Minimalism is not just about decluttering; it’s a mindset shift that simplifies life and enhances well-being. Over the years, I’ve adopted a set of simple yet powerful minimalist rules that have significantly improved my daily routine. These principles have helped me find clarity, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. Here are ten minimalist rules that changed my life.
1. The House on Agg Rule
A defining moment occurred when British Airways lost our luggage during a trip to Europe. Surprisingly, I felt indifferent about losing my clothes and belongings. This led to an important realization: most of our possessions do not define our happiness. The House on Agg Rule challenges you to reflect on your storage spaces—your attic, closet, or garage. If all these items disappeared overnight, would you feel relieved or devastated? If the idea of losing certain items brings relief, it’s a sign that they may be owning you rather than serving you. The less clutter you have, the more mental clarity you gain.
2. The 20/20 Rule
Many of us hold onto items “just in case”—whether it’s extra coffee mugs, outdated clothes, or duplicate household tools. The 20/20 Rule, originally introduced by The Minimalists, offers a practical solution: if you can replace an item for under $20 in less than 20 minutes, you don’t need to keep it. This principle reduces unnecessary clutter without being wasteful, as most “just in case” scenarios rarely happen.
3. The Box Rule
If you struggle with letting go of possessions, the Box Rule is a gentle yet effective method. Pack uncertain items into a box, store it away, and set a reminder to revisit it in six months. If you haven’t needed anything from the box during this period, you have two choices—either go through the contents and declutter selectively or donate the entire box. This rule makes the process of decluttering less overwhelming while reinforcing the realization that you likely don’t need most of these items.
4. The Two-Day Rule
Consistency is key when building new habits, but perfection is unrealistic. The Two-Day Rule states that while it’s okay to miss a habit for one day, you should never skip it two days in a row. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or any self-improvement goal, this rule prevents prolonged breaks that can derail progress. It has helped me maintain discipline with habits like reading a page daily and working out regularly.
5. The Investing Rule
Instead of accumulating material possessions, focus on investing in experiences. Physical items provide temporary joy, but experiences create lasting memories and personal growth. For holidays and special occasions, my family and I gift each other experiences rather than material things. This shift in spending has not only decluttered our space but also enriched our lives with meaningful adventures and personal development.
6. The “Have a Home” Rule
A clutter-free home starts with organization. Everything in your living space should have a designated place. If an item doesn’t have a proper home, consider whether you truly need it. Misplaced items often create unnecessary mess, leading to stress and wasted time searching for them. Since implementing this rule, I no longer lose essential items like my wallet, keys, or phone.
7. The “Other People” Rule
We often make purchasing decisions based on external validation—buying the latest gadgets, trendy clothes, or luxury cars to impress others. The “Other People” Rule helps differentiate between wants and needs. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Am I buying this for myself, or is it driven by social expectations? This mindset shift reduces impulsive spending and fosters financial independence.
8. The 90% Rule
This rule applies to both purchases and commitments. When considering buying something new, rate it on a scale from 1 to 100. If the item scores below 90, don’t buy it. This ensures that every purchase is intentional and valuable. The same applies to commitments—if an opportunity isn’t an enthusiastic “yes,” it should be a “no.” This approach helps declutter both your physical space and your schedule, allowing more time for what truly matters.
9. The Two-Minute Rule
Small tasks often accumulate into overwhelming clutter. The Two-Minute Rule suggests that if a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This applies to putting away dishes, organizing papers, or responding to short emails. By tackling minor tasks right away, you prevent them from piling up and creating unnecessary stress.
10. The Nightly Reset
Ending the day with a clean slate sets the tone for a productive tomorrow. The Nightly Reset involves tidying up your space before bed—laying out clothes, organizing the kitchen, and setting up essentials for the next day. This simple practice reduces morning stress and creates a sense of control and preparedness.
Final Thoughts
Minimalism is not about deprivation; it’s about intentional living. These ten minimalist rules have reshaped my lifestyle, providing more freedom, clarity, and peace of mind. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter—physical or mental—start small. Implement one or two of these rules and observe the positive impact on your daily life. Remember, the less you own, the more space you create for the things that truly matter.
