I Tried the One-In, One-Out Rule for a Month and My Home Has Never Been Tidier

Living in a small NYC apartment, every new thing takes up precious space on my counters, in my drawers, and on my floors. As a trinket collector and thrifting aficionado, my shopping habits admittedly don’t work in my favor: another bag suddenly causes my dresser to overflow, while a new piece of decor turns my shelves from curated to chaotic.

In short, I needed a solution. On a mission to curb clutter and return (at least a little closer) to my minimalist tendencies, I tried the popular “one-in, one-out rule” that’s recommended by professional organizers.

Essentially, every time I bought something new, I had to let go of something I already had in that category (for example: one ring in, one necklace out). Here’s how the one-in, one-out rule worked for me—along with tips I learned to actually make it work.

How the Process Went

I started the one-in, one-out rule with clothes. I was traveling in LA and went thrifting. So when I came back to NYC, I made sure to go through my closet—and my underbed storage—to see what I could get rid of.

My last closet clean-out was a year ago, but I was still surprised to find I had a ton of clothes I hadn’t worn in years. This process gave me an excuse to donate them, and it felt relieving to finally give them a new home—and clear out space for a fresh wardrobe.

My best friend was also doing a home cleanout of their own, and offered to give me some sunglasses, books, and decor that they were going to donate. Normally, I would take the items because I’m a sucker for free stuff.

However, going through this process made me more picky since I had to think harder about what to get rid of in order to take them.

Following the one-in, one-out rule ultimately stopped me from bringing home extra items—as I only took one pair of sunglasses.

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The Benefits of the One-In, One-Out Rule

The main advantage of this process was becoming hyperaware of just how many things I’ve accumulated that I no longer need—from decor to clothing and even skincare.

I used to be more of a minimalist, but I accumulated lots of items as a home decor writer over the past few years. Plus, there are always new shops to discover in NYC—so when I moved here, I got caught up in the consumption.

However, sometimes I’d look around my bedroom and get overwhelmed by just how many things were on my shelves and in my drawers. While I still love color and decor, the one-in, one-out rule helped me remember what I love about minimalism: less visual clutter, fewer things to store, and more peace of mind. It also encouraged me to let go of extra items—without the incentive of buying something.

Tips to Make the One-In, One-Out Rule Work

• Focus on specific categories: Work on areas that are already cluttered. For example, I had lots of clothes to get rid of. But I only had two pairs of sunglasses, so it didn’t make sense to get rid of another pair when I got a new one. Instead, I just got rid of a shirt.
• Search the back of your drawers and dressers: You’ll be surprised to find what items are collecting dust. If you haven’t used something in a year-plus, get rid of it. You probably won’t use it again.
• Make exceptions for certain items: You don’t need to let go of something that’s gone unused if it has special meaning or is used for special occasions, like birthdays or weddings.
• Donate: It’s more sustainable to give things a new home instead of just throwing them away.
• Get creative with what you already have: Find new ways to decorate or style outfits with existing items. You’d be surprised by how much you and your space can feel fresh just by giving them a new perspective.
• If you don’t love it, leave it: When an item doesn’t strike you as an immediate “yes” at a store, it’s best to leave it behind.