How To Declutter Drawers Using The One Year Rule Method

Drawers are among the most frequently used—and most easily cluttered—spaces in a home. From kitchen utensils to clothing, office supplies to bathroom accessories, it’s easy for these compact storage areas to become disorganized and inefficient. Over time, unused or forgotten items accumulate, making it harder to find what you need and contributing to daily stress. The solution? A simple but powerful principle known as the “one year rule.” This method cuts through the clutter by focusing on use, not sentiment or potential. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it likely doesn’t belong in your drawer.

The one year rule is rooted in minimalist philosophy and practical organization. It’s not about perfection or extreme minimalism—it’s about intentionality. By applying this rule consistently, you can transform chaotic drawers into streamlined, functional spaces that support your daily life rather than hinder it.

Understanding the One Year Rule

The one year rule is straightforward: if you haven’t used an item in the last 12 months, it should be removed from your regular storage. This applies regardless of the item’s condition, cost, or sentimental value. The core idea is that usefulness trumps ownership. Just because you own something doesn’t mean it deserves space in your home—especially in high-traffic areas like drawers.

This rule works particularly well for drawers because they are designed for frequent access. Unlike attic storage or seasonal bins, drawers should contain only what you use regularly. When drawers overflow with rarely used items, they lose their purpose. The one year rule helps restore that function by eliminating dead weight.

“Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships, and outdated goals that don’t serve your present life.” — Marie Kondo, organizing consultant

While Kondo’s method emphasizes joy, the one year rule emphasizes utility. Both approaches share a common goal: creating space for what truly matters. In the context of drawers, utility is king. A spoon you use every day has more value than a specialty gadget used once during a holiday five years ago.

Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering Drawers Using the One Year Rule

Decluttering with the one year rule is a systematic process. Follow these steps to ensure thoroughness and sustainability:

1. Choose one drawer at a time. Start small. Pick a single drawer—perhaps your kitchen utensil drawer or bedroom sock drawer—to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Empty the entire contents. Remove everything and place it on a clean surface. This allows you to see exactly what you own and assess each item individually.
3. Clean the empty drawer. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. This small act reinforces the fresh start and makes the space inviting for reorganization.
4. Sort items into categories. Group similar things together—forks, pens, socks, batteries, etc. This makes evaluation easier and reveals duplicates.
5. Evaluate each item using the one year rule. Ask: “Have I used this in the past 12 months?” Be honest. If the answer is no, set it aside for removal.
6. Make exceptions wisely. Some items are used less than annually but are essential when needed (e.g., tax documents, holiday decorations). Store these elsewhere—out of daily-use drawers.
7. Decide the fate of unused items. Donate, recycle, sell, or discard based on condition and usability.
8. Return only the essentials. Put back only what you’ve used recently and expect to use again soon.
9. Organize intentionally. Use dividers, trays, or small containers to keep like items together and accessible.
10. Label if necessary. For shared spaces or complex drawers, labels help maintain order over time.

Tip: Set a timer for 20 minutes per drawer to stay focused and avoid burnout. You can always return later.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with a clear method, decluttering can trigger emotional resistance. Here are common hurdles and strategies to move past them:

• “I might need it someday.” This is the most common justification for keeping unused items. Challenge this thought: if you haven’t needed it in a year, how likely is it you’ll need it in the next? Most “someday” items never arrive.
• “It was expensive.” Sunk cost fallacy keeps many people holding onto unused purchases. Remember: the money is already spent. Keeping the item doesn’t recover the cost—it only costs more in lost space and mental clutter.
• “It was a gift.” Sentimental value can cloud judgment. Consider whether the giver would want you to keep something unusable out of obligation. Often, they’d prefer you live freely.
• Duplicate items. Multiple peelers, broken chargers, mismatched lids—drawers often hold redundant objects. Keep one functional version; donate or recycle the rest.

Another challenge is ambiguity—items you’re unsure about. For these, implement a “trial period.” Place questionable items in a labeled box and store it out of sight for 30 days. If you don’t retrieve anything from it, donate the entire box.

Real Example: Sarah’s Kitchen Drawer Transformation

Sarah, a working mother of two, struggled with a jam-packed kitchen drawer filled with utensils, takeout packets, rubber bands, and expired coupons. Every time she reached for a spatula, she had to dig through layers of clutter. She decided to apply the one year rule one Saturday morning.

She pulled everything out and sorted the contents. As she evaluated each item, she realized she hadn’t used the avocado pitter, garlic peeler, or turkey baster in over a year. The collection of twist ties and plastic bags were remnants of bulk shopping trips she no longer took. She donated usable kitchen tools to a local shelter, recycled packaging, and discarded broken items.

In less than 30 minutes, her drawer was reduced to 12 essential tools she actually used. She added a bamboo divider to separate spoons, spatulas, and whisks. Now, she opens the drawer and sees everything at a glance. “It feels like I gained time,” she said. “I’m not frustrated anymore. It’s a tiny win, but it adds up.”

Do’s and Don’ts of the One Year Rule

Do’s	Don’ts
Apply the rule consistently across all drawers	Make exceptions for every sentimental item
Use containers or dividers after decluttering	Refill the drawer immediately without sorting
Be honest about actual usage, not idealized habits	Keep items “just in case” without a real plan
Donate usable items promptly	Leave purged items in boxes “for later”
Review drawers quarterly to maintain order	Ignore early signs of clutter returning

Tip: Take a before-and-after photo of your drawer. Visual progress is motivating and helps reinforce the habit.

Checklist: One Year Rule Drawer Declutter

Use this checklist to guide your decluttering session:

• ☐ Choose one drawer to start with
• ☐ Remove all contents completely
• ☐ Wipe down the inside of the drawer
• ☐ Sort items into clear categories
• ☐ Ask: “Have I used this in the last 12 months?”
• ☐ Set aside unused items for donation, recycling, or disposal
• ☐ Identify duplicates and keep only the best-condition item
• ☐ Return only frequently used essentials
• ☐ Use organizers to maintain separation
• ☐ Label sections if helpful
• ☐ Schedule the next drawer for another day

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I use an item seasonally, like a holiday tool?

Seasonal items are a valid exception—but they shouldn’t live in everyday drawers. Store them in a labeled bin in a closet or shelf. This keeps them accessible when needed but out of the way during the rest of the year.

Should I apply the one year rule to clothes in dresser drawers?

Absolutely. If you haven’t worn a garment in 12 months, it’s unlikely you will soon. Exceptions include formal wear or maternity clothes during specific life stages. Otherwise, donate unworn clothing to make room for pieces you love and wear regularly.

What do I do with electronics or cords I haven’t used?

If you haven’t used a charger, cable, or adapter in a year, it’s probably obsolete or replaceable. Keep one universal USB-C or multi-port charger instead of hoarding old models. Recycle e-waste responsibly through certified programs.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Drawer System

Decluttering is only half the battle. Maintenance ensures long-term success. After applying the one year rule, adopt habits that prevent future buildup:

• Adopt a “one in, one out” policy. When you add a new item to a drawer, remove an old one. This prevents gradual accumulation.
• Conduct quarterly reviews. Every three months, quickly scan your drawers. Remove anything that hasn’t been used since the last check.
• Resist impulse storage. Don’t toss random items into a drawer “for now.” If it doesn’t belong, find its proper home or let it go.
• Teach household members the rule. Share the one year principle with family or roommates to maintain consistency.

Over time, the one year rule becomes second nature. You’ll start questioning purchases before they enter your home: “Will I use this within the year?” This shift in mindset transforms clutter prevention from a chore into a lifestyle.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Space, One Drawer at a Time

Decluttering drawers using the one year rule isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about reclaiming control over your environment. Every item you remove creates breathing room, both physically and mentally. What begins as a simple drawer cleanup can spark broader changes in how you consume, organize, and value space.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire home in a weekend. Start with one drawer. Apply the rule with honesty and compassion. Experience the satisfaction of opening a drawer and finding exactly what you need, right where it should be. Then move to the next. Small actions compound into lasting transformation.

💬 Ready to begin? Pick one drawer today and apply the one year rule. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—your journey might inspire someone else to start theirs.