2 min readIt might come as a surprise, but even professional organizers admit that not all common decluttering “rules” are actually worth following. After talking to a handful of experts, it seems that there are two common adages, in particular, that are now considered outdated and way too impractical for the way most people live.
Keep reading to learn more about both of these rules and why they’re not necessarily worth following to a T, even in the eyes of the most organized individuals.
Outdated Rule #1: “One In, One Out”
While the theory of getting rid of something you don’t need every time you buy a new item would seem to effectively cull clutter, many pro organizers find the concept of “one in, one out” to be outdated and too rigid.
“It sounds like a good plan (and if it works for you, by all means, keep doing it), but I don't think every purchase needs to trigger a purge,” says Kenika Williams, who is the founder of Tidied by K.
Jayna Lattimore, the founder of Ordered Professional Organizing, feels similarly. “Decluttering should be a rhythm in your home, not a reaction to every purchase or desire to add more,” she says. “If you conduct regular sweeps throughout the year and remove things you no longer use or need, you shouldn't have to find something to get rid of every time you buy something new.”
What’s most important, Williams explains, is making a concerted effort to not fill your home with items that have nowhere to go. Each new purchase, she says, should have “a natural, intuitive, and functional home.”
Moreover, Lattimore says, an organized home should be set up already to allow for the occasional new purchase. “True organization should intentionally leave room for growth,” she says. “If every drawer, shelf, or closet is filled to capacity as soon as you finish organizing, the system becomes difficult to maintain the moment something new enters the home.”
Outdated Rule #2: “If You Haven’t Worn It in a Year, Let It Go”
We’ve all heard the sentiment that clothing that hasn’t been worn in a year doesn’t deserve a permanent spot in your closet. That said, there are exceptions to this rule. If you love a piece yet don’t reach for it much for whatever reason, that’s OK.
“The key is to limit the amount of these items and understand which items in your closet are truly special and are worth taking up space,” explains Millie Naor, the founder of Bella Organizers.
Beth Ruck, founder of Conquering Clutter, is also averse to this “rule” for a number of reasons.
“A time limit is not the best guide in determining which clothes to keep,” she says, noting that instead, there are a number of other factors to weigh. If you’re on the fence about keeping an item, Ruck recommends asking yourself questions such as “Does this piece of clothing go with other clothes I have to make an outfit?” and evaluating whether it supports your current lifestyle.
