How to Use the 12-12-12 Rule to Declutter Your Home

Does decluttering feel big, scary and overwhelming? Break it down with this realistic and fun strategy and use the 12-12-12 rule to declutter your home.

DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME WITH THE 12-12-12 RULE

Decluttering often feels big and scary but in today’s article I wanted to explore another strategy which makes decluttering feel much more manageable! It doesn’t involve making big sacrifices or completely overhauling your home. This is the 12-12-12 rule of decluttering which comes from Joshua Becker at becomingminimalist.com.

It’s such a straightforward approach, and the best part? It’s simple to remember, quick to use, and can be as big or small of a job as you want it to be. You’re basically playing a game with yourself (or your family!) to give your space a bit of a refresh without it feeling like hard work.

If you’re someone who wants to clear things out but feels overwhelmed by the thought of massive decluttering, the 12-12-12 rule could be just what you need. Let’s get into how it works and why it’s so effective for everyone, from beginners to seasoned organisers.

WHAT IS THE 12-12-12 RULE?

The 12-12-12 rule is all about simplicity. Here’s how it works:

• Pick 12 items to throw away (things that are broken, expired, or no longer useful).
• Pick 12 items to donate (items you no longer need but are in good condition and could help someone else).
• Pick 12 items to return to their proper place (things that are just floating around or have ended up in the wrong room).

And that’s it! You’re dealing with a manageable number of items and giving yourself a simple structure to follow. This can be as quick as a 10-15 minute session, or you can go deeper and spend more time if you’re in the mood.

WHY WE USE THIS DECLUTTERING RULE AT HOME

My family are a complete mix of minimalists, hoarders, messy creatives and the super-organised and tidy. It makes for some interesting challenges when it comes to how we look after our stuff and how we are affected by that stuff in different ways.

Some of us find decluttering relatively easy (for the most part), for others it’s overwhelming, stressful and causes tension, in some cases more tension and anxiety than the presence of the clutter in the first place!

However, if your household is made of people with different clutter thresholds, attention spans, views on the impact of clutter and a mixed ability to part with stuff then you need quick, effective, easy, motivating decluttering strategies that don’t feel scary, final or require much brainpower or energy.

This is why we use the 12-12-12 rule as a gentle, but targeted way to deal with our stuff. We don’t always stick to the exact 12 but it’s great as a general framework to aim towards.

WHY THE 12-12-12 RULE WORKS SO WELL

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if it feels like you’re constantly shifting things around but not actually reducing what you have. The 12-12-12 rule gives you clear guidelines, so you’re always making some progress. Here’s why it’s effective:

• It’s structured, but not too restrictive – The rule has just enough of a framework to keep you on track, but it’s flexible enough that you can adapt it to your needs.
• It’s quick and focused – With only 12 items in each category, you won’t lose focus or get exhausted. You get the satisfaction of completing something without hours of effort.
• It involves both removal and organisation – You’re not just removing things; you’re also putting things back in place, so it makes an immediate difference to how your home feels. This also makes decluttering feel less scary because you’re not just getting rid of things, you’re tidying up your stuff and looking after it too.
• You can involve others – This rule is ideal for getting family or housemates involved since it’s easy to explain and everyone can pitch in without it feeling like a chore.

HOW TO START USING THE 12-12-12 RULE

So, ready to give it a try? Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the 12-12-12 rule in your home.

Step 1: Decide Where to Start

Pick a room or area to focus on. Maybe it’s a spot that’s been bothering you, like the kitchen counter, a bedroom drawer, or the hallway. Alternatively, you can keep it general and gather items from around the house, but focusing on one space can make it feel even more satisfying.

Step 2: Gather 12 Items to Throw Away

This part is all about looking for anything broken, expired, or useless. It might be things like:

• Old magazines or newspapers and other paper clutter
• Expired pantry items or toiletries
• Broken pens, chargers, or electronics
• Socks with holes or worn-out clothing
• Toys or gadgets that no longer work

Don’t overthink it – go with your first instinct. The point is to free up space by letting go of things that really aren’t adding anything to your life.

Step 3: Find 12 Items to Donate

This is where you pick out 12 items that are still in good condition but that you don’t need or use anymore. Donating is great because it not only frees up your space but also helps someone else. Here are some ideas:

• Clothes that don’t fit or you haven’t worn in ages
• Unused kitchen gadgets or utensils
• Toys or games the kids have outgrown
• Books you’ve already read and don’t plan to re-read
• Household decor that doesn’t suit your style anymore

Knowing that these items could benefit someone else makes the process much easier. And remember, donating doesn’t have to mean giving things away to charity shops only; you could offer items to friends or local groups if that feels easier.

Step 4: Choose 12 Items to Return to Their Place

This part is so satisfying because it’s often about instant improvement. Look around and pick out 12 things that have ended up in the wrong place:

• A jacket on the back of a chair instead of in the wardrobe
• Books left on the coffee table instead of the bookshelf
• Kitchen items that didn’t make it back into their drawers
• Shoes, bags, or accessories lying around
• Work or school items that need to go back to their spots

Returning things to their proper place gives each item a purpose and can make the whole area feel tidier and more organised. Plus, it helps build habits for keeping things where they belong!

USING THE 12-12-12 RULE WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS

The 12-12-12 rule is a great way to make decluttering more enjoyable by turning it into a bit of a group challenge. You could:

• Challenge each other to see who can finish their 12-12-12 list the quickest.
• Have a competition to see who can find the most “unique” items to throw away or donate.
• Get kids involved by making it a game—they could find 12 toys they don’t play with anymore or 12 clothes that don’t fit.

This method makes decluttering feel lighter and gives everyone a sense of teamwork.

TIPS TO MAKE THE 12-12-12 RULE A REGULAR HABIT

If you find the 12-12-12 rule helpful, try using it as a regular habit. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your routine:

• Weekly resets – Every weekend or Friday evening, do a quick 12-12-12 sweep to keep clutter from building up.
• Focus on different rooms – Rotate through rooms each time you do the rule. One week it could be the kitchen, the next the living room.
• Seasonal deep cleans – Use the rule at the start of each new season. This can help you stay on top of things and encourage you to let go of what you don’t need.
• Adapt the numbers – Don’t worry if 12 items in each category feel too much or too little. You can adjust the numbers to what works for you—even 5-5-5 can make a difference!

EMBRACING SIMPLICITY THROUGH SMALL STEPS

The beauty of the 12-12-12 rule is its simplicity. You’re not trying to tackle your whole home or make drastic changes all at once. Instead, you’re taking small, intentional steps that add up to a big difference over time. It’s a way of giving yourself permission to let go of things gradually and without pressure.

Remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be about perfection. Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine, and you don’t need to get rid of everything you own. It’s about creating a space that makes you feel calm, happy, and more in control. The 12-12-12 rule is just one tool to help you on that journey.

CONCLUSION

Don’t worry if you can’t finish all three groups of 12 each time. This rule is meant to help you, not stress you out. Even if you only manage to get rid of a few items or tidy a small area, that’s progress. Over time, as you make the 12-12-12 rule part of your routine, you’ll notice that your home feels lighter, more organised, and genuinely more enjoyable.

Give it a try today – even just one round of 12-12-12 – and see how it feels. Little by little, you’ll start to see how easy it is to clear out clutter without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it’s not about perfection or getting rid of everything so your home looks and feels boring; it’s about making space for what truly matters in your life. Happy decluttering!