The Ultimate Home Organization Hack: How the 1-3-5 Rule Changes Everything

We’ve all been there—looking at a messy space and feeling completely overwhelmed by where to start. It’s easy to get lost in the clutter, unsure of how to make any real progress. But what if I told you that decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive, daunting task? In fact, it can be broken down into just three simple steps—using the 1-3-5 rule for organizing.

The 1-3-5 rule is a powerful yet simple way to bring order to your space without feeling stressed or exhausted. It’s not about tackling everything at once, but rather focusing on what truly matters, making the process manageable and even enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to clean out your closet or finally tackle that overflowing drawer, this rule helps you organize your home, one step at a time.

So, let’s dive into how you can use this method to declutter your space and feel more in control—without the overwhelm. Ready? Let’s get started.

How the 1-3-5 Rule Works: Breaking It Down

The beauty of the 1-3-5 rule lies in its simplicity. By breaking your organizing tasks into manageable steps, you can make significant progress without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Tackle 1 Big Task

Start by identifying one major clutter spot in your home that has been stressing you out. This could be the garage, your basement, or that chaotic room you’ve been avoiding. The goal is to focus your energy on this one big area and give it your full attention.

Once you choose your big task, set aside a solid block of time to dive in—don’t rush it! Whether it’s a full Saturday or a couple of hours each day over the course of the week, make sure you dedicate enough time to make real progress.

Practical Example:

• If your garage is overflowing with boxes, old furniture, and miscellaneous items, start by sorting through it all—decide what to keep, donate, or toss.

Step 2: Organize 3 Medium Tasks

Next, tackle three medium-sized tasks. These are smaller but still significant areas that you want to bring some order to, like a cluttered bookshelf, your closet, or your home office.

These tasks are less overwhelming than the big one but still require some time and effort. Once you’ve tackled your 1 big task and want to dive deeper into how to declutter specific areas of your home, be sure to check out How to Declutter Your Kitchen: 7 Steps to a Cleaner, Happier Space. It’s packed with practical steps that align with the 1-3-5 rule, especially when tackling your kitchen. Focus on completing them one at a time. By breaking it down, you’ll avoid feeling like you’re doing too much at once.

Practical Example:

• Sort through your bookshelf. Keep the books you actually read or want to revisit, donate the ones you no longer need, and organize the rest by category or author.

Step 3: Complete 5 Small Tasks

Now, it’s time to tackle five smaller tasks—things that won’t take up much of your time but will make a visible difference. These could be the quick fixes that will give you instant gratification, like tidying up your kitchen counters, organizing a bathroom drawer, or sorting through the pile of papers on your desk.

These tasks are quick wins, helping you feel accomplished and motivated to continue with your organizing journey.

Practical Example:

• Clear off your kitchen counters, wipe down the surfaces, and put everything back in its place. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner and calmer the space feels.

The 1-3-5 rule isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about breaking the process into manageable chunks that are easy to tackle. You’ll feel more in control and see your space slowly transform into something much more organized.

For more organizing tips and tricks, check out this helpful guide from Apartment Therapy on organizing your home in a stress-free way.

Why the 1-3-5 Rule is Perfect for Busy People

If you’re like most people, your to-do list is a mile long, and the thought of adding “declutter the house” can feel overwhelming. You probably think, “Where do I even start?” The beauty of the 1-3-5 rule is that it helps you tackle your clutter one manageable step at a time, without adding more stress to your already full schedule.

This method is ideal for people who need a simple, efficient solution. Instead of trying to declutter your entire home in one go, you focus on completing just one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks. It’s a straightforward approach that makes organizing less daunting, helping you avoid burnout. By breaking down your tasks into smaller, more achievable chunks, you avoid feeling paralyzed by the thought of a massive clean-up project.

If you’re short on time but still want to declutter quickly, the 30 Bags in 30 Days: Step-by-Step Guide to Declutter Every Room is a perfect follow-up for fast and efficient organizing methods that can be easily adapted to the 1-3-5 rule.

Practical Example:

• If you’re short on time but still want to get organized, start with one major area (your closet), tackle three smaller areas (bookshelves, office desk, and kitchen), and knock out five quick wins (e.g., drawer cleanup, organizing your purse, etc.). This method allows you to make noticeable progress, even in just a few minutes each day.

The Psychological Benefits of Decluttering with the 1-3-5 Rule

Decluttering isn’t just about having a tidy space—it’s about creating a clear mental space as well. Studies show that physical clutter can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity. This is where the 1-3-5 rule shines: by breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable ones, you reduce the overwhelming feelings often associated with organizing.

The act of organizing and decluttering can boost your mood and increase productivity. The 1-3-5 rule aligns perfectly with cognitive psychology—when you take on smaller, well-defined tasks, your brain is more likely to stay focused and feel accomplished, leading to a greater sense of control.

Practical Example:

• By tackling just one large project at a time, you give your brain a sense of achievement. As you finish smaller tasks, you’ll notice your mental clarity improving, and you’ll feel more motivated to keep going.

For a deeper dive into letting go of items and experiencing the mental clarity that comes with decluttering, explore Decluttering Made Easy: 7 Secrets to Letting Go of Hard-to-Discard Items. This article offers great insights into overcoming the mental block that often accompanies decluttering.

The best part? These small wins add up over time, making a huge impact on your overall well-being.

For more information on the psychological effects of decluttering, check out Harvard Health’s article on how clearing clutter improves your mental health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the 1-3-5 Rule

The 1-3-5 rule is a fantastic method for decluttering, but like any system, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could hinder your progress. Here’s how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Overloading the “1 Big Task” Category

It’s tempting to throw everything into the “big task” category and try to tackle multiple large projects in one go. But that’s a surefire way to set yourself up for frustration and burnout. Instead, keep one big task focused and manageable. Don’t overload it with too much.

Quick Solution:

• Focus on one area per session, and break it down into even smaller sub-tasks if needed. For example, instead of decluttering the entire garage in one go, tackle the tools section or storage bins one by one.

Mistake #2: Not Breaking Down Tasks Into Actionable Chunks

Another common mistake is not breaking down tasks into smaller, actionable steps. This can make the rule ineffective, as it turns simple tasks into overwhelming projects.

Quick Solution:

• When setting your tasks, make sure each one has a clear, achievable goal. For example, instead of saying, “Clean the kitchen,” break it down into tasks like “Organize the pantry” or “Wipe down counters.”

Mistake #3: Attempting to Complete All Tasks in One Go

Trying to do everything at once is another mistake that can lead to burnout. The 1-3-5 rule works best when you pace yourself and spread out your tasks over time.

Quick Solution:

• Set a timer for each task (e.g., 20-30 minutes) to help you stay focused. This prevents you from overexerting yourself and helps you finish the task without feeling drained.

How to Adapt the 1-3-5 Rule for Different Spaces (Kitchen, Bedroom, Office, etc.)

The 1-3-5 rule isn’t a one-size-fits-all method—it’s highly adaptable, which makes it perfect for organizing different areas of your home. Here’s how you can apply the rule to various spaces:

Kitchen

Kitchens tend to accumulate a lot of clutter, from utensils to old pantry items. Break it down using the 1-3-5 rule to organize the key areas:

• Big Task: Clean out and organize the pantry.
• Medium Tasks: Tidy up the kitchen counter, arrange your kitchen cabinets.
• Small Tasks: Wipe down the fridge, clean out your junk drawer, and organize your spice rack.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, but it can quickly become cluttered with clothes, papers, and other items. Use the 1-3-5 rule to restore order:

• Big Task: Declutter your closet.
• Medium Tasks: Organize under the bed, straighten up surfaces like the nightstand and dresser.
• Small Tasks: Fold clothes, tidy up the shoes, and clear out any stray items from the floor.

Office

Whether it’s a home office or a desk you use for work, it’s easy for papers and digital clutter to pile up. Here’s how to use the 1-3-5 rule for your office:

• Big Task: Sort through old documents, clear out unnecessary papers.
• Medium Tasks: Organize your desk drawers, tidy up your filing system.
• Small Tasks: Sort emails, clean off your computer desktop, and label files.

Tips for Maintaining Your Decluttered Home with the 1-3-5 Rule

Decluttering doesn’t stop once the space looks tidy; maintaining that clutter-free environment is the real challenge. Fortunately, the 1-3-5 rule doesn’t just help you declutter—it can also keep your home organized in the long run. Here are some practical tips for maintaining your newly decluttered space:

1. Create a Recurring 1-3-5 Decluttering Schedule

Just because your home is organized now doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever. Set aside time each week or month to revisit your tasks. Make it a regular part of your routine to keep things tidy.

Quick Tip:

• You can apply the 1-3-5 rule every week by selecting one big area to tackle, three medium tasks, and five small tasks. Consistency is key to preventing clutter from building up again.

2. Set Reminders to Maintain Clutter-Free Spaces

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget about organizing if you don’t set reminders. Use your phone or a calendar to schedule regular decluttering sessions.

Quick Tip:

• Set a weekly reminder to check a specific area of your home—whether it’s your desk, kitchen, or closet—ensuring that clutter doesn’t pile up.

3. Implement Simple Daily Habits

Incorporating daily habits into your routine can make a huge difference in maintaining a decluttered space. These small actions take just a few minutes but can prevent clutter from taking over again.

Quick Habits to Try:

• Make your bed each morning.
• Wipe down kitchen counters after every meal.
• Put items back in their designated places immediately.

By taking just a few minutes every day to stay on top of these tasks, you’ll avoid future clutter buildup and keep your home looking neat and organized.

For more tips on maintaining an organized home, check out Good Housekeeping’s advice on daily habits that will help you stay clutter-free: Good Housekeeping – Stay Clutter-Free

Final Thoughts: Get Started with the 1-3-5 Rule Today!

The 1-3-5 rule isn’t just a method for decluttering; it’s a simple, effective way to take control of your space and your life. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps, you avoid feeling overwhelmed, making organizing feel like a breeze. Plus, the mental benefits—less stress, more productivity, and a clearer mindset—are just the beginning.

So why wait? Start with just one task today—whether it’s tackling that messy drawer or finally organizing your closet. Once you get going, you’ll see how easy it is to keep the momentum up.

Ready to declutter your home? Start with the 1-3-5 rule today and watch your space transform! Share your progress with us in the comments below, and let us know how the rule is working for you.

If you’re looking for more tips and inspiration, head over to Build Like New and discover more ways to organize and refresh your space.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Results may vary based on individual circumstances. Always consider your personal situation and consult a professional if needed before starting any decluttering or organizing project.