Decluttering is often seen as an all-or-nothing task that demands hours of effort and serious dedication. But in reality, decluttering your home in Hendersonville, TN or anywhere in Sumner County doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, all you need is a simple method that breaks down your tasks into manageable chunks. That’s where the 1-3-5 decluttering method comes in—a straightforward approach to achieving a clutter-free space, perfect if you’re preparing to sell your home in Hendersonville, TN.

We spoke to organizing pros about this trending practice and how it can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Whether you’re working with a trusted Sumner County realtor like Donna Crowley or just looking to improve your living space, this method is a game changer.

What Is the 1-3-5 Decluttering Method?

At its core, the 1-3-5 decluttering method focuses on tackling small decluttering tasks each day. This popular approach, now trending on social media, is simple: Every day, you pick one big task, three medium tasks, and five small tasks. Breaking things down into manageable groups helps you focus on specific goals without feeling overwhelmed. This is especially helpful if you’re getting your home ready for the real estate market in Hendersonville, TN.

For example, if your ultimate goal is to declutter your home office to boost its appeal to buyers, your tasks might look like this:

• One big task: Organize your desk drawers.
• Three medium tasks: Sort through your inbox, alphabetize your bookshelf, and select books for donation.
• Five small tasks: Return empty glasses to the kitchen, shred unnecessary papers, dust your computer, delete unneeded files from your desktop, and tidy up your pen holder.

Why the 1-3-5 Method Works

“One of the biggest challenges of maintaining a tidy home is staying consistent. “The 1-3-5 method creates a daily framework, helping build momentum and prioritize tasks. This is crucial if you’re preparing to buy or sell a home in Sumner County. Not every task is equal, and this method ensures you’re focusing your energy where it matters most.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. “With the 1-3-5 method, you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by hours of organizing. The structure provides a continuous sense of accomplishment, making your home more presentable to potential buyers and even increasing its value in the competitive Hendersonville, TN real estate market.

Tips for Using the 1-3-5 Decluttering Method

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to apply this method to your own home. Here are a few tips for using the 1-3-5 decluttering method effectively, especially if you’re working with a local Hendersonville realtor like Donna Crowley to get your property ready for listing.

Keep Your Goals Realistic

To make the 1-3-5 method work, set achievable goals. “Don’t make your ‘big task’ so overwhelming that you dread tackling it.“If your closet is a mess, your big task might be to organize a specific section—like your shoes or accessories—rather than tackling the entire thing in one day.” When you’re preparing to sell your home in Sumner County, this step-by-step approach can keep you motivated and stress-free.

Use a Timer

A timer can help keep you on track. Set one for each task: 10-15 minutes for the big task, 5-10 minutes for medium tasks, and just a few minutes for the small ones. This ensures you stay focused and prevents tasks from dragging on longer than necessary, which is especially useful when you’re preparing for open houses in Hendersonville, TN.

Don’t Aim for Perfection

The goal of the 1-3-5 decluttering method isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. You don’t need to spend hours organizing. Instead, incorporate small tasks into your daily routine. Over time, these small efforts add up, making your home more attractive to buyers browsing the Sumner County real estate listings.

Use It for Cleaning, Too

Founder and CEO of dClutterfly, emphasizes that “decluttering, organizing, and cleaning are three separate tasks.” Resist the urge to mix tasks from all categories into one 1-3-5 method session. “They can be done sequentially—decluttering first, then organizing, and then cleaning—but many people get tripped up trying to do all three at once,” says McCubbin.

We suggests using the 1-3-5 method for cleaning, too: “When it’s time to clean your kitchen, your big task could be wiping down the cabinets, your medium tasks could be cleaning the countertops and organizing your pantry, and your small tasks might include putting away dishes and wiping refrigerator handles.”

Whether you’re preparing your house to sell in Hendersonville, TN or just want to maintain a clutter-free home, the 1-3-5 decluttering method could become your new best friend. “We all process information differently,” says McCubbin. “The most important thing is finding a system that works for you and sticking with it consistently.”

For personalized advice on preparing your home for sale or finding your dream home in Sumner County, reach out to trusted Hendersonville realtor Donna Crowley. With her expertise in the local market, she can help make your buying or selling journey smooth and successful.