The Two-Minute Rule for Decluttering: A Quick Trick to Keep Clutter in Check

Clutter has a sneaky way of piling up! Not all at once, but one item at a time. A pair of shoes by the door, a stack of unread mail, a drawer you haven’t opened in months. Before you know it, your space feels overwhelming.

But what if you could take control in just two minutes at a time?

Enter the Two-Minute Rule: a decluttering strategy that’s simple, fast, and surprisingly powerful. At Goodwill Acadiana, we LOVE this rule, because it helps turn donation and organization into a stress-free part of your daily routine.

🧺 What Is the Two-Minute Rule?

It’s a decision-making shortcut made popular by David Allen in his book "Getting Things Done," and it works like this:

If it takes less than two minutes to do something, do it now.

So when you put that in the context of donating: no second-guessing, no setting it aside for “later.” Just a quick gut check and action.

🧠 Why It Works

• It reduces mental clutter. You stop overthinking and start trusting your instincts.

• It creates momentum. Small wins lead to bigger wins, and you build confidence.

• It prevents overwhelm. Instead of waiting for a “decluttering weekend,” you make daily progress.

• It keeps donation top of mind. You’re constantly identifying what can serve someone else.

✅ When to Use the Two-Minute Rule

The next time you’re:

• Folding laundry

• Putting away groceries

• Sorting through mail or papers

• Tidying up a shelf, drawer, or corner

• Getting dressed and skipping over the same shirt again

Ask yourself:

Do I use this? Do I love it? Could someone else benefit from it more than I do?

If the answer is clear, take action on the spot.

📦 Keep a Donation Bag Nearby

To make the Two-Minute Rule even easier, keep a designated donation bin or bag in a hallway, closet, or room. That way, whenever you identify something to donate, it has a place to go immediately. No pile or procrastination!

Once the bag is full, drop it off at your nearest Goodwill Acadiana donation center here or nearest Goodwill Acadiana thrift store here!

Quick decision, long-lasting impact.

🌟 Small Actions. Big Change.

You don’t need a huge chunk of time to make a difference in your space or in someone’s life. Just two minutes of intention can help you:

• Declutter your home

• Simplify your routine

• Give your gently used items new life

• Support job training, education, and community programs across Acadiana

So the next time you touch something you don’t use, remember the Two-Minute Rule, and declutter with purpose!

P.S. Watch our Facebook video on the Two Minute Rule!