How does the Box rule help with decluttering?

Question

Has anyone employed the Box rule in their decluttering process, and what has been its rate of success?

Answer 1

The Box rule vis-à-vis decluttering encourages people to remove decision-making with regard to some belongings. They are stored away in a box. Six months later they may look in the box to see if there is anything they need. If such items are not found, the content of the box can be given away. This method encourages people who are not able to let go of their things by having a cool-off period before doing away with the items.

Comments

I would add to the box rule. I keep a tote bag by the kitchen. If I come across something I don't use and realize I really don't need it, it goes into the tote. When the tote fills up I donate it. The tote is always there so as soon as I know I don't want the thing I can get it out of my space. I have ADHD and before the tote it felt like I would find a thing and think about getting rid of it but then fully conceptualize the process and immediately become overwhelmed. Now its just something that I can pop in the car every few months and have a little less clutter in my house.

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This content is a total eye-opener. The rules are so simple to follow, and I've already decluttered my space using the tips. It's amazing how a minimalist approach can make life less chaotic and more fulfilling!

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The Minimalist Mom calls that the Time Will Tell Box. It’s brilliant. So is that 20 20 rule — I hadn’t heard that one before and it is a great guide that I will put to use.

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Love all of these. In particular, I have a bin under the bed that has a few seasonal/infrequently used items and I've taken to storing my "wait and see" items there so that they're out of sight but I don't have to make an immediate decision. Just last week I opened the bin and was surprised by a sweater I'd forgotten I put there, lol, and now it has been donated!

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As someone who lost all my clothes three years ago, yes it did effectively make me sad and depressed. The memories of this green shirt with a leaf on it is always something I can’t forget has it was a hammy down shirt. From my brother to my sister to me.