Have you ever seen those pristine, Instagram-worthy homes where not a single sock is out of place, and then looked at your own surroundings and felt it looks more like a before photo on a decluttering show? The 20/20 rule might be a realistic solution to your seemingly never-ending pile of clutter. If you struggle to let go of that extra, never-used spatula because you wonder, “What if I’ll need it someday?” this is for you. Here’s how the 20/20 rule can change your organizational habits and restore order in your home.

What’s the 20/20 Rule?

The 20/20 rule is the simple decluttering principle: if you can replace an item for $20 or less within 20 minutes, you can let it go. This rule helps you overcome the fear of needing an item in the future by providing a clear, practical guideline for determining whether it’s worth keeping. It encourages you to let go of things like that extra spatula you rarely use, making it easier to maintain a clutter-free and organized space.

Starting with the Kitchen

The kitchen is your first battleground. Bravely face your drawer of doom, filled with mismatched utensils, old gadgets, and an alarming number of takeout menus. Armed with the 20/20 rule, ask yourself, “Do I need this egg slicer I’ve never used? Can I replace it for under $20? Could I find one in under 20 minutes if I really needed it?”

The egg slicer will likely be the first casualty, followed by several redundant spatulas, ancient spices, and some novelty mugs. To your surprise, letting go will be easier than expected. Your drawers will start to close correctly, and finding the right utensil will become a stress-free task. Who knew simplicity could be so satisfying?

Next, tackle your collection of kitchen gadgets. From a quesadilla maker to a popcorn popper, your cupboards might be filled with single-use items gathering dust. Applying the 20/20 rule, you’ll realize you haven’t used most of these gadgets in years. Out they go, making space for the items you genuinely use and love.

Clearing Your Closets

Closet cleaning is like an archeological dig through your past fashion mistakes. That neon green scarf from college? Out. The dreaded skinny jeans you’ve been avoiding? Goodbye. The 20/20 rule will help you part with clothes you’ve held onto for far too long.

Some items will be tougher to part with due to sentimental value. Your strategy? Keep one or two pieces that truly excite you, and let the rest go. Keep the vintage concert tee from your favorite band, but say farewell to the rest of your worn-out collection. Your closet will now breathe, and you can actually see what you own.

Decluttering Your Living Room

Your living room, previously a shrine to “just in case” items, is next. Extra blankets, old DVDs, and magazines from 2010 are just the beginning. The 20/20 rule will be your guiding light.

Do you need five throw pillows? Probably not. Can you get another cozy blanket if you truly need one? Definitely. The result? A clutter-free, cozy space perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Plus, it turns out less really is more when it comes to décor.

Bathroom Bliss

Bathrooms tend to accumulate a surprising amount of clutter: half-empty bottles, expired makeup, and free samples galore. Face the mess head-on, keeping the 20/20 rule in mind.

Do you need three types of face wash? No. Can you replace a tube of mascara if you run out? Yes. The purge will be liberating, leaving you with a streamlined, easy-to-navigate bathroom. And let’s be honest, mornings are much smoother when you’re not digging through drawers for that one product you actually use.

Storage Spaces

Ah, the attic and garage, the black holes of clutter. These spaces will require a full day, but the results will be worth it. Old holiday decorations, broken appliances, and boxes of who-knows-what will finally see the light of day.

Applying the 20/20 rule here will be particularly satisfying. Out will go the old sports equipment and ancient textbooks. Keep only what you truly need and love, making these storage spaces functional and organized.

Maintaining the Momentum

Embracing the 20/20 rule will be a game-changer. Your home will become a place of calm rather than chaos, and you’ll spend less time managing stuff and more time enjoying life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, give the 20/20 rule a try. You might find, as I did, that letting go is the first step toward living a more organized, peaceful life.