The 'Ifs And Buts' Rule Takes The Stress Out Of Decluttering

Professional organizers say noticing these small words can reveal why clutter sticks around — and make letting go much easier.

Our clutter doesn’t necessarily reflect messy habits. In many cases, it stems from the stories we tell ourselves.

Think about the items you hold on to not because you truly want or need them ― but because of hypothetical or future-focused narratives. “I’d use that if I had more time.” Or “I’d want to wear that because it looks great, but it’s not as comfortable as I’d like.”

That mindset is at the heart of what organizers call the “ifs and buts” rule of decluttering. And by recognizing this kind of thinking, people can make meaningful progress when it comes to tidying and organizing their homes.

What is the “ifs and buts” rule of decluttering?

“The ‘ifs and buts’ approach focuses on noticing the conditional language people use when they hold on to items ― such as ‘if I lose weight,’ ‘but I might need it someday,’ or ‘if we ever have guests,’” said professional organizer Regina Lark. “These phrases often signal that clutter is being kept for a future version of life rather than the one currently being lived.”