Inside: Learn how to use the ‘one less’ rule to eliminate clutter without getting overwhelmed in the process.
A guest post by Evelyn Long
At times, decluttering can feel like trying to empty a lake with a teaspoon. The sheer volume of possessions can feel overwhelming, creating additional stress.
Add a busy family life with school drop off and pick ups, work, meals, and the excess stuff that may come in handy someday, can end up feeling more stifling than helpful.
Having too much stuff can create stress and waste your time as you try to find needed items. But where do you start when trying to tackle things that have piled up over the years?
That’s where a deceptively simple strategy called the “one less” rule can come in handy. It’s a gentle and sustainable way to regain control of your space, without the pressure of a complete overhaul.
What Is the “One Less” Rule?
The “one less” rule states that you must simply remove one item at a time. When paired with shopping less overall, the method results in fewer items over time.
Most people intuitively know that too much stuff negatively impacts their health and happiness. In a survey of 2,000 adults, 83% said having a clean and organized home sets the tone for the year.
Finding and sticking to a method is your best defense against everything in your way.
The “one less” rule is popular because it is a low-risk, incremental approach to decluttering, allowing the task to be completed in stages rather than all at once. Your momentum and discipline build over time.
If decluttering feels overwhelming, this slower approach can help you maintain a well-organized home and prevent future clutter. Breaking it down into manageable chunks can alleviate anxiety and increase motivation.
Buying and bringing less back into the house is a gentler way of staying clutter-free.
Why This Method Helps People Who Struggle to Declutter
Maybe you still hold on to items out of nostalgia or because you do not want to waste them.
Perhaps a part of you thinks, “I might need this one day,” or maybe you’re just feeling overwhelmed in life.
The “one less” concept can help you overcome this in several ways:
- It reduces decision fatigue by requiring you to consider discarding only one item, rather than multiple items to get rid of.
- Small changes you make each day or week accumulate.
- It prevents hoarding, where people collect things solely for the sake of the collection or future use. There are various levels of hoarding, but collectible hoarding can create dangerous living conditions.
People with hoarding tendencies may struggle to part with their items. Prevention through preemptive cleanup helps protect against the accumulation of excessive items and supports the person’s mental and physical well-being.
You can hire a hoarding cleanup company if the problem gets out of hand.
Tips to Make the “One Less” Rule Work in Your Life
Since 55% of Americans say clutter creates stress, getting started immediately can give you peace of mind. To embrace the mindset, follow these tips:
Are you going to declutter one object a day? Once a week? One from each category, including clothing, toys, and kitchen gadgets?
The key is consistency. Removing one thing daily means 365 things will be gone by the end of the year.
If you’re unsure what to do about something, put it in a bin or box marked “decide by” and a date. If you haven’t needed it by then, get rid of it.
When you bring a new piece in, try picking one to get rid of immediately to maintain the balance.
Following a minimum rule of removing even just one item a week creates a habit.
After beginning with things that are easier to discard, such as old magazines, mismatched storage containers, and duplicates, tackle items with sentimental value.
Use a checklist to keep track of your progress. Pause every 25 items and reflect to consider your space or mindset.
Don’t let things sneak back into the house. Treat finding an item from your past as a new “in” item and select an “out” item to balance the scales.
Busy families will find the approach particularly effective. A room can be decluttered gradually without consuming an entire weekend or creating a mess by taking out all of your potential discard items at once.
How to Use the Method for Common Situations
You may have questions as you implement changes in your life. Here are some everyday situations:
1. I’m Worried I’ll Need Something I Decluttered
Although rare, it is possible to regret something you’ve decluttered. However, keeping something in perpetual storage on the off-chance you might need it leads to more clutter.
Consider the cost of the item and whether you could borrow or purchase it secondhand if a need arises. Knowing you have options can free your physical space and improve your mental well-being, helping you move past this roadblock.
2. I Can’t Bear to Get Rid of My Sentimental Items
The mindset takes time to develop, but you may still struggle to let go of items tied to a memory. Start with a “maybe” box and place sentimental items in it for a period.
You can try alternatives, such as taking a photo of the item or writing out the reason it’s special to you. Once you’ve secured the memory, it may be easier to let the object go.
3. My Family Brings Stuff in and Won’t Get Rid of Anything
Other people in your household can create a lot of clutter and make it feel like you take one step forward and three steps back. Continue with your plan and encourage family members to do the same.
Over time, you can positively influence them. Make decluttering a game or team effort.
Start Small and Stay Consistent with the ‘One Less’ Rule
You don’t need a massive purge to feel light and free. You can start with one drawer. Choose something to release today, and then notice how even a small thing can free you.
This simple act can be surprisingly powerful, creating a ripple effect of positive change in your home and mind.
The “one less” rule isn’t just about decluttering — it’s about creating a more intentional and peaceful way of life. One day, you will find more ease, clarity, and calm in your life, one item at a time.
Evelyn Long is a home organization writer who helps homeowners and renters maintain a neat space through innovative decluttering tips. She has written for several other publications, including the National Association of Realtors and DecorMatters. She is also the editor-in-chief of Renovated Magazine, where she shares additional tips on decluttering and home organization.
How will you use the ‘One Less’ Rule in your home? Let us know in the comments section below.
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