Pick a Number: A Simple Rule for Decluttering with Intention
Decluttering and organizing your life can feel like an overwhelming task—but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most effective and approachable strategies I use with clients is something I call the "Pick a Number" rule. It’s about setting intentional limits on what you keep, allowing your possessions to reflect who you are becoming, not just where you’ve been.
This rule brings clarity, control, and calm into your space by asking a simple question: How much is enough?
The Philosophy:
Imagine a life where you’re surrounded only by items that bring you joy, support your goals, and add real value to your day-to-day life. The "Pick a Number" rule helps you create that life—by making intentional choices and committing to a set quantity for each category of your belongings.
It's not about being rigid or minimal. It's about creating space for what truly matters and letting go of what weighs you down.
A Client's Journey:
One of my favorite examples is a client who was downsizing to a much smaller space. She was the kind of person who had a lot of “good boxes.” Over 100, to be exact. You know the ones—“This is a good box. I should keep it.” Then it goes on a shelf for two years… and stays there.
When we applied the “Pick a Number” rule, she chose to keep just 25% of them. We focused on the boxes that were beautiful, functional, sentimental, or could be repurposed. The rest were gratefully released. We used this same approach with her kitchenware, furniture, books, and more.’
She didn’t feel deprived. She felt relieved.
How to Apply the Rule:
Identify Your Spaces:
Look at areas like your closet, kitchen, bookshelves, decorations, and storage bins.
Set Your Numbers:
Pick a realistic limit for each category. Whether it’s 20 sweaters, 10 vases, or 3 sets of dishware—make the number intentional and sustainable.
Commit and Donate:
Once you’ve hit your number, commit to maintaining it. If you bring something new in, release something else in return.
Tailor to Your Lifestyle:
This isn’t about deprivation—it’s about alignment. If you’re a reader, your book number might be higher. If you host often, your dishware limit might be different. Tailor the rule to your lifestyle.
Examples of "Pick a Number" in Action
Shoes: Maybe 20 pairs meet your needs—or maybe 70 do. Either way, you decide with intention.
Decor: Set limits for items like picture frames, vases, and seasonal decor. Just because your mom gave you 20 boxes of Christmas decorations doesn’t mean you need to keep them all.
Clothes: Define your capsule wardrobe by choosing a number that reflects how you really live.
Office Supplies: One bin of pens. Two drawers for paper. Three baskets for tech cords. No more digging through chaos.
Negotiable, but Realistic:
I often help clients establish boundaries like “only what fits in this closet” or “only what fits in 5 bins.” These numbers are always negotiable—but they create structure and encourage thoughtful decision-making about what’s truly essential.
Why it works
✔️ Simplicity – Streamlines your home and reduces decision fatigue.
✔️ Mindful Consumption – Encourages you to pause before buying something new.
✔️ Joyful Surroundings – Fills your home with items you actually love, use, and need.
What's Your Number?'
In a world full of clutter and constant options, the “Pick a Number” rule helps you reclaim your space—and your peace. It invites you to curate a life that reflects who you are today and where you’re going.
So… what’s your number?
