Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably experienced (or at least heard of) the 80/20 rule—a decluttering method that makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes.
As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, my house is quickly filling up with the amount of stuff I own compared to the available storage space, so I was curious to learn more about the method and how I could give it a go (especially after finding Decluttering can reduce dampness).
To find out what I learned and the best way to implement it in your next clean-out session, keep reading – I spoke to two decluttering experts for their insights.
What is the 80/20 rule?
The 80/20 rule – also known as the Pareto principle – is the observation that we use 20% of the goods 80% of the time.
“Think about your wardrobe. I’ll bet you can get good money for a handful of outfits a week, while the rest hangs there,” says Kelly Moore, Cleaning with meaning. “The 80/20 rule tells you to be honest about situations like this. Once you accept that, giving up the other 80% becomes a lot less daunting, and a lot more liberating.”
Kelly explains that while the rule works wonderfully for things like kitchen utensils, clothing, books and toiletries, it can be difficult with emotional baggage, and she recommends giving yourself time to think these decisions through. It also won’t work for seasonal decorations (we have a Christmas decluttering guidelines for this), work uniforms or important legal documents.
“The rule is a guide, not gospel. Use it to encourage honest thinking; not to make you feel bad about what you own,” she says.
Kelly Moore is the founder of Cleaning with Meaning, a Kent-based eco-cleaning business committed to providing exceptional cleaning services without toxic chemicals or single-use plastics.
How do you identify the 20%?
The 80/20 rule is all well and good in theory, but how do you identify the 20% in practice? Here are some methods Kelly Moore uses with her clients:
1. Reverse hanger trick: “Hang clothes with the hooks facing outwards. Six months later, nothing is still worn facing that way.”
2. Box test: “Pack the things you’re unsure about and live without them for a month. If you haven’t gone looking, you don’t need them.”
3. Three questions: “Ask yourself “Am I using it regularly? do i love him Would I buy it again today?” If your answer is three numbers, it’s gone.”
Shopping options to keep you organized
These stackable drawer dividers make me feel like I have my life together and have a foldable design that’s easy to store.
Learn how to reset your home in 14 days with this book that explores the 80/20 rule, also available as an audiobook.
Hanging wardrobe organizer
I swear by these hanging wardrobe organizers for my socks, underwear and accessories – it’s super quick to find everything.
How do I prevent the intruder from re-entering?
If you’ve ever done a big clear-out, you know how easily and stealthily clutter can creep into your home. So, how do you prevent this?
Kelly Moore and Becky Purchas, both founders of white spaceAgree that the “one in, one out” method is the best solution. By getting rid of one item before buying anything new, you become more intentional with your shopping habits.
“Ask yourself ‘Where will this be, and will I still want it in a year?’ A quick quarterly walk-around to ask if things still deserve their place also works wonders. Clutter doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does it prevent it,” says Kelly.
Becky Parchas is a professional organizer and declutter coach and founder of White Space. With a warm and encouraging approach, Becky cuts through physical and mental clutter, creating clarity and functional space that supports well-being.
“An unexpected benefit of this 80/20 rule is the mindset shift that comes from realizing how little we really need, which can change what we choose to bring into the home,” concludes Becky Purchas.
For more organizational tips and tricks, read our how-to guide William Morris Decluttering Method or browse this clever Kitchen storage ideas.
