9 Viral Decluttering Methods to Try, From Rage Cleaning to the 90/90 Rule

They've taken social media—and our cleaning routines—by storm.

A clean, organized kitchen with open shelves
Credit:

Mint Images/ Helen Norman / Getty Images

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest over the past few years, you’ve likely stumbled upon a popular decluttering method that made you stop, pause, and think, “I need to try that.” Alternatively, any one of their often-intriguing names could have caused confusion as you were scrolling past. Either way, now is your chance to hop on—or decipher—these viral trends

Here are nine organization and decluttering methods that have taken social media by storm. Learn the basics of how you can try them out yourself, as well as the reasoning and thought behind them.

Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image, professional cleaning company serving Jersey Shore homes

01 of 09

Closing Shifts

How It Works: Have you ever worked in retail or the food service industry? Then you’re likely familiar with this term. Employees working the last shift of the day will often have a checklist of tasks to do that'll take care of messes from earlier in the day and help prepare for the morning ahead. This organization method borrows the same concept: Keep a short list of tasks to do before bed and ensure they’re checked off before lights out. To-dos can include clearing dishes from the sink, folding throw blankets (instead of leaving them crumpled on the sofa), or filling humidifiers.

Why It Works: Completing your "closing shift" will ensure you’re set up for success the next day and prevent daily messes from growing.

02 of 09

Rage Cleaning

scrubbing bathroom tile walls
Credit: Rawpixel / Getty Images

How It Works: Rage cleaning involves using emotion (usually anger or frustration) to motivate a cleaning or organizing spree. Tasks may include vigorously scrubbing tiles, screaming at full volume while running the vacuum, organizing a closet while freely throwing clothes, or flipping mattresses.

Why It Works: Movement, the main component of rage cleaning, is a common anger management coping strategy. The practice helps one check chores off a list by releasing and processing internalized emotions.

03 of 09

The Move-Out Method

How It Works: This method will have you role-playing an upcoming move. Set a "move-out date" for when you’d like to have your space organized by, then get to work. "Clear and sort rooms as if you’re preparing to box them up and move," says professional cleaner Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image. Items that you wouldn’t hypothetically bother to bubble wrap and bring along to a new home should be thrown out or donated.

Why It Works: "Is this worth bringing with me if I moved?" is a surprisingly straightforward question that will have you quickly eliminating clutter.

04 of 09

The Minimalist Game

Donation box in closet
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TatyanaGl / Getty Images

How It Works: Popularized on TikTok, where users would show off their massive declutters, this challenge takes place over the course of a month. Set a goal of getting rid of one item on day one, two items on day two, and continue the pattern. On the final day, you'll be faced with finding 30 items to toss.

Why It Works: It’s a real challenge with real payoff. After starting slowly, by the end of the month, you’ll have successfully decluttered 465 items!

05 of 09

The 1-3-5 Method

How It Works: This popular method breaks up projects into manageable groups. Choose one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks. “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,” explains Arias-Spinelli.

Why It Works: Breaking things down will help you focus on a specific set of goals without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the project. You’ll also get to enjoy completion gratification throughout!

06 of 09

The One-In/One-Out Rule

Lamps at thrift store
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Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images

How It Works: This viral decluttering method aims to keep excess from rom piling up in the first place. The concept is simple: "For every new item you buy or bring into your home, you must choose and get rid of an old one," Arias-Spinelli explains. It’s a simple way to prevent clutter from entering your space and keep things under control.

Why It Works: This mindset helps you be intentional about what you bring into your space, stopping you from mindlessly accumulating things you don’t need.

07 of 09

Swedish Death Cleaning

How It Works: Not-so-scary Swedish death cleaning is more of a mindset—one of unburdening loved ones once you’ve passed. The goal here when cleaning and organizing is to dispose of the belongings you don’t want your family to later deal with and to use and enjoy what you currently have. 

Why It Works: Focusing on the method's selflessness keeps it from becoming morbid. It also presents the opportunity to reflect on memories and “pass on” items to loved ones so they may enjoy and appreciate them now.

08 of 09

20/10 Organizing Sessions

woman organizing closet
Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images

How It Works: TikTok users and home organizers recommend taking small, focused bursts of time to declutter specific areas in your home. Set a timer for 20 minutes and tackle tasks or work on cleaning or organizing a specific section of your space. Work quickly and efficiently, making decisions as you go. When time is up, treat yourself to a 10-minute break. Rinse and repeat.

Why It Works: It’s a great way to avoid burnout and ensures that you’re consistently decluttering little by little without getting overwhelmed.

09 of 09

The 90/90 Rule

How It Works: Simplify decluttering by asking yourself the following questions, “Have I used this item in the past 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90 days?” This specific amount of time hits the sweet spot of taking seasonal items and clothing into account and encouraging downsizing.

Why It Works: This trick will show you exactly what you use and how often. You’ll have to make a case for the items that don’t make the time-frame cut-off—otherwise, they’re on the chopping block.

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