Keeping surfaces clutter-free is like tending to a garden.
Just like how you need to remove weeds and dead leaves from a garden, you need to remove unnecessary items from your surfaces.
This is where the “2 or 3 rule” comes in.
Imagine your living space as a beautiful garden with flowers and trees.
You want to showcase the beauty of each plant, but you also need to make sure there’s enough space for them to grow and thrive.
Think of it this way…
If you cram too many items onto one surface, it’s like planting too many plants in one area.
They end up competing for space and resources, and no one plant can truly stand out.
But by giving each surface just two or three items, you’re giving each thing its own space to shine.
Just like how a well-tended garden is calming and rejuvenating, a clutter-free living space can help you feel more at ease and relaxed.
By following the “2 or 3 rule,” you’ll not only create a more organized and visually appealing space. You’ll also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
So, let’s get to work with our “gardening tools” (decluttering tools)!
How does the “2 or 3 rule” work?
To use the 2 or 3 rule, start by selecting a surface or shelf that tends to accumulate clutter.
Choose just two or three items to display on each surface.
These items could be decorative or functional, but the key is to be intentional and selective in your choices.
By limiting the number of items on each surface, you create a more spacious and visually appealing environment. You’ll also make it easier to clean and maintain your space, as there will be fewer items to dust and organize.
Another benefit of the 2 or 3 rule is that it forces you to be more selective with the items you display.
Instead of cluttering your surfaces with random objects, you’ll have to choose the ones that are most meaningful or useful to you.
This can help you feel more connected to the items you own and make it easier to let go of things you don’t need.
When it’s time to declutter:
If a surface or shelf that follows the 2 or 3 rule starts to accumulate MORE THAN 3 items…
…then it’s time to declutter and reorganize.
Use the ECStore method to help you take action.
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Being intentional with the items you choose to display and store in your home can help you maintain a clutter-free and organized space. This, in turn, can bring you joy and peace of mind.
Some of the best areas to use the 2 or 3 rule include:
- Living room surfaces, such as coffee tables or end tables
- Bedroom surfaces, such as dressers or nightstands
- Home office surfaces, such as desks or bookshelves
- Entryway tables or consoles
- Bathroom countertops or shelves
- Kitchen countertops
- Shelving units
- TV stands or entertainment centers
- Foyer or mudroom storage
Are there areas in those home that don’t apply to the 2 or 3 rule?
Of course!
When it comes to organizing your home, the 2 or 3 rule is a great guideline to follow. But you might be wondering, are there any areas in your home that don’t need to follow this rule? Well, the answer is yes!
Take bookshelves, for example.
Books are meant to be read and enjoyed, and if you’re a book lover like me, then you probably have quite a few of them.
Instead of limiting yourself to just two or three books on a shelf, focus on organizing them in a way that makes sense to you.
You can group them by subject, genre, color, or any other way that you like.
And don’t forget to display some decorative items, like bookends or plants, to add some personality to your shelves.
Limit decorative items placed on bookshelves to follow the 2 or 3 rule – limited to 2 or 3 items per shelf.
Curio cabinets are another space where the 2 or 3 rule doesn’t necessarily apply.
These cabinets are meant to display a collection of items, so it’s understandable that they would hold more than just a couple of things.
But, just like with bookshelves, you still want to be mindful of how you arrange your items.
Make sure each piece has room to shine and consider rotating items from time to time to keep things fresh.
Pantry Organization:
The 2 or 3 rule may not apply to your kitchen pantry as well.
Your pantry is likely a space where you store a lot of food and other items.
However, you should still try to keep the space tidy and minimize clutter.
One way to do this is by organizing your pantry into different zones, such as snacks, canned goods, baking supplies, and so on.
This can make it easier to find what you need and prevent items from getting lost in the back of the pantry.
Another strategy is to use storage containers to help corral items and prevent them from becoming disorganized.
For example, you could use baskets or bins to store snacks or baking supplies, or use a lazy Susan to make it easier to access items on higher shelves.
Ultimately, the 2 or 3 rule is a basic guideline to help you stay organized and minimize clutter in your home, to bring it back to a comfortable baseline.
It’s up to you to decide how to best organize each space in your home based on your own needs and preferences.