It's Okay To Have Exceptions To Your Uncluttering Rules

I realized recently that I follow a lot of rules that dictate and guide my uncluttering and organizing behavior. Most of these rules are small, some even ridiculous:


Just because you have clean underwear still in the drawer is not an excuse to procrastinate doing the laundry.
Get rid of an object if it is broken or damaged for more than six months.
Dinner isn't done until the dishes are in the dishwasher.


As humans, we like rules. We like to know that we should do X. We like to be able to look at the world and know how to behave in it.



Except, life doesn't fit neatly into a world that can be completely governed by rules of behavior. And, we don't always follow the rules we set. For instance, just last night, I got up from dinner and put my son to bed instead of taking the time to put the dishes in the dishwasher. I didn't get around to doing that chore until after breakfast this morning.



If you have rules that help you unclutter and organize your home -- such as getting rid of clothing that no longer fits or having a place for everything and putting everything in its place -- remember that it is okay to have exceptions. You might have a vase you never use, but that you don't want to give away. So, make an exception and keep the vase. You'll be okay.



Don't beat yourself up over a few exceptions -- just be careful that these exceptions don't become the rules.