How I Used the 12-12-12 Decluttering Method To Brilliantly Transform My Home
Living in a small space alone can feel cozy until the clutter piles up. Between a lack of storage, too much clothing and an ever-growing collection of other items, I reached a point where I knew I had to take action. That’s when I stumbled upon the 12-12-12 decluttering — a strategy I figured would make tidying up more manageable.
The 12-12-12 decluttering method is a game-changer for organizing small spaces without feeling overwhelmed.
By tackling 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to put back in place, you can focus on making progress without needing to do it all at once. It’s an ideal approach if you’re looking to create quick wins in your space and see real transformation without overhauling everything in a day.
Starting one room at a time, you’ll find that this method can turn any cluttered area into a functional, welcoming space, making it easier to keep your home organized week by week.
Read along to understand a helpful decluttering method you can implement right away to tackle your home.
What Is the 12-12-12 Decluttering Method?
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially when every corner of your place seems stuffed with things you swear you need. However, the clutter can be too much to look at, which is where the 12-12-12 decluttering method comes in.
This simple method is an approachable way to cut down on things lying around your apartment without feeling stuck in an endless organizing loop. When I found out about the strategy, I discovered it gave me a specific goal to work toward every time I declutter:
Find 12 items to throw away.
- Donate 12 items.
- Return 12 items to their proper place.
It’s easy to take on one room at a time this way — plus, it sounded like something I could accomplish in one go.
How I Got Started With the 12-12-12 Method
I’ll be honest — decluttering has never really been my thing. The idea of going through all my stuff to figure out what to keep and get rid of is enough to make me anxious. So, when I decided to try the 12-12-12 declutter style, I was skeptical, to say the least.
At the same time, I was hopeful. I had tried other ways to make my home look less cluttered, and they worked. Some of these methods included:
- Using a consistent color scheme: I learned that by choosing a single color in varying shades, I could cut down the visual clutter and create a more cohesive look.
- Using baskets for quick storage: Hiding clutter in a basket is always my go-to technique, but over time, those baskets can become their own issues. Thus, I have to be mindful of what I need to keep in those bins.
- Adopting the “one in, one out” rule: This involved getting rid of an old item every time I brought something new into my home. It worked well for a while, but I eventually found myself keeping too many items for those “just in case” moments, which slowly added up again.
Getting started is the most stressful part, as I never have a clear plan other than knowing I need to go for it. So, I decided to tackle only one room at a time, starting with the living room, which was ground zero for my clutter issues. I put on some music and set a timer, promising myself I’d stick with it for at least an hour.
The Process of Decluttering Each Category
My living room is the heart of my home and a magnet for clutter. Therefore, it felt like the right place to begin because seeing a noticeable change there would motivate me to tackle the rest of my space.
1. Throwing Away
I started by approaching this room one area at a time. I began with my coffee table, which had become a catch-all for magazines, remote controls, and random odds and ends.
My first goal was to find 12 items to throw away. It didn’t take long to find things that didn’t belong — a stack of expired coupons, old takeout menus and dried-out pens all went straight into the trash.
2. Donating
Next came finding 12 items to donate. I realized my bookshelves were packed with books I’d read once and probably wouldn’t revisit. I picked a few titles to donate and some decorative pieces that no longer fit my style. It was initially hard to let go, but I reminded myself that these items would be more appreciated in someone else’s hands.
3. Putting Back in Place
Finally, it was time to put 12 items back where they belonged. This was the step that really made my living room feel functional again. I found things like shoes that had no business living under the couch and scattered decorations that belonged in a storage bin. The more I organized, the more I saw my living room turn from a messy space to a welcoming area.
The Transformation of My Space
Working through one room alone seemed like quite a transformation. Gone were the stacks of stuff that used to make my space feel chaotic, which 55% of U.S. adults say is their biggest source of stress. Now, I have more appreciation for how functional my living room has become.
The best part was that the process didn’t feel like an overwhelming task — it was manageable. Now, I can see myself using this method day by day to keep it up.
When I set time aside to declutter in small chunks at a time, it makes the job 10 times easier. I no longer look at it as an all-consuming chore. Instead, I find the opportunities to do it and make it part of my weekly cleaning routine.
Decluttering to Make a Lasting Impact
The 12-12-12 decluttering strategy was the perfect solution for making my space look clean. Instead of tackling everything at once, the small, deliberate actions created a big difference over time. The progress I saw with each room kept me motivated to keep using this method, making my space feel lighter and more organized.
In this blog, I shared my decluttering method to transform my home and how you can implement the same strategy to declutter your home.
Book A Call With Kenika
If you need help with hands on decluttering support, book a call with Kenika for a Space Audit. The Space Audit (our version of a consultation) is the very first step in our process. It’s our opportunity to connect to determine the support you need and if Tidied By K can offer you exactly what your space requires.
During the space audit, we’ll do a personalized needs assessment, analyze your space, and discuss the investment required to accomplish your goals. At minimum, you will leave with a few ideas that can help you move the needle in your decluttering and organizing journey.
Complimentary Space Audit
In-Home Space Audit ($75)
Need Something Else?
WHERE TO NEXT:
