Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably come across (or at least heard about) the 80/20 rule – a decluttering method that makes it simple to decide what stays and what goes.
As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, my home is quickly becoming overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I own compared to the storage space available, so I was keen to learn more about the method and how I could give it a go (especially after discovering decluttering can reduce damp).
To find out what I learned and the best way to implement it in your next clean-out session, keep reading – I spoke with 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 our belongings 80% of the time.
"Think about your wardrobe. I'd bet good money you're reaching for the same handful of outfits week in, week out, while the rest just hangs there," says Kelly Moore, founder of Cleaning with Meaning. "The 80/20 rule asks you to be honest about situations like that. Once you accept it, letting go of the other 80% becomes a lot less daunting, and a lot more liberating."
Kelly explains that while the rule works fantastically for items such as kitchenware, clothing, books, and toiletries, it can get tricky with sentimental belongings, and she recommends giving yourself time to think those decisions over. It also wouldn’t work for seasonal decorations (we have a Christmas decluttering guide for this), work uniform, or important legal paperwork.
"The rule is a guide, not gospel. Use it to prompt 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 delivering 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 a few methods that Kelly Moore uses with her clients:
1. The reverse hanger trick: "Hang clothes with hooks facing outward. After six months, anything still facing that way hasn't been worn."
2. The box test: "Pack up items 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 “Do I use it regularly? Do I love it? Would I buy it again today?” If your answers are three nos, they’re gone."
Shopping picks to get you organised
These stackable drawer dividers make me feel like I have my life together and feature 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.
I swear by these hanging wardrobe organisers for my socks, underwear and accessories – it's so much quicker to find everything.
How do I prevent clutter from creeping back in?
If you've ever done a big clear-out, you'll know how easily and sneakily clutter can creep back into your home. So, how do you prevent this?
Both Kelly Moore and Becky Purchas, founder of White Space, agree that the “one in, one out” method is the best solution. By getting rid of one thing before buying anything new, you become more intentional with your shopping habits.
"Ask yourself 'where will this live, and will I still want it in a year?' A quick quarterly walk-around asking whether things still deserve their space works wonders too. Clutter doesn't happen overnight, and neither does preventing it," says Kelly.
Becky Purchas is a professional organiser and declutter coach, and the founder of White Space. With a warm and encouraging approach, Becky cuts through the physical and mental clutter, to create clarity and functional space that supports wellbeing.
"The unexpected benefit of this 80/20 rule is the mindset shift that comes from realising how little we really need, which can change what we chose to bring into the home," concludes Becky Purchas.
For more organisation tips and tricks, read our guide on how to use the William Morris decluttering method or browse these clever kitchen storage ideas.
