This old-school organizing rule still works, professional organizers say

If decluttering stresses you out, one of the easiest things you can do is make sure clutter doesn't have a chance to pile up in the first place. That's where the 'One In, One Out' organizing method can be helpful. Though this organizing rule is simple, it's an effective strategy that can keep your home clutter-free.

As the name suggests, this rule is all about removing items as you replace them with new ones. For instance, if you're buying a new water bottle or coffee mug, it's time to let an older one from the back of the cabinet go. This rule can also be applied to your closet, your bathroom vanity, or any other space in your home where items tend to build up.

"At its core, this rule creates awareness and balance. Without a system in place, it's very easy for items to slowly accumulate—one purchase here, one impulse buy there—until suddenly a space feels cluttered again," explains Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer and the owner of Living. Simplified.

Below, experts explain more about the One In, One Out rule, including tips for how to make it work for you. And if you're looking to declutter your space to start with a clean slate, read the ultimate declutter checklist.

How the One In, One Out Organizing Rule Works

What Saltman says is key to understand is that the One In, One Out rule works best after a space has already been thoroughly decluttered and organized. "It's not meant to do the heavy lifting. It's what helps you maintain all the hard work you've already done," she says. Professional organizer Liora Seltzer, who is the owner of What U Keep, outlines the rule in three simple steps:

1. Declutter your space as best as you can.2. Implement the rule by being mindful of what you bring into your space.3. Create a functional system to discard items you are replacing.

Ultimately, it's not about restriction. "It's about maintaining a home that feels calm, functional, and aligned with your current lifestyle," Saltman says. She adds that the method is more of a simple shift that helps ensure your space continues to support you, rather than slowly becoming a source of stress again.

How to Apply the Rule

There are a couple of ways to apply the organizing rule in your everyday life. "Sometimes it's a direct replacement—if you buy a new pair of sneakers, you let go of an older pair that's worn out or no longer serving you," Saltman says. The rule isn't as rigid as it may first appear, as the organizer says there are times when something isn't an exact swap.

"For example, if you purchase a new top that you will hang in your closet, you may not have a specific item in mind to replace it, but to keep your space balanced, another piece from your closet should still be edited out—it could be a top you no longer wear, something that doesn't fit quite right, or an item that simply doesn't make you feel your best anymore," the organizer explains. Her suggestion is to create a small and ongoing "edit habit" to prevent clutter from piling up.

In addition to being consistent with removing an item every time you bring a new one in, Seltzer says you need a functional system to discard the pieces you are getting rid of. "I always encourage my clients to have a bin or basket in their closet for clothes that don't fit or that don't spark joy anymore," she adds.

What to Consider When Shopping

One of the by-products of this organizing method is that it encourages more mindful shopping habits. "The most efficient way for a person to employ this method in real-time is by pausing and reflecting after touching an item in the store," says Ebony Deloatch, a professional organizer and founder of Humble Enhancement. Keeping the rule in mind, Deloatch recommends you ask yourself the following three questions before you make a purchase:

1. What item will this replace? 2. Will I need to make adjustments to my home in order to make this work? 3. Will this item take time to maintain or change my cleaning routine?

"Practicing the One In, One Out method looks like buying a pair of shoes and actively thinking about another pair of shoes to let go before leaving the store and upon arriving at home," Deloatch says. If you don't necessarily have a pair of shoes you can let go of, the organizer suggests you consider another category of belongings, such as clothing, where there is something that can serve as an equal swap for the item you just bought.

The more you practice pausing before making a purchase, the more of a habit it will become and the less cluttered your home will be. "That small moment of intention can make a big difference in keeping your home's equilibrium," Saltman says.

Where the Rule Works Best

One of the main benefits of the One In, One Out organizing rule is its versatility. "The rule can be applied to makeup, toiletries, pantry items, office supplies, home decor, toys—you name it!" says Amelie Saint Jacques, a professional organizer and the owner of Amelie Organizes.

The rule works well for clothes and shoes, as well as something you tend to collect a lot of—such as books. Saint Jacques shares that it keeps her book collection under control. "I love to read, but I have to set limits on how many books I can keep," she says. Her limit is her bookcase and she allows herself to keep as many books as fit, but no more. "I have them ordered loosely by theme on the shelves, which makes it easier to identify categories from which to discard. It also helps me ensure that the books I choose to keep have really earned their place," she shares.

The organizer notes that the One In, One Out rule is also a good way to help kids learn how to maintain order. "They can keep their room tidy more easily if they have enough space to store their belongings, and this rule will make them much more mindful of what they keep," Saint Jacques says. For kids and adults alike, the rule encourages intentionality, helps set a limit for what comes in, and prevents the clutter and chaos of the old and the new piling up without limit.