Reading Time: 5 minutes Declutter Your Life: My One-Year Rule Could Save You Thousands (Video)
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.
In an era where excess has become the norm, Americans are increasingly finding themselves trapped in a cycle of accumulation, leading to an unprecedented surge in the use of self-storage units.
As of 2023, the U.S. boasts over 2.04 billion square feet of rentable storage space, equating to about 6.1 square feet per person. 11.1% of households, approximately 14.6 million families currently rent a storage facility​​.
This trend underscores a deeper societal issue: the tangible and intangible costs of clutter.
That’s where my “One-Year Rule” comes in to play. The One Year Rule of Decluttering is my practice of parting with items not used within the past year.
This rule is about creating physical space and freeing mental clarity and realizing financial savings by challenging the need to hold onto seldom-used possessions.
Table of Contents
The Cost of Holding On
Nationally, the costs associated with self-storage suggest a significant financial investment in maintaining clutter.
The financial implications are stark. The average cost of a storage unit is $85 a month, with prices varying significantly based on size and location. For instance, a 10×10 unit averages $105 monthly.
Collectively, these expenses reveal a significant financial commitment to storing items that often remain out of sight and out of mind.
This figure represents a substantial yearly outlay for individuals and families alike, underscoring the urgency of reassessing personal belongings’ value and utility​​.
Implementing My One-Year Rule: A Path to Decluttering
My One-Year Rule forces individuals to evaluate their possessions critically.
The strategy is straightforward: items not used in the past year should be sold, donated, or discarded.
This approach not only frees physical space but also alleviates the financial and psychological burdens of excess.
Related:
- 6 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale with info on Garage Sale Prices
- 25 Affordable Family Gift Ideas (Plus 5 More You Can Make And Sell)
The Genesis of the One-Year Rule To Decluttering
How did I develop the One Year Rule? My grandfather owned a trash business. He sold it and retired in his 40s. But he liked to collect things. He lived by to motto, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
After my grandmother died, my mom became a hoarder. I was a teenager then.
Then, I bought my first rental house in my early 20s. Every time I tenant moved out I had so much stuff I had to get rid of.
These experiences led me to preferring less stuff in life. More memories, less stuff.
I am not a minimalist. The One Year Rule of Decluttering actually has nothing to do with mimimilism. Instead it’s a focus of only holding on to things that still have enough value to me that I should keep them. Why hold on to things I don’t use? I don’t.
Related: How To Make Money Fast: 23 Creative Ways To Make Quick Cash
Steps to The One Year Rule Of Decluttering
- Inventory Assessment: Begin by cataloging possessions to understand the scope of clutter.
- Apply the One-Year Rule: Evaluate each item’s necessity and utility over the past year. For me, I do this constantly. Whenever I walk past something in the house that I haven’t touched in a year, I make a commitment to get rid of it.
- Categorization: Sort items into categories: keep, sell, donate, or discard.
- Immediate Action: Promptly address items designated for sale or donation to avoid second-guessing.
- Prevent Recluttering: Resist the temptation to fill newly cleared spaces, cherishing the tranquility they offer.
I do not do this on a calendar anniversary. I do this daily. If I pass something in my house I haven’t touched in a year, I put it in a pile to sell, donate, or trash.
Related: How To Sell on Amazon: An Easy 5 Step Guide
The Value Of Letting Go
Letting go of items stored in self-storage and opting to sell them instead can be a transformative decision for many, both financially and mentally.
With an estimated $58 billion worth of belongings tucked away in self-storage units across the United States, not to mention the clutter within our own homes, the potential financial return from selling unused or unnecessary items is substantial.
This act of decluttering goes beyond mere financial benefits; it can lead to significant improvements in mental clarity and well-being.
By freeing ourselves from the physical and emotional weight of possessions we no longer use or need, we open up space not just in our homes, but in our lives for new experiences and opportunities.
This simplification process encourages a more intentional lifestyle, where value is placed on quality and significance rather than quantity, fostering an environment that supports personal growth and contentment.
(Note: I am a Chartered Financial Analyst. I calculated the $58 Billion estimate by researching insurance coverage for units, and multiplying that by the number of units. I made a few other assumptions, but the figure should be directionally accurate. The point is it’s a big number).
Beyond Space: The Psychological Benefits of Decluttering
The benefits of decluttering extend well beyond the immediate gain of space. It fosters an environment conducive to mental clarity, focus, and productivity.
Minimizing physical clutter reduces cognitive overload, leading to a more serene and focused mindset.
The process can unveil hidden assets suitable for sale or donation, potentially generating financial returns or aiding those in need.
One-Year Rule To Declutter Video
I also created this video about my One Year Rule to Declutter.
A Call to Action
In the face of mounting clutter and the associated costs, the One-Year Rule offers a simple yet effective strategy for reclaiming not just physical space, but peace of mind and financial health.
It prompts a critical evaluation of what truly adds value to our lives, advocating for a lifestyle less encumbered by material possessions.
As Americans grapple with the high cost of clutter, adopting principles like the One-Year Rule could be the key to a more organized, cost-effective, and fulfilling lifestyle.
The surge in self-storage utilization underscores a broader cultural challenge, one that requires a thoughtful reconsideration of the items we choose to keep in our lives​.
🙋♀️If you like what you just read, then subscribe to the ChaChingQueen newsletter and follow ChaChingQueen on YouTube.👈
Next Up From ChaChingQueen
