Decluttering and organizing is hard. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with decisions about what to keep, what to discard, and how to organize the things we keep.
Dana K White, author and decluttering expert, is the creator of this process – the Container Concept.
Understanding the Container Concept
The Container Concept is a simple but powerful principle that shifts the way we think about our belongings. I typically try to fit the most I can into a space. It doesn’t work. At least, not in the long run.
Instead, think about every space in your home as a container that has a limit.
Whether it’s a drawer, a shelf, or a whole room, each container is limited in the space it provides. In fact, your entire home is a container. It can only hold so much stuff.
The key is to recognize that the container is the decision-maker—it dictates how much we can keep. This is one of the most important principles that I had to understand and accept when decluttering and organizing my own home. Shifting the decision-making process to the container also removed my emotional involvement.
Working the Container Concept
Here’s how the Container Concept can transform your approach to decluttering and organizing:
Identify the Container
Start by identifying the space you’re working with. This could be a single drawer, a bookshelf, your entire closet, or even an entire room.
The physical boundaries of this space are the limits of the container.
Choose the stuff you want and need to keep
Sort like stuff together so you can see the quantity you own of each item and make decisions about what you want to keep and what to discard.
Next, go through your items and pick out the ones you want to keep or use regularly. Organize these in your container first.
Place like items together in a container.
Respect the Boundaries
Once the container is full, the hard part begins—everything that doesn’t fit must go. It’s all about recognizing that the container has done its job.
If you’ve chosen what you want and need and the container is full, then anything extra is excess and needs to be donated, discarded, or relocated.
Leave Space to Expand
If you fill a container until it’s completely full, you have nowhere to put additional like purchases.
Leaving extra space not only looks better, but it also gives you the option of adding items in the future.
If you don’t leave space for expansion, you may need to adopt the “one in – one out” rule. For every item you want to add to the space, an item needs to be removed to make room for it.
Apply It Everywhere
The genius of the Container Concept is its versatility.
It works everywhere in your home, from your pantry to your garage.
It even applies to less tangible “containers” like your schedule or your mental energy. They have limits too and recognizing that improves your chances of making good decisions in these areas.
By understanding and respecting the limits of your containers, you naturally begin to declutter and prioritize what’s most important to you.
Embracing the Effectiveness of the Container Concept
The Container Concept is effective because it removes the emotional burden of decision-making.
Instead of agonizing over what to keep and what to let go, the container’s physical boundaries guide your choices. Instead of trying to justify keeping items, your focus becomes making space for the things that add value to your life.
This mindset also helps prevent future clutter.
When you bring something new into your home, you’re more likely to consider where it will go and whether it will fit within your existing containers. If it doesn’t, you need to make a conscious choice about what to remove to make room for it.
By viewing your spaces as containers with fixed limits, you can simplify the decluttering and organizing process. It also reduces stress and helps you create a home that reflects what matters most to you.
The Container Concept is your ultimate decluttering and organizing decision-making tool!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website (address below) and sign up for my newsletter. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
Do you have more stuff than the space to store it?
Which of these statements describes you and your relationship with your space?
I often find myself wasting time because I can’t find an item I need.
Sometimes, I come across things I didn’t even know I had.
I can’t bear to get rid of Grandmama’s china.
I have several boxes of memorabilia under the bed or in the attic.
I know I have to decide what to do with my mother’s and mother-in-law’s furniture, but I keep putting it off.
I have a storage facility that I pay for monthly because I can’t decide what to do with the contents. They hold fond memories for me.
I find expired food in the back of the pantry (or refrigerator) that I didn’t know I had.
I know I need to get rid of some stuff, but I’m like Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind” – “I’ll think about that tomorrow”.
Every time I start to declutter a space, I make such a big mess sorting and going through things. I dread even starting.
I’ve thought about starting a whole-home decluttering project, but the thought is so overwhelming that I simply put off thinking any more about it.
I just am not motivated to get my house in order by decluttering and organizing.
I don’t have the energy to tackle big decluttering and organizing projects.
I have enough closets and spare rooms to effectively “hide” all the extra stuff I don’t know what to do with.
I think I’ll just wait and let my children and grandchildren deal with all the stuff.
The thought of getting rid of things from my parents and grandparents is too depressing. How can I throw away precious memories?
I want to declutter and organize, but I just don’t know where to start.
Things may look a little cluttered, but I like having a lot of stuff around me.
When I was growing up, I was taught to take care of your stuff. You don’t throw away stuff that still functions. That is wasteful.
Every time I read about how to declutter and organize, it just doesn’t feel right for me. Is there really a right way to do it?
It makes me so sad when I realize that my children and grandchildren don’t want the stuff that I cherish.
Write down the number of any statement that reflects how you think or feel.
Instead of “where do I start?”, should the question be “what kind of mindset do I need to cultivate before starting a major decluttering and organizing project?”
Personally, I have struggled with many of these thoughts and feelings. After all, how do you think I came up with all of them?
When you consider whether you need to declutter and organize your space, what is holding you back? If you’re happy with everything in your home – the stuff you have and where you have it, then don’t let anyone tell you what you need to do.
However, if thinking about any of these statements makes you feel uncomfortable, what needs to change for you? Or what do you need to change? Your mind?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
We all have those days when motivation is nowhere to be found. If you're feeling stuck, here are some simple and effective tips to help you get back on track:
**Meditate**: Take a few minutes to calm your mind and reduce stress.
**Journal**: Write down your thoughts and feelings to process them better.
**Find Inspiration**: Read or listen to inspiring stories.
**Explore New Hobbies**: Try something new to spark your interest.
**Set Small Goals**: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
**Establish a Routine**: A consistent schedule can create a sense of normalcy.
**Practice Gratitude**: List things you're thankful for to boost your mood.
**Get Moving**: Exercise to improve your mood and energy levels.
**Listen to Music**: Play your favorite tunes to uplift your spirits.
**Connect with Friends**: Spend time with loved ones for support.
**Surround Yourself with Positivity**: Be around motivated people.
**Prioritize Self-Care**: Take care of your physical and mental health.
**Limit Social Media**: Reduce time spent on social media to avoid comparison.
**Reflect on Achievements**: Remember past successes to build confidence.
**Take Breaks**: Short breaks can refresh your mind.
**Spend Time Outside**: Nature can have a calming and rejuvenating effect.
**Seek Help if Needed**: If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek professional support.
These tips can help you find your motivation and enjoy life more. Remember, it’s okay to take it one step at a time. For more ideas and detailed advice, check out the original article on the [Calm blog] (https://www.calm.com/blog/i-dont-feel-like-doing-anything).
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
Have you ever noticed how many emails you get or articles you see that start with a number?
“5 Final Thoughts About…..”
“7 Things You’ll Never Regret…”
“The 11 Best…”
Well, decluttering rules are no exception! In this article, I’ll share 10 sets of rules with a specific number of rules! Confusing? It’s all in the numbers.
Here is the condensed version. If you want to know more about a specific set of rules, just click on the hyperlinked title beneath each image.
The 90/90 Rule turns out to be only one rule, but you decide on the number. It started with 90 days – 90 days before and 90 days afterward.
This works well for decluttering clothing. Ask yourself if you have worn an item in the past 90 days and whether you will wear it in the next 90 days. Then remove those items that don’t make the cut.
Turns out that the 20/20 Decluttering Rule also boils down to one rule.
This is a good rule if you are one of those people who want to hold on to an item “just in case” you might need it sometime in the future.
Describes my mother to a T! And I’m my mother’s daughter.
If you get rid of an item that you realize you need, can you replace it for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes?
If so, it goes in the discard box.
For people living in a very rural setting like I do, you may not be able to meet the 20-minute deadline, but the concept still holds. And even where I live, we have a new Family Dollar-Dollar Tree store less than 5 minutes away out here in the middle of nowhere!
These 10 Gentle Decluttering Rules are not decluttering methods or how-to rules. Instead, they are to help you learn how to let go of things and live with less.
Why is more important than how.
One thing at a time.
This is not a race.
If everything matters, nothing matters.
Keep your eyes on your own stuff.
Small progress is still progress.
Less is not nothing.
Just in case means never.
Holding on is harder than letting go.
This is love. Simplicity.
As you read the above rules, could you envision how some of them may have played out in your life? Our own interpretation of these rules is how they should be applied.
As an introduction, Taryn notes that the average American spends 2.5 days per year looking for lost items. And 20% of families who live in homes with 4 or more bedrooms have items in storage. Yikes!
Declutter little. Declutter often.
Apply KonMari decluttering techniques only to your everyday clutter.
Spontaneous combustion – meaning if an item in your home were to spontaneously disappear, how would you feel?
20/20 rule – if you rarely use an item and can replace it for less than $20 and in less than 20 minutes, get rid of it. (Hint: you will probably never end up buying it again!)
Project 333 from Courtney Carver – have 33 pieces of clothing in your closet that you commit to using for 3 months. Pack up the rest of your clothes and put them away, so you can always go back to get what you missed or needed until you are satisfied with the process.
90/90 Rule – consider if you used the item in the previous 90 days and would you use it in the next 90 days. Then make the decision to keep it or discard it.
Wait for it – if you decide you want something, wait a specified amount of time to see if you still want it. Many times, you’ll find you don’t really need it after all.
There are no rules. At least there are no hard and fast rules. Make your own rules based on what you want to accomplish and the best way that works for you, your personality, your energy level, and your available time.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
Ever experienced the urge to declutter, but don’t know where to start? So, you just leave it for another time – when you’re feeling more motivated or energetic. You're not alone. Dana K White, of A Slob Comes Clean blog, offers practical wisdom on how to effectively tackle clutter, starting with what she calls the Visibility Rule.
You may have read to start with one drawer, like a junk drawer. Or start with your closet, sorting, donating, and trashing. While those are places you could start, if you’re like me, you quickly get too tired and the motivation to continue is soon gone.
And look around. You’re left with a bigger mess because you pulled everything out of that drawer onto the counter or spread out all your clothes on the bed. Bigger mess and your urge to clutter got up and went!
But Dana urges us to pause and consider a different approach.
Enter the Visibility Rule. Instead of starting the decluttering process with those tucked-away areas, Dana suggests focusing on spaces that are in plain sight.
Why? Because tackling visible clutter not only enhances the overall appearance of your home but also boosts your motivation to continue decluttering.
It makes a bigger difference faster!
Just look around first. What can you do in just a few minutes? You can make significant strides by addressing items that have been lingering unnoticed but would make a huge difference if picked up and put away. Whether it's clearing out unused containers, discarding expired food items, or simply straightening up, these small but visible changes can have a profound impact on your space.
So why prioritize visibility over the seemingly more important clutter tasks that you’ve been wanting to tackle for so long? Dana says that by focusing on what people see upon entering your home, you're not only creating a more welcoming space for guests but also streamlining your decluttering efforts. After all, the areas that catch the eye are often the easiest to tackle, making it a win-win situation.
What does prioritizing visibility look like in practice? It's about making intentional decisions based on what will make the most noticeable difference. Rather than getting bogged down by the enormity of clutter, start with manageable tasks that yield visible results. Whether it's organizing a countertop, decluttering a living room, or tidying up a high-traffic area, these small victories pave the way for larger successes.
Pick up an item and make a decision right then and there. Does it need to be trashed? (Keep a trash bag with you at all times.) Does it need to be put away? (That means you have a place for it and can take it there right away.) Or, is it still in good shape, but your family doesn’t need or want it anymore? (In this case, it goes into the Donate Box.)
In essence, the Visibility Rule offers a simple, but strategic approach to decluttering—one that prioritizes impact over effort. By making incremental changes to the areas that matter most, you'll not only create a more harmonious living environment but also gain a sense of accomplishment that fuels further progress.
So, remember the wisdom of the Visibility Rule. Instead of getting lost in the chaos of hidden clutter, channel your energy into transforming the spaces that make the greatest impression. Your home—and your sanity—will thank you for it.
