Rethinking “One In, One Out” for Real-Life Organizing
You’ve probably heard the saying, “one in, one out.” The idea is simple: whenever you bring something new into your home, you let go of something else. For some households, this can be a helpful maintenance rule—a way to keep clutter from creeping back in.
And in some cases, it really does work beautifully. If your home is already fully organized, and everything you own has a clear system—a place where it can be easily stored, accessed, and used—then “one in, one out” may be the perfect rhythm for you. It helps maintain balance in a system that’s already functional.
But what if you’re not starting from that place? What if you open a closet, a cabinet, or a whole category of items, and it doesn’t feel streamlined? Maybe your storage spaces are overflowing, or your systems haven’t been established yet. In those situations, trying to follow “one in, one out” can feel frustrating, discouraging, or even impossible.
Shifting the Perspective: “Five Out, One In”
That’s when I like to recommend a different approach—one that professional organizers use all the time when guiding clients through the decluttering process. Instead of pressuring yourself to release just one thing, try thinking of it as “five out, one in.”
Here’s how it works: before you bring in something new, release a handful of items—maybe five, maybe more. This creates breathing room in your home. You’re not just making physical space for the new item—you’re also creating space for clarity, ease, and functionality.
This method takes the focus off restriction and shifts it toward progress. By letting go of several items at once, you build momentum and actually make your home feel lighter, calmer, and more manageable.
Why This Works in Professional Organizing
As a professional organizer, I see this all the time: homes feel cluttered not because of one single item, but because of an accumulation over time. When you release five or more things at a time, you’re actively reducing the volume of belongings and giving your space a chance to “catch up.”
Think of it like this: if you’re adding a new pair of shoes, instead of donating just one pair, you could let go of five. Suddenly, your shoe rack feels more open, and your storage system works better. If you’re bringing in a new set of kitchen gadgets, you can release several duplicates or unused tools. Now your kitchen cabinets function with ease instead of frustration.
Not a Rule, But a Support System
And here’s the key: you don’t have to stick with “five out, one in” forever. This isn’t a punishment or a rigid rule. It’s simply a temporary strategy to help you move toward the kind of space you want—one that feels organized, functional, and sustainable.
Once your home feels balanced and your systems are in place, you may find that “one in, one out” starts to happen naturally. At that stage, your organizing journey moves into maintenance mode, where it’s easier to keep up with the flow of belongings.
Every Home is Unique
The truth is, every household is different, and so is every organizing journey. The “right” approach is not about what looks perfect on paper—it’s about what actually works for you in your real life.
That’s where working with a professional organizer makes a difference. My role isn’t to hand you a set of strict rules. It’s to guide you toward systems that support your lifestyle, help you manage your belongings with confidence, and make your home a place you love.
☑ Highlighted Organizing Takeaways:
◈ “One in, one out” works best once your home is already organized.
◈ If you’re still decluttering, try “five out, one in” to create momentum.
◈ The goal is clarity, ease, and functionality—not perfection.
◈ Every organizing journey is different, and your system should reflect your needs.
If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit pinkyjackson.com to schedule a free assessment. We would love to help you with our Onsite Organizing services if you are in the Louisville, KY area or our Virtual Organizing services if you are more remote or prefer to work online.
Pinky Jackson is an Organizing Expert and Decluttering Specialist. She and her team organize homes & small businesses in Louisville, KY. For more information about Pinky’s pricing & services or to schedule your free assessment, go to pinkyjackson.com
Photo: Ruoyu Li @r_li
