Get Rid of Clutter

If you want to get rid of clutter you need to think beyond the one in and one out rule. A better way is to massively get rid of as much as possible and then let that be your normal state.

Everyone who writes and talks about organizing always talks about the one in and one out rule. They say it like it is a given, that everyone will automatically get it and that is enough.

I don't think so.

You have to jump start the process by getting rid of as much as possible.

Plus, part of the problem is that most people when they buy something new, they are not thinking of replacing something old. They are buying something that they do not have. So they are bringing something new into their life. They are not just replacing something old.

When people are young, they don't have much normally. So they get busy accumulating things with the idea of making their lives better or nicer or something.

When people are older, they may be starting over. I know I am. I left my wife and she kept most of the stuff. I need certain things to make my life work. I don't always want to buy something and then have to work to throw something out.

One of my goals is to live my life with as few rules as possible. I do not want to have rules regarding stuff. At this point I don't worry about buying something and then having to find something to get rid of.

If it needs to go I will get rid of it. If I want to keep it, I will.

I think a better idea is to have your home and life a little on the bare side. That way you always have plenty of room for some more at times.

When you are in the mood, then do some tossing and get rid of clutter to get back to the bare side.

If you are the type of person who needs rules then a better rule to follow is the one in and two out rule.

Meaning, that when you get one thing you look to get rid of 2 things or more. Just think, you are acquiring nice, new things and also de-cluttering.

If you are a cluttered person who happens to like to shop or antique or go rummage sailing you may like this rule.

Go ahead and do your shopping but follow the one in and two or more out rule. That way you can enjoy the thrill of finding something new but also get rid of clutter.

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