What is the 5 year decluttering rule? This method makes it quick and easy to decide what clutter to get rid of

By evaluating your belongings based on whether you’ve used them in the last five years, you can reduce clutter and make space for the things that matter most.

The five year rule is a method that can be applied to any area of your home, and helps you to identify and remove items that have been sitting unused for an extended period, reducing clutter and freeing up space.

When it comes to how to declutter your home, this might be the rule that finally allows you to gain control over clutter and potentially transform it.

The 5 year rule

To begin this method, Ben Soreff, Professional Organizer at House to Home Organizing, summarizes the rule and how it works best: 'At it's core, the five year decluttering rule is very simple. If someone hasn't used an item in five years, they will probably never use it. It is important to note that this rule is helpful for people who are stuck or have a hard time letting things go.'

This rule is good when organizing attics and basements where clutter builds up over time. 'However, there may be a reason they haven't used it in five years, most likely because they couldn't find it. It may work better to focus on why you are keeping the item? Is it a keepsake? How expensive is it? How hard is it to get it again? Typically, when someone hasn't used an item in five years it was because it was for a one time solution to something or a project. For example, a school project but now the kids are in college. Focus on why it came into your life in the first place,' he says.

Items such as specialized countertop kitchen appliances, things for the holidays and board games can take up large amounts of storage space and if you haven’t used these items in the last five years, then it could mean you may never use them – it’s a good idea to discard these things.

(Image credit: Joshua McHugh. Design: McKay)

Trust the process

If you haven’t needed, enjoyed, used, or worn the item in the past five years, make a decision and let go of the items that are taking up your valuable space.

'Firstly look at the item you want to declutter, then ask yourself if you have worn it, used it, enjoyed it, or needed it for the past five years,' Angela Agranoff, Owner of The Unclutter Angel suggests. 'To finish, put the item in one of the four boxes that fit your decision. Keep, donate, trash, or unsure.'

The method is logical and will no doubt help when it comes to clearing out spaces you dread to organize.

The bigger picture

Taking a step back and looking at things from a different perspective is an important way to look at what’s around you everyday.

'Live with what is important to you. Go through every area to remember what you have,' professional organizer and stager Barbara Brock explains. 'Where you are today may be different in five years and the same thing happens with our clothing and household goods.'

Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing agrees. 'When decluttering, you can always ask yourself questions like "When was that last time you used that item?", "Would you purchase it today?", or "Do you have better?" to keep things in perspective,' she says.

If you find duplicates, dislike the item or have bad feeling with it, respect those feelings, decide where it goes, and move on.

A consistent declutter

Finding a method for how to declutter a room that works for you can be difficult, but you may end up trying one rule and living by it forever more.

Jamie Hord encourages us to keep a consistent declutter throughout the home. 'If you find that you're always taking off that one shirt that you always try on and it's never the right fit or look, get rid of it right there and then,' she urges. 'Create a space in your walk-in closet or your mudroom where you have a bin for donations and once that bin gets full, take it to your nearest donation spot. This will always keep your house paired down and clutter free.'

This level of consistency may relieve the stress of a full home declutter and reorganization of a space as you will already have kept on top of things.

(Image credit: Julie Soefer)

Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized suggests a consistent declutter to ensure you can always get the home back to a certain state when desired. 'Always get 'BACK TO ONE' for maintenance. ‘Back to One’ is where a lot of work goes into creating a TV production set, from the props to the furniture placement to the carefully calibrated lighting. Once the director yells "Action!" and the scene begins shooting, everything gets moved around, so the set may look quite different by the time the director calls "Cut." If another take is needed, the director will say, "Okay, everyone, back to one!" and everything is placed back exactly as it had been, ready to shoot again from the original starting place. Your home organization, just like a TV production set, needs to have a ‘back to one’ to be a truly sustainable, effective system; and you need to be able to get to that place quickly and easily on a daily basis.'

Consider implementing these tips next time you have a spare moment and see how far you get. It won’t be long until you’re left with a home to maintain full of things that really matter to you.