about what may need to be donated or discarded to ensure items don’t build up. This also will help to curb your
impulsive purchases.
Where Should I
Start with the 20/20 Decluttering Rule?
It really is up to you, however, there are areas of the home where the 20/20 rule is likely to be more effective. Choosing a bathroom as one of your starting places can be a good idea, as it is usually one of the easiest rooms because there is less likely to be things of sentimental value in there. Once you’ve worked through toiletries, medicines and make-up, you’re halfway there.
How Will Decluttering
with the 20/20 Rule Help Me?
The largest hurdle in decluttering is taking the first, and you are here, so
that’s You 1 – Clutter 0. All joking
aside, using the 20/20 rule is a great way to help you to get started on the small things. Normal what hold people back is the emotion decluttering - so this
rule will help you take a more
practical and less emotional to the task.
Whether you’re
planning to start with something small, such as organising kitchen
drawers, or your going to tackle something on a bigger scale, such as decluttering your bedroom, the best starting point is to gather up all items and work
through them one by one, evaluating each one as you go.
Which comes first Organising or Decluttering?
Decluttering MUST come first . You need to declutter to maximise space.
After all, organised clutter is still clutter.
Believe in yourself, because you got this, Now GO Declutter!!
