How the number 27 can transform your home in minutes

Sometimes, decluttering feels like scaling a mountain you’ll never reach.

One simple number is quietly changing how people tackle their homes without overwhelm.

That number is 27—and it might be the exact spark you need to finally clear that spare room you’ve been avoiding.

The idea, known as the '27-fling boogie,' was developed by Marla Cilley, the organisational expert behind the FlyLady system.

What began as one woman’s effort to control her own clutter has grown into a movement reaching over 300,000 email subscribers and 550,000 social media followers.

Marla Cilley earned her nickname 'FlyLady' from her love of fly-fishing, but by 1999 she had swapped rods for routines, helping people bring order to their lives.

For Cilley, her organisational tips were medicine for chronic disorganisation.

The timing of her approach resonated.

By March 2020, searches for 'marie kondo' had fallen 80 per cent, while searches for 'fly lady cleaning schedule' rose 40 per cent.

When life became overwhelming, people sought practical solutions over perfectionist philosophies.

The method was beautifully simple.

Set a timer for 15 minutes, grab a bag, and collect exactly 27 items—some to discard, some to donate.

Rubbish went straight to the bin, donations to the car, and the rule was non-negotiable.

The number 27 was not random.

Cilley based it on a Feng Shui principle suggesting moving nine items shifts energy in a space.

Multiply nine by three, and you theoretically triple the positive energy flow.

For Australians over 60, the 27-fling boogie addressed practical realities.

After decades, most had accumulated belongings filled with memories, making traditional 'does it spark joy?' methods emotionally draining.

Focusing on obvious candidates like expired medicines, broken items, or duplicate kitchen tools made decluttering manageable.

The 15-minute timer was particularly helpful, allowing people to work within physical limits and avoid fatigue.

It also prevented sessions from dragging into overwhelming chores.

The psychology of small victories underpinned the approach.

The FlyLady system encouraged 'baby steps' to form routines, recognising that lasting change happened gradually.

As Cilley said, 'It's the motivation part—to get up and do it—that keeps us on our backsides,' while reminding followers that 'housework, even done incorrectly, still blesses the family.'

This compassionate outlook resonated with seniors who might feel judged for their living spaces.

The FlyLady acronym stood for 'Finally Loving Yourself,' emphasising self-care over self-criticism.

While the 27-fling boogie gained attention as a quick fix, it was part of a broader system.

Cilley’s method included weekday routines, with Friday as 'desk day' for paperwork, finances, and car decluttering.

The FlyLady system divided homes into five zones, each receiving focus during specific weeks, avoiding the need to tackle the entire house at once.

Professional organisers noted the method excelled at getting unstuck and building momentum.

It worked well for those paralysed by the scale of clutter or maintaining order between major organising projects.

However, the method did not address the habits that created clutter.

It was first aid rather than surgery—effective for immediate relief, less so for systemic change.

The method also encouraged family involvement, as its game-like structure appealed to children and grandchildren who might otherwise resist household tasks.

Flexibility was key.

Some started with nine items, others preferred a full bag.

The core principles remained: set a timer, work quickly, and remove items immediately.

Timing sessions around personal energy peaks helped.

Many seniors found mornings ideal, while others preferred afternoon bursts when daily tasks were lighter.

The zone system fostered control, reduced stress, and promoted a more peaceful lifestyle while ensuring steady progress.

What began as clearing 27 items often became a foundation for broader life changes.

Even Cilley’s first instruction—'Go shine your sink!'—showed how small, positive actions created momentum for larger transformations.

Clean, organised spaces often led to better sleep, reduced stress, and increased motivation for other healthy habits.

Whether preparing for downsizing, tired of clutter, or seeking a manageable maintenance method, the 27-fling boogie offered a starting point without massive lifestyle overhauls or emotional marathon sessions.

Have you tried the 27-fling boogie, or do you have your own favourite decluttering tricks that work well in smaller time chunks?

If you enjoyed learning about the 27-fling boogie, there’s another simple method that can make decluttering even easier.

The 12-12-12 method offers a clear framework to quickly sort items into three categories, helping you tackle clutter without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s a practical next step for anyone looking to build on the momentum from clearing a few key items in their home.

Read more: Simplify your decluttering process with the 12-12-12 method

Have you tried the 27-fling boogie, or do you have your own method for tackling clutter in small, manageable steps?