The 2 minute toss it rule
If you’re actively trying to declutter, you may be trying tricks like sorting boxes of stuff (i.e. stuff to keep, stuff to toss, maybe items). This does work for many people. In fact I advocate this as a pretty good decluttering tactic.
That said, it doesn’t work for everyone. Some people NEVER finish deciding about that maybe box. Boxes like this, if you’re undecided, basically just move around your house. That’s not decluttering; that’s called reorganizing clutter.
If this is you, if you’re stuck, you need a harsher rule. The 2 minute rule. Set a basic kitchen timer for 2 minutes. Grab one item from that maybe box. Look at it. Think. When the timer goes off, the item needs to go into the stuff to keep or stuff to get rid of box.
If you can’t decide that you need an item in 2 minutes, then frankly, you probably don’t need to keep the item.
Harsh? Maybe, but this is faster and less cluttered than moving stuff around in a box for years.
Tags: declutter, declutter your life, get rid of stuff, get-organized, going to hell, learn to organize, organize-your-home, recycle, simplify, tossing itemsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Clutter Basics
2 opinions for The 2 minute toss it rule
Around the Lifestyles Channel
Oct 21, 2008 at 7:50 am
[...] The 2 Minutes Toss It Rule [...]
Sarah H.
Oct 21, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Great rule! I’ve definitely been there and I think you are right…if you can’t decide in 2 minutes, then you probably don’t need to keep it. Yes it might be harsh, but I think ultimately it will be effective!
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