7 Guiding Principles and 5 Ground Rules to Always Follow When Decluttering

Decluttering can be mentally demanding, as it requires you to make a lot of decisions about items that may have meant a lot to you at one point or another. So before you can actually physically declutter anything, you have to make sure you’re emotionally prepared for it. 

To get ready for all the decluttering you plan to do, start by choosing a guiding principle and setting some ground rules. Here’s how.

A guiding principle can be a word, phrase, rule, statement, or philosophy that will set you up for success, keeping you motivated and on track. You can have several or choose just one that speaks to you the most. And as you declutter, you’ll also want to set some ground rules to help you determine if something should be kept or let go of — especially when you’re stuck. If you find yourself answering “no” to most of the questions below, it’s probably a sign that you should get rid of the item, whether you donate, sell, or toss it.

Here are some guiding principles you can steal (or you can make one up!), and five ground rules everyone should follow when decluttering.

• Words centered around what you’d like your home to feel like in the end can be highly motivating. Consider words like “beautiful,” “minimal,” “peaceful,” or “organized.”
• “Less is more,” said architect Mies van der Rohe (which aligns with a more minimal lifestyle!).
• Marie Kondo’s philosophy of keeping things that “spark joy.”
• “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful,” said William Morris.
• If it’s simple to do, do it now to prevent clutter accumulation.
• “Clutter isn’t just the stuff in your closet; it’s anything that gets between you and the life that you want to be living,” said professional declutterer Peter Walsh.
• “A place for everything, and everything in its place,” said Benjamin Franklin.

1. Have I used this item in the past year? If it hasn’t been worn, used, or appreciated since last fall, it might be time to let it go. 
2. Will I use it in the year ahead? Be honest and think about if you’ll use it instead of if you might use it. If you don’t have a real need or plan for it, then the answer is probably no. 
3. Would I buy this again today? Be mindful of your current tastes, habits, and priorities. Other factors to consider: Does it work or fit, or do I own a better version?
4. If it’s broken, is it worth fixing? You’ll have to weigh the cost and benefit of taking the time to get it repaired. You could also set a deadline for fixing it. If it’s not done by then, get rid of it. 
5. Would I keep this if I moved? Would you take the time to pack, move, and unpack it? When forced to think about what stays and goes in a big move, you might find yourself becoming a little more decisive.

• Sign up for email updates.
• Visit the 2026 Decluttering Cure page and catch up on assignments.
• Download the Decluttering Cure calendar.
• Check off that you’ve completed this task and track your overall Decluttering Cure progress here!
• See all the winners from our 2026 Organization Awards to get your home organized. 

The Cure Program is a tradition here at Apartment Therapy — it happens every January, April, and September. Click here to learn more about the year-round program and when to sign up.