I tried the 50% decluttering rule, and it gave me the ruthless push to clear the clutter in my cramped kitchen cabinets

Another day, another decluttering method to try. This time, the 50% decluttering rule, which, as its name suggests, can help you get rid of half of your clutter.

After a busy first quarter, I thought it was about time to tackle one of my most-used, clutter-filled, and constantly added-to storage spaces in my kitchen: my crockery cabinet.

While the best decluttering tips have helped me keep my kitchen neat, I was looking for a method to stop my cabinets from spiraling out of control, where the 50% decluttering rule steps up to the plate.

What is the 50% decluttering rule?

Put simply, the 50% decluttering rule is a method that can help you get rid of half the stuff you might be hoarding in one space, room, or location.

'Instead of stressing over every little thing, you just aim to cut it down by half,' Sofia Martinez, founder and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin says. 'It’s a quick way to clear out clutter, make a big difference you can see right away, and still keep what you need.'

This is why I'd go so far as to say it's one of the ultimate decluttering methods to add to your routine.

I tried the 50% decluttering method in my cramped kitchen cabinets

For one reason or another, kitchen clutter is something I struggle with in my home. I live in a small open-plan space and while I love it, it does mean if things aren't tidied away after their use, my cozy space turns into a cluttered one.

I know that many things always make your kitchen look cluttered. For example, leaving small appliances on your counter can help add to the mess. Or having open shelving full of mismatched items can look untidy. Therefore, I’m always looking for ingenious ways and clever storage hacks, like this Joseph Joseph Cupboard Store Under Shelf Drawer Kitchen Cabinet Storage Organizer, which you can pick up from Amazon for $10, to keep my home and cupboards under control. However, with storage on the small side, it can mean that my kitchen cupboards get cluttered beyond belief.

Whether it’s plates all stacked on top of each other, cake bowls shoved in the corner or odd bowls packed in as tight as can be. The thing is: the clutter impacts the functionality of this space. It’s hard to reach for a specific bowl when things are jam-packed so tightly on top of each other.

I’ve organized this kitchen cabinet countless times since moving in more than three years ago. But after coming across the 50% decluttering problem, I thought this could help me learn how to declutter kitchen cabinets once and for all.

Confirming my thoughts, Sofia says: 'The 50% rule makes life feel lighter. Cutting your stuff in half clears up the mess you see, which calms your mind and gives you a sense of being in charge.

'Plus, it’s way easier to keep things clean—less time scrubbing, less hunting for lost items, and your place stays neat longer,' Sofia adds. 'People say it also stops that stuck feeling where you can’t decide what to ditch, so you actually get it done.'

How to use the 50% decluttering rule

The great thing about this rule is that it’s very straightforward. To apply this to your home, you simply:

• Start with one area, such as your wardrobe or a busy kitchen cabinet.
• Split everything into two piles. One being the keep pile and the other being the let-it-go pile.
• That’s it! 'It’s an easy way to clear out half your stuff and make your space feel lighter without overthinking it,' Sofia adds.

I tried the 50% decluttering method

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After

After trying out the 50% decluttering rule, my cupboard is much tidier and I can now see (and reach) everything with ease.

Before

Prior to trying out the 50% decluttering rule, I had unused and random items in my cabinet. This made it hard to use and find the crockery I was looking for.

Sofia confirms that this can be the perfect spot to apply this rule. 'Especially where you’ve got extra gadgets, random containers, or too many spoons,' the expert notes.

But Sofia says you could also use this rule around a few other areas of your home. For example, are you looking for rules experts live by for decluttering your wardrobe? 'Closets and wardrobes are a no-brainer,' Sofia says. 'Most of us only wear a handful of our clothes anyway, so slashing half makes sense.

'Bookshelves, kids’ toy zones, and bathroom stash spots also look way better after you cut them down by half,' Sofia adds.

Therefore, this rule might be best for those who think they have too much 'stuff' and, just like the five-second decluttering rule, it can be suitable for anyone who struggles to decide what to keep or toss.

'It’s perfect if you’re someone who needs to see quick wins to keep going, or if fancy sorting methods like KonMari feel too much,' Sofia mentions. 'It’s also a big help for people getting ready to move or downsize, since it gives you a simple way to cut back fast.'

However, the 50% rule might not work for everyone. 'If you’ve got a special collection or stuff you’re really attached to, it could feel too harsh,' Sofia explains.

People who need time to let go of things emotionally might be best off learning how to declutter sentimental items to help them let go. 'And if you’re already a minimalist with just the basics, it probably won’t do much for you,' Sofia says.

Kitchen cabinet organizing essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the expert

Sofia Martinez

Sofia has more than 15 years of cleaning experience in both residential and commercial settings. The cleaning expert prides herself on her use of non-toxic home essentials and environmentally responsible practices while delivering reliable cleaning to homes and businesses in Austin, Texas.

For more tips on decluttering, discover what happened when an editor tried the 'Didn't Know' decluttering method to clear the messiest areas of her home in minutes. Or find out more about the 1-3-5 decluttering method.