Created by Mike Donghia. Subscribe to our blog for free daily updates.
I’ve never been one for hard and fast rules—they always feel too rigid, too much like something I have to do.
But rules of thumb? Those, I love.
They’re just enough structure to make an abstract idea feel practical without turning it into a chore. If you’re just starting out with minimalism, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice out there. That’s where this list comes in. Think of it as a buffet of ideas: pick the ones that resonate, try them out, and keep them around for as long as they’re helpful.
Minimalism isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a life that works for you.
One in One out
This rule is as straightforward as it gets: every time you bring a new item into your home, you remove one. Bought a new pair of shoes? Say goodbye to the old pair that’s gathering dust. The key is to apply this rule consistently, not just when you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter. To make it even more effective, consider upgrading the rule to “one in, two out” to create an ongoing net reduction in your belongings. Keep a donation box handy so you’re always ready to remove items when something new enters your life.
The 90/90 Rule
Take a hard look at your belongings and ask yourself, “Have I used this in the past 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90 days?” If the answer to both questions is no, it’s time to let it go. This is especially useful for items like clothing, kitchen gadgets, or hobby supplies you think you might need someday but never actually use. For seasonal items, adapt the timeline to match your climate—for example, consider a six-month rule for winter gear if you live in a snowy region.
The Five-Year Keepsake Rule
Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter. This rule helps by giving you a future-focused perspective: will this item still hold meaning to you in five years? If you’re struggling to let go, consider taking a photo of the item before donating or discarding it. Digital keepsakes take up zero physical space but still allow you to preserve the memory. For items tied to loved ones, ask if the memory is in the object or if it lives in your heart—it’s usually the latter.
Capsule Wardrobe Challenge
Create a capsule wardrobe by limiting your clothing to 33 items (including shoes and accessories) for three months. This challenge encourages creativity and intentionality, as you’ll need to select versatile, high-quality pieces that mix and match well. Store your remaining clothes out of sight during the challenge. At the end of three months, evaluate which items you missed and which you didn’t, then donate anything you no longer love or need. The beauty of this rule is that it teaches you to focus on quality over quantity.
The $20, 20-Minute Rule
Feeling hesitant about letting go of something? Ask yourself: can I replace this for under $20 and in less than 20 minutes if I truly need it again? If the answer is yes, it’s likely safe to let go. This rule is particularly helpful for items like old cables, spare kitchen tools, or outdated electronics you’ve been hoarding “just in case.” It’s a practical reminder that clutter costs you more in mental energy than the price of replacing rarely used items.
Digital Declutter Weekend
Set aside a weekend to simplify your digital life. Start with your phone: delete apps you haven’t used in six months, clear your photo gallery of duplicates, and turn off non-essential notifications. Move on to your email inbox: unsubscribe from newsletters you never read and delete old emails clogging up your storage. Finish with your computer: organize files into clear folders, remove unused programs, and back up important documents. You’ll feel lighter and more focused without digital clutter vying for your attention.
The No-Spend Month
This rule is an excellent way to break the cycle of consumerism. For one month, commit to buying nothing but necessities like food, hygiene products, and essential bills. No clothes, no gadgets, no takeout coffee. Use this time to reflect on your spending habits and rediscover the value of what you already own. Track what temptations arise during the month and ask yourself why you feel drawn to those items. At the end of the month, you’ll likely find that your desire to shop has diminished significantly.
The 10-Item Pantry Rule
For one week, limit your pantry to just 10 versatile ingredients. Choose staples like rice, beans, pasta, canned tomatoes, and a few fresh vegetables or proteins. The goal isn’t to deprive yourself but to simplify meal prep and reduce food waste. Use this challenge as an opportunity to get creative—turn your 10 ingredients into soups, stir-fries, or casseroles. By the end of the week, you’ll have a clearer sense of what’s essential in your kitchen and what’s simply taking up space.
The Daily Declutter Rule
Every day, find one item to remove from your space. It doesn’t have to be something big—a pair of socks with holes, an old pen that no longer works, or a knickknack that no longer brings you joy will do. This small daily habit adds up over time, creating noticeable changes without feeling overwhelming. To stay motivated, keep a record of what you’ve removed, or take a “before and after” photo of cluttered areas as they become more spacious.
Use it or Lose it
Set a clear timeline—like 30 days—to use items you’re holding onto “just in case.” This could be hobby supplies, kitchen gadgets, or even unopened toiletries. If you don’t use the item within that period, it’s time to part with it. A great way to implement this is by setting up a “use it or lose it” box: place items you’re unsure about inside, and if they remain untouched after 30 days, donate or discard them. This rule challenges you to be honest about what you truly need.
If you enjoyed this article, please support my work by subscribing to my daily newsletter.
