The Game-Changing Organization Tip That Will Help Declutter Your Home

You can't fit your new sweater into your closet because it's already overflowing, and your bookshelves look more like they belong in an overcrowded warehouse than in your living room. If this sounds familiar, you're probably more than aware that you need to declutter and get organized. You may have tried many times before, but it can be overwhelming, and nothing seems to work very well. Look, we get it. Before you resolve yourself to living in a sea of excess, know that you probably just haven't found the decluttering strategy that works best for you yet. And that's okay, because there is a simple solution worth trying: the one box rule.

The one box rule is a quick and easy decluttering hack that will keep your home organized without having to overhaul your life or shlep through every single room and closet in your house all at once. You simply place a cardboard box somewhere accessible in your home, and anytime you come across something that you no longer want or need, place it in the box. When the box is full, drop it off at your favorite charity or local donation center. Then get a new box and start all over again. This approach creates an ongoing process of decluttering that helps maintain order, rather than relying on large cleanups after clutter gets out of control.

It helps to remember that clutter does not necessarily mean trash or junk. Clutter can be anything that is out of control or doesn't fit in your lifestyle anymore, but those items might be very useful to someone else. This is a great perspective to maintain when you begin implementing the one-box rule. As you see things around your home, like board games your family no longer plays or old books you aren't going to read again, remember that placing them in the donation box means that someone else will get good use out of them. You're not simply getting rid of things for the sake of decluttering.

When you're ready to start, place the box in an accessible spot, like a coat closet you use often or the corner of your family room. Take a quick walk through your house to find a few items you can put in the box right away. While you do not need to do this regularly, it will help create momentum and make it easier to spot items ready for donation. It's also a good idea to get the family involved — your partner or children — so that everyone can be on the lookout for clutter. They can also lend an objective view if there are sentimental items you're struggling to part with. If you don't have a favorite charity in mind, there are plenty of alternatives to thrift store donations to get rid of things after decluttering, like giving blankets to an animal shelter or placing books in a neighborhood little free library.