'I just discovered this very specific hack for decluttering your kitchen drawers.'

I've been working really hard to find the Best Decluttering Hack In The World — you know, the one that will solve of my home organisation issues without me having to lift a finger.

And along the way, I have learnt something… rather special.

I am a messy bitch.

NO no, I'm kidding. I've known that for a long time.

Watch: The viral hack for creating more bench space. Post continues below.

No, what I've learnt is that there are literally hundreds of great home organisation hacks out there, and while I've tried to find THE method to fix my messy problems, I'm starting to realise that different types of clutter need different approaches.

(Of course, I had to learn that there are different types of clutter first, but that's another story. Which you can literally read here.)

That was the 'aha' moment I had when I decided to give the 20/20 decluttering method a go. Because honestly? At first glance it sounded brilliant. Then at second ponder, it felt… kind of wasteful.

But because I am not a quitter, I tried it out anyway, which led to me this conclusion: the 20/20 decluttering rule may not be for for everyone, or for every situation — but it does have its place.

What exactly is the 20/20 decluttering rule?

This particular clutter-busting hack was created by minimalist experts Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, from The Minimalists, and it operates on a beautifully simple principle (oh, we like simple).

It is this: if you can replace an item within 20 minutes, and for less than $20, you can (probably) let it go.

I'll get to why I popped in 'probably' shortly, but on the surface, isn't this beautiful in its simplicity? I don't need to create piles, or move clutter from room to room, or label boxes; I don't have to buy anything (in fact, this rule asks you to do the opposite).

It's just a simple question: can I replace it for less than 20 bucks and in under 20 minutes? Yes = chuck/donate. No = keep. Done.

When to use the 20/20 declutter method.

The first thing I need you to know is that the 20/20 rule does not work for sentimental clutter. You know — old birthday cards, that awful scarf Aunty Mabel knitted you 20 years ago… Because the attachment to those items has nothing to do with function, it's all about hoarding memories. (No judgement; I do it too.)

But think about those "just in case" items lurking in, say, your kitchen or junk drawers — the third wooden spoon, those three extra phone chargers… (I'll admit, I found a charger for a phone they don't even make anymore.) We often hold onto these things out of fear we'll desperately need them someday. But if you DO desperately need it, you can quite easily source another.

Does the 20/20 declutter rule work?

Ah, the million dollar ($20?) question.

There's no doubt the 20/20 rule helps eliminate the mental gymnastics of decluttering. No more agonising over every single item — just two simple questions and you're done.

AKA there's no decision-making process. It's an easy and (in theory) obvious yes or no.

Except… nothing is ever as easy as that, is it?

When I tried out this hack, I found a lot of 'buts' cropped up. There were things I didn't want to get rid of — even if they were easily (and cheaply) replaceable.

Example? I have two pizza cutters. Do I need two? Hmm, probably not. Do I use both? Yeah, actually, I do. Let's not get into what this says about how much pizza I eat, but suffice it to say, I'm keeping both because they both get used.

My four pairs of tongs though? Even I can admit that's a lot for a single-person household. I felt pretty good about halving my tong collection.

Excessive. Image: Supplied.

Then again, I also found a (as-yet un opened) small box of cute push pins with pastel toppers. They're cute! I like them! I've never used them!

I could absolutely replace them for under 20 bucks and in less than 20 minutes (Officeworks is just a stroll away). But I didn't want to get rid of them. Because if I do need cute push pins one day, I don't want to go and get new ones. I want to know that they're in my kitchen drawer waiting for their time to shine.

(I realise this is more of a me problem than an issue with the hack itself, but I still had to factor it into my review of the 20/20 rule.)

The potential drawbacks of the 20/20 declutter rule.

If you're new to decluttering or feel overwhelmed by the process, this method does offer a practical starting point. It's particularly effective for tackling those everyday items that tend to accumulate over time.

But as I discovered, even with the simplicity of the two-question process, emotions and 'buts' can start coming in to play. We're only human, after all.

And there are… other bones I have to pick with this method.

While $20 might not seem like much to some, to others, it's a lot. And replacing multiple items can add up quickly — five things at $20 each and you've already racked up $100 that you didn't need to spend.

It also feels wasteful to get rid of things that are in perfectly good condition, only to potentially replace them later. Not exactly eco-friendly.

You can donate the items you're not keeping, of course — it's not as if everything has to go directly into the bin.

But my logically-minded brain doesn't… like it?? I feel like I'm going against my instinct. I prefer a gentler approach, like the 3-second decluttering hack I wrote about here.

And of course, the 20/20 rule doesn't take into account those items with sentimental value. Because despite being potentially inexpensive and easily replaceable, these items hold special meaning that can't be measured in dollars or minutes.

Making the 20/20 rule work for you.

As with a lot of decluttering hacks, the key is to use 20/20 as a guide, rather than a strict set of rules.

Keep in mind which areas you're applying this one to — it's most effective for sorting out spots like kitchen drawers or even bathroom cabinets, where duplicate items tend to accumulate over time.

Remember that this rule works best for everyday items that are easily replaceable at common retailers. Basic cosmetics and common toiletries are perfect candidates for the 20/20 rule, as they're typically under $20 and easily replaceable at local stores.

20/20 rule: the verdict.

Whether you're a decluttering newbie or a seasoned organiser looking for a fresh approach, the 20/20 rule offers a practical framework for making those tricky decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Just remember to balance the rule's simplicity with your personal needs and values.

Just remember, decluttering isn't about creating a perfectly minimal space — it's about making the space in your home work better for you.

If something truly brings value to your life, keep it, no matter what any rule says!

Want more decluttering hacks and general vibes from Alix Nicholson, Mamamia's Senior Weekend Editor? Follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

Feature image: Supplied.