Decluttering Made Simple: The 12-12-12 Approach

People often ask me, “What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone on how to approach decluttering their home?” While this may seem like a simple question, the answer is far from straightforward. The journey to declutter is deeply personal and influenced by each individual’s history, emotional attachments, motivations, and attitudes toward the process. To help navigate this complex landscape, I’ve decided to kick off a blog series sharing various decluttering methods. My hope is that you’ll find an approach that resonates with you.

Let’s look into the 12-12-12 approach, a method popularised by Joshua Becker, author of The Minimalist Home. This technique breaks down the decluttering process into manageable tasks, making it easier to tackle clutter without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for those who want to spend a short amount of time decluttering and are willing to make quick decisions.

Starting Gently

For some, the idea of finding 12 items to part with may feel daunting. If that’s the case for you, feel free to adjust the number to something smaller—perhaps five or even three. The objective is to create a sense of accomplishment without overwhelming yourself.

Time Management

The time you allocate for this task is entirely up to you. However, be mindful: giving yourself too much time may lead to second-guessing, inviting emotions to cloud your judgement. This could hinder your ability to let go of items you don’t truly love or need. A suggestion is to set a timer as this creates a sense of urgency that motivates you to make quicker decisions.

What to Tackle

Before diving in, decide whether you want to focus on a specific room, cupboard, or type of item. For example, if you’re dealing with coats and jackets scattered throughout your home, it’s beneficial to gather all of them in one spot. This will help you evaluate each item more effectively and make informed decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.

The 12-12-12 Rule

So, what exactly is the 12-12-12 rule? It’s an effective decluttering method that involves finding:

1. 12 items to throw away: This could include clothes or shoes that are too small or too big, broken items gathering dust in the "I'll get around to mending it" pile, expired food, or just things you no longer like that take up space.

2. 12 items to donate: Choose items in good condition that you no longer need. With the Christmas season approaching, consider how your unused items might bring joy and happiness to someone else.

3. 12 items to return to their proper place: This includes items that you have used and not put back, to junk drawers or a sideboard filled with clutter. Quickly returning these items can significantly tidy your space.

   
   

For some, this method will yield immediate results, while others may need to schedule additional sessions to tackle further clutter. Regardless of the outcome, any progress made is worth celebrating.

Support is Key

Decluttering can be a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. If you find yourself needing support, consider asking a personal declutterer who can assist you in making those tough decisions.

I would love to help anyone who is struggling to do this alone. My passion and goal is to make a positive change in the way your home looks, feels and ultimately the way you spend your time in your home. My website has lots of information about me and my services if you want to find out more. You may also want to take a look at my 5 Star Google Reviews.

Many thanks

Vicki

Organised and Proud

07867 786291