Drowning in clutter but can’t seem to part with your belongings?
The “20-minute-or-less rule” might be the lifeline you need. Professional organizers swear by this simple yet effective strategy to help you decide what stays and what goes.
The 20-Minute-or-Less Decluttering Rule
The 20-minute-or-less rule is a decluttering strategy that’s taking the organizing world by storm. It’s designed to help you make quick decisions about those items you’ve been holding onto “just in case” but rarely, if ever, use.
Here’s how it works:
When you come across an item you’re unsure about keeping, ask yourself two simple questions:
- Can I replace this item in 20 minutes or less?
- Can I replace this item for $20 or less?
If you answer “yes” to both questions, it’s time to let that item go. The beauty of this rule is that it gives you permission to part with things, knowing that if you ever truly need them again, they’re easily replaceable.
What “Replacing” an Item Means
When we talk about “replacing” an item in 20 minutes or less, we mean:
- Purchasing a new, similar item from a nearby store or online retailer
- Obtaining a comparable item that serves the same function
- Finding an alternative that fulfills the same need in your life
The idea is that if you can easily acquire a similar item quickly and inexpensively if you ever truly need it again, you can feel more comfortable letting go of the original item now.
The beauty of this rule is that it gives you permission to part with things, knowing that if you ever truly need them again, they’re easily replaceable without significant time or financial investment.
This method is particularly effective for dealing with everyday items that tend to accumulate over time. Think of those random kitchen gadgets, rarely-used office supplies, or that stack of “maybe I’ll read them someday” magazines.
Benefits of the 20-Minute Decluttering Method
Implementing the 20-minute-or-less rule into your decluttering routine comes with a host of benefits:
Manageable Sessions
By breaking the overwhelming task of decluttering into 20-minute daily sessions, you make the process less daunting and more achievable.
Habit Formation
Short, consistent decluttering sessions help build a habit, making it easier to maintain an organized space long-term.
Flexibility
This approach is particularly helpful for families and individuals with ADHD, providing structure while allowing for flexibility.
Time & Stress Savings
Clear guidelines for decision-making save you time and reduce the stress associated with decluttering.
Space & Energy Liberation
As you clear out unnecessary items, you free up not just physical space but also mental energy to focus on more important things.
In adopting this method, you’re not just decluttering; you’re creating a more streamlined, efficient lifestyle. The 20-minute-or-less rule helps you build confidence in your decision-making abilities and creates momentum to tackle even bigger organizing projects.
How to Implement the 20-Minute-or-Less Rule
Ready to put the 20-minute-or-less rule into action? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Set a Timer: Commit to decluttering for just 20 minutes. This time limit helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused.
- Choose a Focus Area: Each day, select a specific area or category to declutter. This could be a drawer, a shelf, or a type of item like books or clothes.
- Apply the Rule: As you go through each item, ask yourself the two key questions: Can I replace this in 20 minutes or less? Can I replace it for $20 or less?
- Make Quick Decisions: Trust your instincts. The goal is to make rapid judgments without overthinking.
- Be Consistent: Try to declutter for 20 minutes every day. Consistency is key to seeing significant results over time.
Items that don’t meet the 20-minute/$20 criteria might require a different decluttering strategy. This rule works best for everyday items rather than valuable or sentimental possessions. (ref)
Pros & Cons of the 20-Minute Decluttering Rule
Like any organizing method, the 20-minute-or-less rule has its strengths and limitations. Let’s break them down:
Pros:
- Builds decluttering into a daily habit through short, focused sessions
- Provides clear guidelines to speed up decision-making on everyday items
- Leads to noticeable results and a more organized space over time
- Reduces decision fatigue by simplifying the keep-or-discard process
- Helps overcome emotional attachments to unnecessary items
Cons:
- May take longer to see significant changes in larger homes
- Skipping days can hinder your decluttering progress
- Doesn’t address items outside the 20-minute/$20 criteria like sentimental items
- Might not be suitable for valuable or irreplaceable possessions
- Could lead to unnecessary repurchasing if not applied thoughtfully
While the pros generally outweigh the cons, it’s important to use this rule as part of a broader decluttering strategy. For items that don’t fit the 20-minute/$20 criteria, consider other decluttering methods or seek advice from a professional organizer.
Decluttering Tips from the Pros
To supercharge your decluttering efforts using the 20-minute-or-less rule, here are some additional tips from professional organizers:
- Declutter before Organizing: Remember, “organized clutter is still clutter.” Clear out unnecessary items before you start organizing what’s left.
- Categorize First: Gather all items in a category (e.g., all your books or all your kitchen utensils) and work through them one-by-one. This gives you a clear picture of what you own and helps identify duplicates.
- Add a Weekly Speed Clean: Incorporate a “20-minute speed clean” each week to keep clutter at bay. This quick tidy-up can prevent the buildup of clutter between more thorough decluttering sessions.
- Responsibly Dispose: Once you’ve decided to let go of items, dispose of them responsibly. Consider donating usable items to charity or using junk removal services for larger quantities.
- One In, One Out Rule: To maintain your clutter-free space, adopt the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring into your home, remove one similar item.
- Involve the Family: If you live with others, make decluttering a family activity. This ensures everyone is on board and helps teach children valuable organizing skills.
- Celebrate Progress: Take before and after photos of your decluttering efforts. Seeing the visual progress can be incredibly motivating and help you stay committed to the process.
The 20-minute-or-less decluttering rule is a practical strategy to help you make progress, especially when first getting started on your organizing journey.
While it may not solve every decluttering dilemma, this method builds confidence and momentum to keep you moving toward a clutter-free home.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but progress. Each 20-minute session brings you closer to a more organized, stress-free living environment.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.