How to Apply the One-In-One-Out Rule

Shopping guidelines and wardrobe rules can help you maintain order in your closet making getting dressed easier and reduce clutter. One rule that you may have heard of is the one-in-one-out rule. If you struggle to apply the one-in-one-out rule, try using some of these strategies to help you make more mindful purchases. 
What’s the Rule?
Before we jump in, let’s talk about the rule. What is it? It’s a rule that you can use in your closet (or anywhere in your home) to help you keep clutter to a minimum. Essentially, anytime that you bring a new piece into your home, another piece that you no longer need or want leaves your possession. It maintains a balance in terms of the number of things in your home. Onto some helpful strategies! 
Mark Clothes Before You Shop
Before you even go shopping, mark off the pieces you want to replace or that you are going to get rid of. Make a note of the items that you’re looking to replace to help keep you focused when you shop and prevent impulse buys. The one-in-one-out rule also helps prevent duplicate items from building up in your wardrobe.
Apply By Categories
Some people tend to get rid of items that are in the same category. For example, after buying a new top, they may look only at the tops they own to figure out what should go. It can be helpful to be less rigid. Look at other categories like clothes, shoes, bags, bedding, and linen. Keep in mind that you can also apply this rule to more than clothes.
Use an Outbox as a Purgatory
If you are anxious about what you’re getting rid of, we love the outbox method. We talked about this closet organizing strategy a few months ago, but consider adding an outbox to your closet to help you reduce clutter and guilt.
Set a Deadline
We understand that there can be an emotional side to decluttering. Be sure to set a deadline of when you want to declutter items or drop items to the thrift store so they don’t sit around your home for an extended period. Keeping items around can make it hard to get rid of things and make your space feel more cluttered.
Get Help and Get Organized
Get organized in your closets with the help of Closet & Storage Concepts! We’re proud to be your local, family-owned experts in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Peoria, AZ areas. Call or visit our showroom to learn more.

Photo © iStock/ luanateutzi.
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