The 1-3-5 Decluttering Method Is the Secret to Staying Organized Year-Round

Decluttering is often portrayed as an all-or-nothing task that requires hours of effort and serious dedication. But in reality, tackling clutter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, all you need is a simple method that breaks down your tasks into manageable chunks. That’s where the 1-3-5 decluttering method comes in—a straightforward approach to a clutter-free space.

We spoke to organizing pros about this trending practice and how to implement it into your routine. 

What Is the 1-3-5 Decluttering Method?

At its core, the 1-3-5 method is all about tackling small decluttering tasks each day. The idea—that’s been making the rounds on social media, we might add—is simple: Every day, you pick one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks. Breaking things down into manageable groups allows you to focus on a specific set of goals without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the project.

For example, if your ultimate goal is to declutter your home office, your tasks can be broken down as such:

• One big task: This could be something that requires more time and effort, like organizing your desk drawers. 
• Three medium tasks: These are tasks that are important but don’t take as much time, like sorting through your inbox, alphabetizing a bookshelf, and choosing books for donation.
• Five small tasks: These quick wins are the tasks you can do in just a few minutes, such as taking empty glasses back to the kitchen or deleting files no longer needed from your desktop.

Why the 1-3-5 Method Works

"One of the biggest challenges of maintaining a tidy home is staying consistent," says cleaning expert Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image. The 1-3-5 method creates a framework for you to follow every day, which helps build momentum and prioritize. Not every task is created equal, so having the flexibility to choose one big task and a few medium tasks ensures that you’re putting your efforts where they matter most.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. "With the 1-3-5 method, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the thought of spending hours organizing," Arias-Spinelli explains; the structure should give you a continuous sense of accomplishment.

Tips for Using the 1-3-5 Decluttering Method

Now that you understand the basics of the method, it’s time to make it work for you. Here are a few easy tips for using the 1-3-5 method the next time you’re decluttering your home.

Keep Your Goals Realistic

To make the 1-3-5 method work, it’s important to set achievable goals. “Don’t make your ‘big task’ so overwhelming that you dread tackling it,” says Arias-Spinelli. “For example, if your closet is a mess, your big task might be to organize a specific section (like your shoes or accessories) rather than trying to tackle the entire thing in one day.” When setting goals, make sure they’re reasonable for the time you have available.

Use a Timer

One way to keep yourself on track and make sure you don’t get sidetracked is to use a timer. Set a timer for each task you’re working on—maybe 10 to 15 minutes for the big task, 5 to 10 minutes for medium tasks, and just a few minutes for the small ones. This will help you stay focused and keep tasks from dragging on longer than they should.

Don’t Aim for Perfection

The goal of the 1-3-5 decluttering method isn’t perfection but consistency. You don’t have to worry about carving out a large chunk of time for organizing. Small tasks can become part of your everyday routine. Focus on making small improvements every day, and you’ll see the results over time.

Use It for Cleaning, Too

Tracy McCubbin, founder and CEO of dClutterfly, emphasizes that one that “decluttering, organizing, and cleaning are three separate tasks.” So, resist mixing and matching tasks from the three categories into one 1-3-5 method. “They can be done sequentially—decluttering first, then organizing and then cleaning—but where so many people get tripped up is that they try to do all three at once,” says McCubbin.

Arias-Spinelli explains how to implement the 1-3-5 method into your cleaning schedule: “When it’s time to clean your kitchen, your big task could be wiping down the cabinets, your medium tasks could be cleaning the countertops and organizing your pantry, and your small tasks could include putting away dishes and wiping off the refrigerator handles."

While it may not work for everyone, the 1-3-5 decluttering method could be your new best friend. "We all process information differently," says McCubbin, "The most important thing is for people to find a system that works for them that they can keep up consistently."