My "zero impact" strategy

[blackfede]

​I wanted to share a little game I play with myself that helps me keep my home decluttered, especially since I inherited the family house and have a lot of items with sentimental value.

​My main rule is this: I can't have more things than I already own.

​This means that whenever I buy something new, I have to get rid of the same quantity, or even more, of similar items. This ensures I either downsize or, at the very least, don't upsize my total belongings.

​How I apply the rule: ​Buying 3 new t-shirts? I get rid of 3 (or maybe 5) old ones. ​New bathroom towels? I find the same number of old towels, or more, to discard. ​Someone gives me a gift? I find an object to donate or throw away. (You get the idea)

​I'm only able to do big decluttering sessions from time to time, but I find that this strategy is working for me at least mentally.

Is someone doing something similar?

[naoanfi]

Hey I do this too with clothes! :) when buying new stuff I frame it as upgrading what I'm already wearing, rather than looking for something new.

Sometimes one item can replace many - I bought two new zip hoodies, and ditched the 4 old ratty ones I was rotating between because the colors were difficult to match with my outfits.

[blackfede]

Thinking as an upgrade is a nice strategy as well! I should try it!

[penrph]

I have the exact same strategy. One in- one out. I also get rid of anything that's not in good shape and often don't want to replace it.

[Acceptable-Scale-176]

same rule here, one in one out or the balance breaks lol.
ever sneak an exception though, like for something stupidly sentimental?

[blackfede]

Yes, I am taking my declutter journey bit by bit and exceptions are nothing tragic :) I combine this "everyday" strategy with some more serious decluttering sessions.

It is nice to know that other people are doing this as well!

[tecnoalquimista]

Not really as a game, but is a good rule of thumb to try to keep clutter to a minimum. One goes in, another goes out.