Golden Rule of Decluttering: Keep What Matters, Let Go of the Rest

• Gavin Whitaker
• |
• May 11
• |
• home storage solutions

If your junk drawer has turned into a junk room, you’re not alone. Mountains of stuff creep into every crack of modern life. There’s this one rule, though, that pretty much every organizing pro swears by: only keep what you use or what adds real value to your life. Everything else? It’s time to let it go. Sounds simple, but putting it into practice is a whole different game.

Here’s the thing—most clutter isn’t just random objects. It’s decisions you’ve been putting off: old cables you might need one day, gifts you feel guilty tossing, clothes that don’t fit but are ‘almost right.’ When you stick to the golden rule, you ask straight up: Do I use it? Does it make me happy or improve my day? If the answer is no, that’s your cue to say goodbye.

Most people stash “maybe someday” items because fear and what-ifs are strong. But letting go makes more space for what you really use. Your home somehow feels lighter, and so do you. The best part? You don’t need to adopt some extreme minimalist philosophy—you just need to learn to trust your own choices on what stays and what goes.

• What Is the Golden Rule of Decluttering?
• Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?
• Decluttering Hacks That Actually Work
• How to Keep Clutter from Creeping Back

What Is the Golden Rule of Decluttering?

The golden rule of decluttering is pretty simple: keep what you truly use or love, and let go of everything else. It’s about making honest choices, not excuses to keep stuff you don’t need. The best organizers, like Marie Kondo, Rhonda Byrne, and Peter Walsh, all push versions of this rule. It boils down to one thing—your space should only hold things that serve a purpose or spark happiness.

If you’re wondering why this rule is such a big deal, check out the numbers. A 2023 survey by the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals found that over 54% of Americans say clutter makes them feel stressed or overwhelmed. About 23% waste up to an hour a day looking for lost items around the house. That’s time you’re not getting back.

Following the golden rule is the quickest way to cut through all that stress. The trick is being ruthless. If you haven’t used it in the last year, or if it doesn’t make your life noticeably better, it’s probably just taking up space. Sometimes, using a “one in, one out” rule helps. For every new thing that comes into your home, something else has to leave. This prevents that slow creep of clutter.

If you want to put this into practice, grab a box or trash bag and start small. Pick a drawer, a shelf, or one corner of a closet. Hold each item and ask: do I use this, or does it make me happy? If not, toss it, donate it, or sell it. That’s the nuts and bolts of the decluttering golden rule in action. Simple, clear, no guesswork needed.

Why Is It So Hard to Let Go?

We all know we should toss or donate things that don’t serve us, but that feels tougher than it sounds. You’re not just moving stuff—you’re wrestling with your memories, guilt, and even fear. There’s a legit reason letting go is such a pain: studies show our brains are wired to see value in what we already own. This is called the “endowment effect.” Basically, once something’s in your home, you think it’s worth more just because it’s yours.

Then there’s the worry about needing that item someday. A survey by SpareFoot found nearly half of Americans hang onto things “just in case.” Turns out, we hang onto much more than we’ll ever need or use. Plus, family gifts or sentimental keepsakes make things even messier. You might keep Grandma’s vase even if it’s collecting dust, just because you feel bad letting it go.

Some clutter is about identity. Maybe your closet is stuffed with old work clothes, hobbies you tried, or jeans from five years ago—because throwing them away can feel like giving up on potential or memories. It’s totally normal, but it sure isn’t helping your space.

None of this means you’re doomed to drown in stuff, though. Understanding why it’s tough makes it easier to spot those mental roadblocks. When you notice yourself hesitating, remember the decluttering rule: keep what you use, love, or need—and let the rest go, guilt-free.

Decluttering Hacks That Actually Work

There’s no magic wand for decluttering, but the right tricks definitely help you get results faster—and make them stick. Start with the tried-and-true “Four-Box Method.” Grab four containers and label them: Keep, Donate, Toss, and Relocate. Every item you touch goes into one of these boxes. You skip the waffling and cut down on second-guessing right on the spot.

If motivation tanks midway, try the 20/20 rule: If you can replace something for under $20 and in under 20 minutes, it’s okay to let it go. This hack gets you past the fear of regret. Research from UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives of Families shows clutter increases stress, especially for women. Getting rid of stuff you don’t actually need is about more than space—it’s about your peace of mind.

• Decluttering one small area at a time works better than going big all at once. Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle just one drawer or shelf. That quick win gives you momentum.
• If something’s been packed away for a year and you haven’t missed it, odds are, you never will. Out it goes!
• Ask yourself: Would I buy this again today? If not, why let it take up space?

Visualization helps too. Snap a photo of the room before and after decluttering. Seeing the difference is rewarding and keeps you motivated for other spaces.

Tons of apps now offer digital help, like tallying what you’ve donated or reminding you when it’s time to declutter a hotspot. The key is, don’t stall. Action beats perfection—every time.

How to Keep Clutter from Creeping Back

So, you’ve decluttered and it feels awesome, but here’s the thing—it won’t last unless you get a game plan to keep the junk from piling up again. Most people slide back into chaos just a few months after a big cleanout. This is normal, but you can definitely stop the cycle.

Want to know the most obvious trap? Shopping without a plan. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) says that Americans spend about $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods. That’s how the unwanted stuff sneaks in.

To make it stick, create habits for the long haul. Here’s what actually helps:

• Decluttering isn’t a one-time deal—set a mini-date every month to review hot spots like kitchen drawers and closets.
• Use the "one in, one out" rule. If you bring home a new shirt, donate or toss an old one.
• Stick a donation box somewhere easy to reach. Drop in items as soon as you know they’re not needed.
• Think twice before buying. Ask yourself if it solves a real problem, or will just turn into more clutter five months from now.
• Set up better storage solutions, like clear bins, baskets, and labels, so everything has a place. No more dumping things behind closed doors.

If you live with others, get everyone on the same page. It’s easier to keep things tidy if all your housemates or family agree what counts as clutter, and they pitch in.

Here’s a quick look at where clutter most often sneaks in and how often you should check:

Honestly, stuff is always going to try and sneak back in. But with smart habits and a little teamwork, you keep your space under control—and actually enjoy having less to deal with. Make these steps part of your routine, and you’ll keep things clutter-free for good.