If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a cupboard that won’t close or tripping over a pile of ‘just-in-case’ items, you’re not alone. Clutter has a sneaky way of multiplying, especially as the years go by and our homes become a treasure trove of memories, mementos, and a few too many knick-knacks.
But what if there was a simple, four-word mantra that could help you keep your home tidy, your mind clear, and your cupboards blissfully uncluttered?
Enter the ‘one in, one out’ rule—a favourite among professional organisers and a game-changer for anyone looking to reclaim their space without a major overhaul.
It’s as straightforward as it sounds: whenever you bring something new into your home, you let go of something old.
Bought a new shirt? Time to donate or toss one from your wardrobe. Picked up a new mug on your travels? Choose an old one to pass on.
The beauty of this rule is its simplicity and flexibility—it can be applied to clothes, homewares, books, toys, and even those mysterious kitchen gadgets that seem to breed in the back of the drawer.
You can do the ‘one out’ part before you shop (a great way to avoid impulse buys), or after you’ve brought your new treasure home.
The key is to follow through—don’t just think about it, do it! Donate, recycle, sell, or bin the outgoing item, and enjoy the extra breathing room.
Why does it work so well?
Clutter doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps up on us, one ‘bargain’ at a time, until suddenly the spare room is a no-go zone and the garage is a game of Tetris. The ‘one in, one out’ rule nips this in the bud by keeping your possessions in check.
As Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method, puts it: ‘We often don’t realise excess is building until it’s already a problem. Adopting this rule can prevent clutter from accumulating over time to avoid a big editing project down the road.’
It’s also a fantastic way to become more intentional with your purchases. Before you buy, you’ll naturally ask yourself: ‘Do I really need this? What will I let go of to make space?’
This will save you money and help you avoid ending up with five identical white T-shirts or a collection of vases that never see the light of day.
Professional organiser Erica Thompson agrees: ‘When you decide that for every new item you bring in, you’ll donate or discard one existing item, keeping any space in your home organised becomes easy.’
How to make it work for you
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for a big spring clean to start. The next time you buy something—a new book, a pair of shoes, or a kitchen gadget—use it as your cue to let go of something similar.
You’ll be decluttering as you go, and before you know it, you’ll have made a dent in the mess without even trying.
Of course, if you’re in the mood for a full-scale declutter, go for it! But don’t let the idea of a big clean-out stop you from starting small. The ‘one in, one out’ rule is about progress, not perfection.
And remember, it’s not about being rigid. Life happens—sometimes you’ll bring in a few things at once or find it hard to part with a sentimental item. That’s okay. The point is to be mindful and make the rule work for your lifestyle.
Have you tried the ‘one in, one out’ rule? Do you have any tips for keeping clutter at bay? We’d love to hear your stories, successes, and struggles in the comments below. Let’s help each other create calm, comfortable, and clutter-free homes—one item at a time!
Also read: Say goodbye to the lid hunt with this simple organiser trick
