"Unprecedented ruthlessness unleashed: Using the 5-second rule to effectively clear out my long-neglected storage under the stairs"
The 5-second decluttering rule, a popular method for quick decision-making when decluttering items, has gained traction as an effective tool for reducing clutter buildup and improving mental clarity. This rule, which involves deciding within 5 seconds whether to keep or discard an item, has proven beneficial in various areas of the house, particularly high-traffic zones like kitchens and living rooms.
In practice, the 5-second rule offers several advantages. Quick decisions prevent procrastination, promoting immediate action and making tidying more manageable. A decluttered, organized space can also improve mood and reduce stress, creating aesthetic calm and smoother daily routines. Furthermore, maintaining a minimal and well-managed environment discourages pests and is adaptable to small spaces, making it suitable for entryways or desks.
However, the 5-second rule is not without its limitations. It may not be as effective for bulky or sentimental items, where evaluating value takes more time. In rooms like craft rooms or storage spaces, the quick decision rule could lead to indecision or unnecessary disposal. Additionally, the rule may not be suitable for complex decluttering, such as clothes or collections, where methods like "try it on" or sorting by categories and using the 1-year rule are better suited.
Moreover, the 5-second rule encourages fast action, which can overlook underlying problems like hoarding disorder or the need for professional help in severe clutter cases. It may also not address seasonal or specialized decluttering, such as holiday decorations or rarely used items, which require planned, seasonal approaches.
In the hands of the right individual, the 5-second rule can be a powerful tool for maintaining a clutter-free home. For instance, Lauren Bradbury, Content Editor for the House Manual section since January 2025, successfully applied the 5-second rule to her under-the-stairs junk cupboard, leaving her with about half of the original items.
Professional organizing services, such as Simpl Living Co based in West Sussex, advocate for the 5-second decluttering rule, as it reduces second-guessing and empowers individuals to adopt a life free from societal stereotypes about happiness and consumerism. Simpl Living Co boasts a top one percent podcast with over 2.5 million downloads and a Facebook community of 60,000 members.
On the other hand, Lesley Spellman and Ingrid Jansen, the UK's leading authority on decluttering and organizing homes, caution that the 5-second decluttering rule encourages speed over thought. Their approach, supported by The Declutter Hub, emphasises more sustainable, emotions-based decluttering.
In conclusion, the 5-second decluttering rule is a practical, easy-to-apply approach that works well for daily maintenance and common areas prone to quick clutter. However, it is less suited for rooms requiring more thoughtful organization or dealing with special categories of items. For best results, it can be combined with other decluttering strategies tailored to specific rooms and item types.
- The 5-second rule can be effective in maintaining a clean home office, as quick decisions prevent procrastination and make tidying more manageable.
- For fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts, the rule might not be appropriate when decluttering clothes, as methods like "try it on" or sorting by categories and using the 1-year rule might be more beneficial.
- The 5-second rule is also applicable when dealing with food-and-drink, ensuring a well-managed and organized kitchen to reduce stress and improve daily routines.
- While traveling, implementing the 5-second rule can help keep luggage light and organized, making it easier to navigate unknown environments and maintain a homesickness-free state of mind.
