If you’ve been following me for a while, you know my decluttering journey started in a tiny apartment in San Francisco. It was me, a newborn, and a small space that seemed to shrink with every bag of stuff that showed up. Friends and family meant well, dropping off hand-me-downs and gifts, but let’s be honest—it was overwhelming. I barely had room for what we already owned, and suddenly, my living room started looking more like a storage unit than a place to relax.
One day, I found myself staring at yet another bag of clothes someone had kindly dropped off. Baby items were already piled up on every available surface, and we were officially out of room. That’s when I made a deal with myself: for every new item that came into our home, one had to go. At the time, I didn’t realize it was one of the many decluttering methods out there, but I later learned it’s called the One In, One Out Decluttering Rule. And let me tell you, the method worked very, very well for us. It kept our tiny apartment functional and, more importantly, kept me sane.
What Is the One In, One Out Decluttering Rule?
The One In, One Out Decluttering Rule is just as straightforward as it sounds: every time you bring something new into your home, you let go of one thing. Think of it as keeping the scales balanced—no more stuff piling up, no more feeling buried under clutter.
Here’s how it works in real life: you snag a new pair of shoes? Great. But now, it’s time to take a look at what’s already in your closet. Is there a pair that’s seen better days or one you never wear? That’s the one that goes. Maybe you’ve treated yourself to a shiny new kitchen gadget. No problem—but let’s ask the tough question: what’s in your kitchen that you haven’t used in years and won’t miss?
This isn’t about throwing things out at random or making harsh decisions. It’s about being thoughtful and intentional with what you bring into your home and what you let go of. Every item has a purpose, and when something stops serving you, it’s time to let it move on. Practicing this rule creates breathing room in your space and helps you avoid that dreaded “stuffed-to-the-gills” feeling.
For me, this rule became more than just a practical tool—it was a mindset shift. Before buying or accepting something new, I’d pause and ask myself: Do I really have room for this? What can I let go of to make space? It’s a small step, but it leads to big results.
The Pros & Cons of the One In, One Out Decluttering
When I first started using this rule, it felt like a lifesaver in our cramped apartment. But like any system, it has its strengths and limitations. Here’s the breakdown:
PROS
Prevents Accumulation: Living in a small space meant I couldn’t afford to let stuff pile up. This rule helped me maintain balance and stay ahead of clutter.\n
Encourages Mindfulness: Every new item came with a question: “What will I let go of to make space for this?” It made every purchase or gift more intentional.
Easy to Implement: No fancy tools or plans needed. I started using it immediately and saw results.
Habit-Forming: Over time, it became second nature for me and even for my family. It shifted how we thought about what we owned.
Space-Saving: Every inch mattered in our apartment, and this rule ensured we used our space wisely.
CONS
Doesn’t Address Root Causes: While it kept me organized, it didn’t solve the constant flow of items from well-meaning family and friends.
Can Feel Limiting: With kids outgrowing clothes and toys so quickly, it sometimes felt restrictive. I had to adjust the rule to fit our family’s needs.
Requires Consistency: Life gets busy, and when I didn’t follow through, the clutter crept back in.
Not Ideal for Big Decluttering Projects: It’s perfect for maintenance but not a quick fix for spaces already overwhelmed with stuff.
For me, the pros far outweighed the cons. This rule was a sanity saver during those chaotic years, and it helped me create a home that worked for us.
How to Start Using the One In, One Out Decluttering Rule
The best part about this rule is how easy it is to start. Pick a specific area to focus on, like your closet, your kids’ toys, or your kitchen. Each time you bring in something new, decide what you’ll let go of. For example, if your child gets a new toy as a gift, have them pick an old one to donate. If you buy a new clothing item, what in your closet is ready for donation?
Keep a donation box in an accessible spot to make this process even smoother. Once it’s full, drop it off at a local charity or schedule a pick-up. This small habit lightens the load for everyone in the family and teaches kids about the value of mindful living.
Consistency is key. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes—and before you know it, you’ll feel a noticeable difference in your space.
The Ripple Effect of Decluttering
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about creating a home that feels calm, inviting, and manageable. When you’re not constantly tripping over things or hunting for lost items, life feels easier. You’ll have more time to focus on what really matters—like spending quality time with your family—without the stress of a cluttered environment hanging over your head.
So, the next time you’re tempted by a new purchase, remember the One In, One Out Decluttering Rule. Trust me, your home (and your sanity) will thank you.