Stop the cycle of constant cleaning and start living with intention. The “one-in, one-out” method helps you maintain a beautiful, clutter-free home without stress.
Have you ever looked around your home and felt overwhelmed by clutter, even though you swear you just cleaned last month? I hear this all the time from homeowners, especially at the start of a new year or right before they think about selling. Big decluttering plans sound great at the start of the year, but most people never finish them.
That’s why I recently sat down with professional organizer Bridget Flynn from Divine Organizing to talk about a simpler approach that actually works.
The method is simple and realistic. It is called the “one-in, one-out” method.
What is the “one in, one out” decluttering method? This organizing method was popularized by Joshua Becker, an author, blogger and modern minimalist advocate.
The idea is simple: Every time something new comes into your home, something old leaves.
Buy a new jacket. An old jacket goes out.
Bring home new mugs. Donate older ones.
Add new clothes to your closet. Remove the same number you no longer wear.
One comes in, one goes out.
This method works because it stops clutter before it starts. Instead of waiting until your closet or cabinets feel out of control, you deal with it in real time. It does take intention and a bit of discipline, especially if you love to shop, but it keeps your home balanced.
"You do not need a massive purge to keep your home organized and buyer-ready."
The key is remembering this is not about depriving yourself. You are not giving up things you love. You are simply making space by letting go of items you no longer use. There are almost always things in a home that can go once you start looking.
Bonus tip: If shopping is something you enjoy, there is an easy way to stay consistent.
Keep a donation bag or bin in your closet or laundry room. When new items come in, the old ones have a clear place to go. This keeps clutter from lingering and makes donating part of your routine instead of a chore.
Why does decluttering matter when selling a home? From a real estate perspective, clutter directly affects how buyers experience a home.
Buyers respond emotionally when they walk through a property. They want spaces that feel open, calm, and easy to imagine themselves living in. Clutter makes rooms feel smaller, darker, and more stressful, even if the home is well-maintained.
Homes that stay organized are easier to show, photograph better, and feel more inviting during tours. When decluttering is already part of your routine, you avoid last-minute stress before showings or listing photos.
This habit helps your home stay market-ready without scrambling.
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that selling requires a full decluttering overhaul right away. In reality, small, consistent habits create better results over time.
If you want help decluttering and organizing your home in a realistic, manageable way. You can reach Bridget at (203) 644-6834 or visit her website, BridgetFlynn.com.
And if you are thinking about selling or want real estate guidance, call me at (203) 722-5445 or send an email to [email protected]. I am always happy to help you plan your next move with confidence.
