12-12-12 Decluttering Method: What It Is and Why It Works
When life feels busy and your home starts to feel a little too full, decluttering can quickly feel overwhelming. Between sentimental items, ‘just in case’ clutter, and the everyday chaos of family life, it’s hard to know where to start.
That’s why we love the 12-12-12 decluttering method - a simple yet powerful approach to reset any room, restore order, and bring instant calm to your space.
Whether you’re new to decluttering or need a manageable routine, this quick decluttering method helps you make visible progress without the stress. Here’s what it is, how it works and why it’s one of the easiest ways to bring clarity and calm back into your home.
What Is the 12-12-12 Decluttering Method?
The 12-12-12 method is a simple decluttering challenge created by Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist. It involves three quick steps:
Find 12 items to throw away
Find 12 items to donate
Find 12 items to put back where they belong
That’s it. Just 36 small actions that can completely change the feel of a room. It’s fast, satisfying and surprisingly effective at cutting through decision fatigue.
It’s a quick win that can spark motivation for bigger organising projects.
Need help getting started with simple routines like this? Explore our decluttering services to learn how we can help you create calm, clutter-free systems that last.
How Does the 12-12-12 Decluttering Method Work?
The power of this method lies in its simplicity. Here’s how to do it:
Choose one area to focus on
Pick a single space - your kitchen, wardrobe, bathroom, or even just one drawer. Keeping the scope small helps you stay focused and finish strong.Grab three bags or boxes
Label them Throw Away, Donate, and Put Away. This keeps the process structured and avoids the ‘pile of piles’ feeling that often happens during decluttering.Work quickly and instinctively
The key is not to overthink. If something is broken, expired or unusable - it goes in Throw Away. If it’s still good but no longer suits your life - it goes in Donate. And if it simply needs to be returned to its rightful place - it goes in Put Away.Set a timer (optional but motivating!).
Give yourself 20-30 minutes. A time limit creates momentum and makes decluttering feel more like a game than a chore.Finish and reset the space.
Take the bins out, set aside donations for drop-off, and return items to their proper homes. Then pause for a moment and take in the difference - the satisfaction is instant.
Why the 12-12-12 Method Works So Well
Decluttering often stalls when we get caught up in emotional decisions or sheer volume. The 12-12-12 method works because it limits decisions, builds momentum and turns decluttering into a simple, repeatable routine.
It limits decision fatigue. With only 12 items per category, you stay in control and avoid overwhelm. It’s just enough to see real change without draining your energy.
It creates visible progress fast. You’ll notice the difference in under half an hour, which builds motivation to keep going.
It builds decluttering confidence. Each round makes you more decisive about what stays and what goes. Over time, you’ll naturally start to question what truly adds value to your home.
It’s flexible for every lifestyle. Use it as a one-off reset or part of your weekly minimalist routine. Whether you’re a beginner or already simplifying, it adapts to your pace.
Is the 12-12-12 Decluttering Method Good for Beginners?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the best decluttering methods for beginners because it removes the overwhelm that often comes with larger cleanouts.
Instead of tackling an entire wardrobe or kitchen in one go, you’re just finding 12 things at a time. It’s approachable, structured, and gives you a clear end point - no guilt, no half-finished piles.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Where do I even start?”, this method provides the answer. Pick a room, set a small goal, and go.
How to Declutter Quickly Using the 12-12-12 Method
Time is often the biggest barrier to getting organised - but with this method, 30 minutes is all you need to see results.
Here are a few tips to make it even quicker:
Start small. One drawer, one shelf, one corner. Success in small areas builds momentum for bigger ones.
Use categories you can see. Visual areas like entryways, countertops, or wardrobes give the biggest sense of reward.
Play music or a podcast. Keeping it light makes the process enjoyable.
Don’t pause to reminisce. Trust your first instinct - if you haven’t used it or loved it recently, it’s time to let it go.
Once you’ve finished one round, you can repeat it as often as needed - daily, weekly, or room by room until your whole home feels refreshed.
Need help building easy organising techniques that fit your routine? Explore our home organisation services for personalised support and structure.
The Best Way to Reset a Room
A true room reset is about more than decluttering - it’s about creating calm, functional spaces that support your daily life.
After your 12-12-12 round, take a few extra minutes to:
Wipe down surfaces
Clean, clear surfaces instantly make a room feel lighter.Rehome everyday essentials
Place items where you naturally use them - for example, skincare near the mirror, mugs near the kettle, stationery near your desk.Add something that sparks calm
A plant, a candle, or even a neatly folded throw can transform the energy of a space.
This combination of decluttering and intentional styling is what turns an organised home into one that feels beautifully lived in - not sterile, but peaceful.
Design-Friendly Storage Ideas to Support Your Reset
The best way to maintain your 12-12-12 results is by introducing storage that’s both practical and design-friendly. Storage doesn’t have to mean bulky boxes or plastic tubs - it can complement your interior style while keeping everything in its place.
Here are a few of our favourite secret storage ideas that work in any home:
Ottomans with hidden compartments - ideal for blankets, toys, or seasonal items.
Stylish baskets and bins - perfect for living rooms, playrooms, or open shelving.
Dual-purpose furniture - think benches with drawers, bedside tables with shelves, or coffee tables with built-in storage.
Under-bed boxes - discreet yet spacious for storing off-season clothing or extra linens.
Decorative jars and canisters - functional and beautiful for bathrooms and kitchens.
The goal is to make storage hidden in plain sight - practical pieces that blend seamlessly into your design aesthetic. It’s this approach that helps your home stay tidy long after the initial declutter.
Making Decluttering a Habit
The true beauty of the 12-12-12 method is how easily it becomes part of your lifestyle. You can repeat it whenever clutter starts to creep in - after a busy week, at the end of a season, or before hosting guests.
Try setting a simple rhythm:
One round every Sunday for a weekly reset
One room per month for a deeper refresh
A seasonal review before each new chapter of the year
These small, daily decluttering ideas build gentle maintenance habits that keep your home feeling organised, calm and intentional - without ever feeling like a massive task.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Change
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean an all-day event or a total overhaul. With the 12-12-12 decluttering method, you can make visible, meaningful progress in just minutes - and build momentum that lasts.
It’s quick enough to fit into busy schedules, simple enough for beginners, and powerful enough to transform how your home feels.
So, grab a few boxes, set a timer, and start your first 12-12-12 challenge today. You’ll be amazed at how a few intentional choices can create a space that feels lighter, calmer, and truly yours.
Ready for extra support getting started? Explore our professional organisation services or get in touch to see how we can help you reset your home, one room at a time.
FAQs
How often should I use the 12-12-12 method?
Once a week is enough for most homes, but you can repeat it daily in smaller spaces if clutter builds quickly.
What if I can’t find 12 items in each category?
Simply adjust the numbers. The idea is progress, not perfection. 8-8-8 or even 5-5-5 still works.
Can families or kids join in?
Definitely. It’s a fun, timed challenge that helps kids learn to tidy up while understanding the value of donating.
How do I keep clutter from coming back after a 12-12-12 round?
Create small habits such as a 5-minute reset before bed or a quick weekend tidy. Little routines prevent clutter from piling up again.
What makes the 12-12-12 method different from other quick decluttering methods?
It’s short, structured and easy to repeat, which makes it perfect for anyone who feels overwhelmed by larger cleanouts.