The Decluttering Trick That Will Work Best for You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Decluttering: whether you love or hate it, the task is a vital part of keeping your home clean and organized. If the thought of tidying up sparks dread, not joy, then perhaps it’s time to adjust your approach. Astrology actually offers helpful information about your ideal method of decluttering. Simply understanding the qualities of your Sun sign — the placement people mean they ask for your zodiac sign — can help you use your energy as intentionally and efficiently as possible.

Read on to learn more about the best decluttering trick for your zodiac sign. Are you familiar with your full astrological birth chart? Even better! Also consult the recommendations for your Moon sign, which represents what you find comforting, and your Mars sign, which speaks to how you prefer to accomplish tasks.

As a self-starting cardinal sign ruled by Mars, the planet of drive and physical exertion, Aries has no issue springing into action. However, you struggle to maintain momentum over time. Set yourself up for success by tidying your home slowly in short, manageable spurts. If you scale down your decluttering goals — for example, aiming to spend 20 minutes cleaning versus an entire weekend — you’ll accomplish them with satisfying ease.

With luxury-loving, value-focused Venus as your planetary ruler, Taureans usually favor quality over quantity. But as a fixed Earth sign, you have a hard time letting things go, especially material possessions. When decluttering, take a cue from author Emily Ley and ask yourself if an item is the “best, favorite, or necessary.” This will encourage you to ditch duplicates, hold on to the necessities, and appreciate the fabulous stuff you already own.

The Twins represent Geminis, so it’s safe to say you understand duality. When cleaning, a binary-style trick like the “one in, one out” rule will work like a charm. This principle is simple yet surprisingly effective: For every new item you bring into your home, something you already own has to go. Its alliterative name will stick in your pattern-loving, Mercury-ruled mind, making implementation seamless.

Cancers are ruled by the Moon, which governs emotions and creature comforts, so you develop strong sentimental attachments to items. As such, the thought of decluttering your possessions may feel overwhelming. Rip off the proverbial Band-Aid by first tackling the most daunting room, area, or task. Your cardinal nature will provide that initial burst of energy, and as a nostalgic Water sign, you’ll get at least some enjoyment out of sorting through relics from your past.

As a self-oriented Fire sign, Leos are keenly aware of their feelings and tend to operate on vibes. Use your fine-tuned inner compass as an organizational tool by asking yourself if your possessions spark joy. Popularized by Japanese decluttering expert Marie Kondo in her bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” this strategy will help you evaluate whether to keep an item or get rid of it based on how it makes you feel.

Like Geminis, Virgos are ruled by fast-moving Mercury, the planet of communication and mental processes. You’re also an ever-changing mutable sign, which means you’re always looking ahead to the next item on your to-do list. Honor your natural pace by cleaning as you go about your day. This can look like doing the dishes immediately after cooking dinner or decluttering your closet while you put away your laundry.

Libras share Venus rulership with Taureans, but as an expressive, highly social Air sign, appearances matter more to you. Translation? There’s a good chance your home never gets too cluttered. To be extra proactive about tidying, consider adopting a “do it now” mindset. It’s as simple as it sounds: If you can put something away or zhuzh up a space quickly, then do it ASAP. This technique is all about cleaning in short, moment-by-moment bursts, which aligns well with your cardinal nature.

Like Aries, Scorpios are also ruled by action-oriented Mars, but your fixed nature gives you patience and stamina. Embrace these qualities by setting aside a sizable chunk of time — maybe an afternoon or an entire weekend — to declutter multiple areas of your home in one fell swoop. This tidying technique won’t work for most people, but you’ll find it doable once you’ve generated some inertia.

Sags are ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance … and excess. As a fire sign, you also tend to purchase things impulsively. When it comes to decluttering, try the “one in, three out” rule. It’s similar to the “one in, one out” strategy I recommended for Gemini, your sister sign, only scaled up a bit. Jupiter-ruled signs love to say “yes,” and with this method, you still can — as long as you’re willing to ditch a few items when you get home.

Ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure and responsibility, Capricorns approach life with a no-nonsense attitude. A cut-and-dry trick like the “90/90” rule will resonate with your strategic mind. Coined by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, this rule requires you to ask yourself two questions when evaluating an item: Have you used it in the past 90 days? If not, will you use it in the next 90 days to come? If you answer “no” to both questions, it might be time to chuck, gift, or donate it.

As a zany, Saturn-ruled Air sign, Aquarians love unconventional strategies and ways of thinking. This inverted decluttering technique is exactly that. Coined by author Gretchen Rubin in her book “Outer Order, Inner Calm,” the trick works like this: Instead of focusing on items you want to keep, identify the worst or least useful things you own. You’ll find clarity and satisfaction in singling out what no longer serves you.

Pisces tend to accumulate things (thank bounty-loving Jupiter, your planetary ruler). However, your mutable nature and association with the hazy outer planet Neptune leave you prone to losing items or forgetting you own them in the first place. Keep your home tidy by organizing your prized possessions visually. With this proactive strategy, you’ll be able to easily take stock of your stuff — and identify any items that aren’t in their designated spot — at a glance.