"An unyielding approach taken: Implementing the 5-second rule, I ultimately conquered the clutter in my under-the-stairs closet"
The 5-second decluttering rule is a popular method for quickly sorting through items and making decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. This rule encourages instinctual decisions and less second-guessing, making decluttering a house faster and less emotionally taxing.
Lauren Bradbury, our platform's Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums, is a strong advocate of this method. She suggests using drawer organizers, storage boxes with lids, and even a label maker to help streamline the decluttering process. Lauren has spent over 110 hours testing different vacuum models, making her an authority on home organization.
According to the rule, picking up each item and making a quick decision—within 5 seconds—about whether to keep it or get rid of it is the key. If the item isn't a definite yes to keep, then it's considered a no and should be removed or relocated. Using an egg timer during the process can help ensure that decisions are made quickly.
However, it's important to note that the 5-second decluttering rule may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for areas of the house with emotional items. Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, who run The Declutter Hub, advise against rushing decisions during the 5-second decluttering process. They recommend focusing on areas of the house with fewer emotional items, such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage areas, or junk drawers or cupboards, when using the rule.
The Declutter Hub, a leading authority on decluttering and organizing homes, supports more sustainable, emotions-based decluttering methods. They believe that effective decluttering should be rooted in gut instinct, and if something isn't a "definite yes," it should be a "no."
Pulling everything out of a storage space and laying it out on the floor can be the worst part of decluttering, but it is a necessary step in the 5-second decluttering process. This rule can be applied to various items, including cleaning products and shoes.
Shannon Murphy, founder of Simpl Living Co, is another proponent of the 5-second decluttering rule. She suggests using the rule when feeling energized and mentally clear, not at the end of a long decluttering session. For larger spaces or deeply sentimental items, this method alone might feel too rushed or harsh. In such cases, combining quick decision methods (like the 5-second rule) with other strategies such as the 20-minute method (working in small increments) or mindful decluttering approaches may provide better, more thorough results.
The 5-second decluttering rule can lead to a cathartic decluttering experience, as it encourages ruthlessness and quick decision-making. If you're looking to declutter your home quickly and efficiently, the 5-second decluttering rule might be just what you need.
[1] The 5-second decluttering rule: A quick guide to decluttering your home, The Declutter Hub. [2] The 5-second rule: A revolutionary way to declutter your home, Shannon Murphy, Simpl Living Co. [3] The 20-minute decluttering method: A step-by-step guide, The Declutter Hub. [4] Mindful decluttering: A guide to decluttering with intention, The Declutter Hub.
Incorporating the 5-second decluttering rule into one's lifestyle can make home organization more efficient and less emotionally exhausting. A well-organized home office, for example, may further boost productivity and contribute to a streamlined fashion-and-beauty routine, making mornings less hectic and more enjoyable. Additionally, by applying the same rule to cleaning products and home-and-garden items, one can create a cleaner and more orderly home-and-garden space, which in turn can help bring a sense of calm and peace to one's lifestyle.
