A simple rule to keep surfaces clear

How I decide what stays out, and what doesn’t

As we’ve been setting up our new house, I’ve been leaning on something called the 5/7 rule to help streamline our surfaces and keep key spaces from becoming cluttered.

Here’s how it works:

If I don’t use it at least five days a week, it doesn’t get prime real estate.

In the kitchen, that means only the toaster, kettle, coffee pot, compost bucket, paper towels, and a few cooking essentials (like salt, pepper, olive oil, and the butter dish) get to stay out.

Everything else—the Instant Pot, air fryer, food processor, and mixer—lives in the cabinets or pantry.

In the shower, it’s just shampoo, conditioner, and soap; all the other scrubs, masks, and treatments are tucked in a bathroom drawer.

And on my nightstand, you’ll find just a coaster, tissues, and my Kindle. Hiding in the drawer below, you’ll find my heating pad, cute cards and doodles from the kids, and a notepad/pen for bedtime brain dumps. (Hello, mid-forties mom life!)

This simple rule reduces visual clutter, makes surfaces easier to clean, and keeps key spaces clear for the things that matter most.

This week, scan your essential spaces—the kitchen, entryway, desk, bathroom counters, shower, and nightstand. What passes the 5/7 test, and what can be tossed or put away? 🤍