I’m the Queen of Clean – my 3-second ‘declutter’ rule will help you quickly clear out unwanted bits in a New Year spruce
JANUARY is the perfect time for a declutter.
But if you’re someone who struggles to decide what to keep and what to get rid of, the self-described ‘Queen of Clean’ has a simple rule to follow.
Lynsey took to TikTok to share a video detailing her top tip, as she began: “Do you follow the three second declutter rule?”
She then said the best way to start off is to get everything out and categorising it – into sections such as clothing, accessories, homeware etc.
Next, Lynsey picks up each item and gives herself just three seconds to decide whether to keep the item – if she’s going to wear it or use it again – or if it’s “time for it to go”.
“Trust those instincts and don’t forget to donate or recycle those items to give them a new lease of life,” she said, as she demonstrated her process on some tops from her own wardrobe.
She was then seen loading the items into a bag to take down to the charity shop, as she also explained her “pro tip” is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove the air from the bag – to “make more room in your donation bag”.
In the caption of the video, Lynsey further explained: “With the yearly declutter challenge coming up, here’s a quick reminder: pick up each item, trust your gut, and decide in 3 seconds if it stays or goes.
“Donate or recycle to give items a second life and save space by using your vacuum to suck out air.”
“Brilliant I need to do this again,” one person commented
“It’s quite liberating slimlining your possessions,” another said.
“Vinted the stuff and then if it doesn’t sell then donate the rest!” a third suggested.
“I have just done this and donated it all to various charities,” someone else remarked.
“Or even better – rule of 3!” another wrote.
“Only 3 new items per half a year, avoid donate or throw away clothes, just buy less and more responsible, buy expensive high quality but less!
“Fix when broken, you’ll be free.”
“The vacuum tip is fab,” someone else praised.
Although there were some people who doubted whether they’d be able to make the ‘keep or ditch’ decision as quickly as Lynsey.
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- Out with the old, before in with the new
“It may sound a little ruthless but a one in, one out rule in your home and wardrobe can be effective to avoid over accumulating items in your home,” they said.
“It can also make you more mindful about the purchases you are making.”
- Categorise and contain
“In any space, however big or small – from a utility room to your make-up box – organising items by category is the perfect way to keeping super organised,” they said.
“This allows you to know exactly where everything is and what you’ve got.
“Plus, it will make it super easy for the rest of the household to put away and keep tidy.”
- Storage, storage and more storage!
“Storage is key, especially if space is an issue in the home or if the room is used for items like storing toys for children,” they said.
“Consider decorative storage baskets, side boards with plenty of storage or even a media wall or bookshelves with doors.”
“Three seconds!I take my hat off to you…… I am the queen of indecision and couldn’t make that decision in just 3 seconds!” one wrote.
“Oh dear God not me, I get everything out with good intentions but it always ends up back in the wardrobe, just tidier!” another laughed.
As a third said: “I did this last year as I hadn’t worn the leather trousers and black boots in 2 years.. and then I had to buy more in November!”