How to Reduce Clutter:
The One In, Two Out Technique

One way in how to reduce clutter that seems to keep accumulating in your home or office is to use the "one in, two out" rule.

The good news is, it's really easy, too.

Here's all you do: when you bring something new into your space, you get rid of two other items right away (throw them, donate them, give them to a friend, or any other method that gets them completely out of your life, for good).

So if you buy a new blouse, you get rid of two blouses that you haven't worn for awhile. Or two pairs of shoes. Or two mismatched mugs from the kitchen.

You can do this with paper, too! So for every new piece of mail, or piece of paper you print, or new file you create, you shred two other pieces of paper.




Once you get in the habit, it can become as easy as brushing your teeth...just part of your everyday routine.

Clutter doesn't build up overnight. It happens one small action at a time. The acquisition of one small item after another, added to the items you currently have, over time, results in a lot of stuff.

Sure, you won't clear out your whole house in a weekend by using this method, but it's a simple way to remember to get rid of things on a regular basis, and will keep your cupboards and drawers and closets from getting more and more full.

And it's one of the easiest ways I know of learning how to reduce clutter in a gentle, ongoing way.

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