Keeping your surfaces clutter-free doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it’s a lot like tending to a garden. Just like you would remove weeds and dead leaves from a garden to help your plants thrive, you can also clear unnecessary items from your surfaces to make space for what matters most.
Here’s where the “2 or 3 Rule” comes in.
Think of your living space as a beautiful garden. You want each plant (or item) to have room to grow and be admired, not suffocated by too much around it. When you cram too many things onto a surface, it’s like planting too many flowers in one spot. They’ll compete for space and won’t be able to truly shine. But when you limit yourself to just two or three items per surface, you give each one the space to be appreciated, just like a well-kept garden.
The result? A calming, clutter-free environment that helps you feel more relaxed and in control. With the “2 or 3 Rule,” you’re not just organizing your space—you’re curating an environment where every item has a purpose and can truly shine.
How Does the “2 or 3 Rule” Work?
To begin, choose a surface or shelf that tends to collect clutter—whether it’s a coffee table, nightstand, or bathroom counter. Then, decide to display just two or three items on it. These could be decorative or functional, but the goal is to be intentional and selective.
By limiting the number of items, you’ll create a more spacious, visually appealing environment—and make cleaning and maintaining your space much easier. With fewer things to dust or move around, you’ll find it simpler to maintain the peace in your space.
This rule also helps you be more mindful about what you display. Instead of cluttering surfaces with random objects, you’ll choose the things that bring you joy or serve a meaningful purpose. The result is that you’ll feel more connected to your belongings and have a much easier time letting go of what you don’t need.
When It’s Time to Declutter
If a surface starts to pile up with more than three items, it’s time for a quick declutter. You don’t need to overhaul your entire home—just take a moment to reassess and remove the excess. If you need a simple tool to help you stay on track, try the ECStore method for inspiration! (You can find more about this method on my Instagram.)
The Best Areas to Apply the 2 or 3 Rule
You’ll find that the “2 or 3 Rule” works wonders on surfaces that are prone to collecting clutter, like:
- Coffee tables and end tables in your living room
- Nightstands or dressers in the bedroom
- Desks and bookshelves in your home office
- Entryway tables or consoles
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom counters and shelves
- Shelves and TV stands
- Foyer or mudroom storage
What About Areas That Don’t Need to Follow the Rule?
While the “2 or 3 Rule” is helpful, there are a few areas where it’s okay to break the rule a little. Think about bookshelves. Books are meant to be read, enjoyed, and displayed, so it’s fine to have more than three on your shelves. But even here, try organizing them in a way that makes sense to you, whether it’s by subject, size, or genre. If you want to add some decorative items like bookends or plants, just be mindful of limiting them to two or three per shelf.
Curio cabinets are another area where more than three items are expected since they display collections. But just like bookshelves, take care to arrange things thoughtfully, giving each item space to stand out. And every now and then, rotate the pieces for a fresh look.
When the 2 or 3 Rule Doesn’t Apply—But Still Matters
The 2 or 3 Rule isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s okay! Some spaces, like your kitchen pantry, need a bit more flexibility. While you don’t need to limit yourself to two or three items in your pantry, it’s still important to keep it tidy and organized. Group similar items together (snacks, canned goods, etc.), use storage bins or lazy Susans to organize, and keep things from getting lost in the back of the shelves.
The Big Picture: Why the “2 or 3 Rule” Works
The 2 or 3 Rule isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about creating a space where you can thrive. By following this simple guideline, you can bring calm and clarity into your home, giving your surfaces just the right amount of attention and space they deserve. And in the process, you’ll start to feel a little more at ease, a little more in control, and a little more connected to the things that truly matter in your life.
So, start small—choose one surface and try the 2 or 3 Rule for a week. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Happy Decluttering!