Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness

by Gretchen Rubin

Outer Order, Inner Calm lays out the five stages for establishing outer order. First, we make choices—what possessions to keep and what to do with them. Once we’ve cleared through our things, we create order by organizing, repairing, and attending to neglected areas. Next, we reflect on ourselves, to know ourselves—and others—so that we can take those individual insights into account. Then, once the clutter is vanquished, it’s useful to cultivate helpful habits to maintain that order, so the clutter doesn’t return. The fifth and final step is to add beauty to make our surroundings more inviting and comfortable.

Also, proper supplies make the work easier to do. Ziploc bags, garbage bags, labels, storage and recycling bins, plastic gloves, cleaning supplies, a stepladder, a flashlight, a permanent marker, a pair of scissors, boxes, packing tape, a box cutter, manila folders, and paper and a pen may come in handy.

Often we hang on to possessions that have been replaced by technology. Do you consult the print manuals for your devices or appliances—or do you just look up the information online?

CONSIDER THIS CHECKLIST FOR A CLOTHES CLOSET. Take stock of the items in your closet. As you pull out each garment, ask: Does it currently fit? Do you actually wear it? Do you love it, or if not, is it truly useful? Even if you love it, is it in such bad shape that you ought to get rid of it? I struggle with this. How many interchangeable items do you own? If you have five pairs of khaki pants, you’re not likely to wear your two least favorite pairs. Is it uncomfortable? Have you worn it five times or fewer? It’s the rare item that’s worth keeping, even if it’s almost never been worn. Do you worry that it’s out of fashion? If you think it might be, it probably is. Can it only be worn in a limited way? Like a shirt that’s stained so it can only be worn under a sweater, or shoes that almost never work. If you’re keeping an item only because it was a gift, does the giver know that you have it? If you don’t need to make a show of using it, you don’t need to keep it. Does it work with other clothes that you have, or would you need to buy new items to make use of it? Do you keep this item merely to fill a category? If you never wear something, you don’t need it. You don’t need any turtlenecks if you hate to wear turtlenecks. Does it fill a need that no longer exists? This can be hard to admit, so press yourself. Does it need to be altered before you can wear it? If so, get it altered or get rid of it. Do you describe an item of clothing by saying, “I would wear that” or “I have ...

For instance, a desk is extremely valuable real estate; be very selective about what’s on the surface of a work desk, as well as in any shelves, drawers, or cabinets that are within easy reach.

KEEP PENS, A NOTEPAD, SCOTCH TAPE, AND A PAIR OF SCISSORS IN EVERY ROOM. Life is much easier when you have the tools you need right within reach.

EVERYTHING LOOKS BETTER ARRANGED ON A TRAY. Perfume bottles. Spice jars. Cuff links. Enamel boxes. Coffee-making materials. A tray (or a basket, bowl, or plate) pulls individual items into a pleasing collection.