What is the '1 in 10 Out' decluttering rule? Experts explain why 'nothing works better than this method' to transform a messy home

We've all heard of decluttering rules to help with a clear out, but what if a method could transform the way we bring new stuff into our homes forever?

If you're struggling to conquer mess in your home, professional organizers swear by the 1 in, 10 out decluttering rule, which is as brutal (and effective) as it sounds. For every item you bring into your home, 10 have got to go.

This method not only cuts the clutter in your space, it completely transforms your relationship with your home, and ensures you only buy things you really want, need or love. Our experts share their 1 in, 10 out decluttering tips, so you can streamline your space – and stick to it – with ease.

How the '1 in 10 out' decluttering rule can help transform a messy home

What is the 1 in, 10 Out decluttering method?

You're probably familiar with the 'one in, one out' decluttering approach, but this method takes things to the extreme to really boost efficiency, particularly if you want to know how to be more ruthless when decluttering.

'The 1 In, 10 out decluttering rule is a refreshingly simple minimalist approach to managing clutter,' says Di Ter Avest, home and lifestyle professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized. For every new item you bring into your home, you remove ten items. This method is designed to empower you to maintain a streamlined space and prevent clutter from accumulating over time.'

This means that implementing this rule not only declutters, but prevents clutter from accumulating again, as you actively reduce the number of possessions you own over time. Daniel Brown, CEO of Handy Cleaners, describes how the 1 In, 10 out decluttering rule 'revolutionizes the game'.

'Instead of bringing more stuff into your home, you should get rid of at least ten items for every new thing bought or acquired, to keeps spaces uncluttered permanently,' he says. 'This might seem harsh but if you're serious about creating a clutter-free environment, trust us when we say that nothing works better than this method.'

Diane Rene, home management expert at the Decluttered Mom, recommends using this rule at any point in your decluttering journey, but especially after you've had a really good clear out. 'This works because it slows down the flow of new items into your home,' she says. 'Even if you are bringing things in, you are taking things out at the same time and leveling the playing field.'

It can be applied when decluttering your bedroom, countertops, toys and clothes fast, and works well if you need to know how to declutter your home when you feel overwhelmed.

How to implement the 1 in, 10 out decluttering rule in your home

'When you are committed to the rule and buy or receive something new, whether it's clothing, a kitchen gadget, or a decorative piece, find 10 items in your home that no longer serve you,' says Ter Avest. 'These could be items you don't use, don't like, or that are duplicates. You can donate, recycle, or discard ten items, but ensure they are completely removed from your home. You then repeat this process every time you acquire something new to keep clutter in check.'

If you need to know how to get motivated to declutter, for this approach, Rene recommends either adopting a 'same category' or 'anything goes' technique. Same category means if you bring home a pair of shoes, an old pair has to go. 'This helps some people be extra intentional with their purchases, knowing they have to get rid of something they potentially weren't ready to part with,' she says. 'If that freaks you out, then start with anything goes.'

This works as it sounds, for every item you bring into your home, you can get rid of any 10 items – they don't have to correspond. 'You can bring home the pair of shoes and get rid of the extra tube of mascara you never grab,' Rena continues. 'Is this as impactful as same category? No, but it's still helpful and will help you make progress in your home. It will also build the habit of letting go, and cause you to stop and think about your purchases a bit more,' so you can mindfully shop, considering the underconsumption trend.

Rene also recommends setting up a donation spot for the items you decide to give away, so you don't get stopped and held up by not knowing where to put these items, or worse, so they don't work their way back into your home.

'A bin or box in the garage or by the back door works great,' she says. We recommend the #1 bestselling IRIS USA 13 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids available at Amazon, as they're strong and sturdy, and clear, so you can see what is in the bins and ready to go without opening the lids, but you could also go for a stylish storage basket to compliment the decor of your home. 'Once it's full, take it to the donation centre,' says Rene.

To maximize efficacy, get everyone in your home involved, make it a challenge, and make it fun. 'Consistency and discipline are key factors here,' says Brown, so you want to ensure that everyone in your home is onboard, to really break the stages of clutter and shift your mindset to help prevent it.

Why the 1 In, 10 out decluttering rule works

Can decluttering change your life? Well, this decluttering rule might. The reason this method works, and so effectively, is that it constantly and continually forces you to evaluate your possessions, and whether you really want what you already have, or need to buy something new. So, instead of looking for easy ways to conceal clutter in your bedroom, you avoid decluttering mistakes and actually get it done.

'It discourages unnecessary purchases because you'll have to give up up more than you gain,' says Ter Avest. 'It also helps you make progress in decluttering without overwhelming yourself with a massive purge,' as it is a continuous method.

Brown points out the rule also makes you evaluate the space of your home, and therefore what you want to fill it with. Items can accumulate almost without you noticing, but this method means you have to decide whether bringing one thing in is actually worth it. 'It helps prevent impulse buys because most people don't want to give up 10 things just so they can bring in one more,' so it's a good money-saving technique too.

How often you should use the 1 In, 10 out decluttering rule

'Remember, the 1 in, 10 out rule is a powerful tool for managing clutter and maintaining a streamlined space,' says Ter Avest. 'It's best used consistently but can be adjusted based on your needs. Whether you want to maintain a clutter-free home regularly or adopt a permanent minimalist lifestyle, this rule can help you achieve your goals.'

If you've already achieved a clutter-free lifestyle, Brown recommends adopting something a little less ruthless, like the 1 in, 10 out rule. 'You could do this all the time if you wanted, but it is especially useful during big cleaning sessions, or when someone is trying to downsize their belongings.' If you have already done so, you don't want to get rid of everything you own.

'If you have a lot of clutter, it may feel good to get organized and pare down items by only keeping the ones that have a strong meaning or some sentimental value for you,' says Amber Shay, national design director at Meritage Homes. 'On the other hand, if you want to add more visual interest to a bare space that may not inspire you, add a couple of accents that reflect your unique personality. It’ll help to warm up your home without feeling like you have an overwhelming amount of stuff.'

If you want to start using the 1 in, 10 out decluttering rule in your space, these bedroom decluttering rules are a perfect place to start.