What is the 20/20 rule for Minimalism? The 20/20 rule for minimalism might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to decluttering your home and life.
Ever find yourself holding onto things “just in case” or feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have?
If so, this rule could help you make quick decisions and create a cleaner, more peaceful space. But how does it work, and why is it so effective?
In this article, we’ll dive into the easy steps of the 20/20 rule and explore how it can transform the way you think about the stuff around you.
Stick around, and you’ll walk away with some valuable insights to make your space more organized and your life simpler.
What is the 20/20 rule for minimalism?
The “20/20 rule” was created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus from The Minimalists. It’s an easy-to-follow guideline for decluttering your home.
According to this rule, if you can replace an item in your home for less than $20 within 20 minutes, you should feel comfortable letting it go.
The key idea is to avoid holding onto things that take up space in your home but could easily be replaced at a low cost, saving you time and mental energy.
For example, let’s say you have a broken coffee mug. If you can easily replace it for $5 in less than 20 minutes by going to a nearby store or ordering it online, there’s no need to keep it around.
By applying this rule to everyday items, you can simplify your life and keep only the things you genuinely use or need.
The 20/20 Rule – A Step Further
In 2020, Gabe Bult expanded on the 20/20 rule by adding a third “20” to the equation. The additional rule addresses digital clutter, which is becoming an increasing problem for many people.
If a digital item (such as an app, file, or email) can be deleted or replaced in less than 20 seconds, it’s time to let it go.
For example, do you have apps on your phone that you’ve never used or don’t need anymore? If you can easily remove them and reinstall them later if needed, it’s best to declutter them.
This addition helps you manage both physical and digital clutter, leading to a cleaner, more organized lifestyle.
Now that you understand the rule, it’s time to apply it to your home. Here’s how you can use the 20/20 rule in various areas of your living space:
Everyday Items
Start with everyday items that you rarely use. Pick up something like a coffee mug or a kitchen gadget and ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I use this?
- Is it sentimental?
- Do I like it?
If you answer no to all of these questions, it’s a sign that the item no longer serves a purpose in your home.
You don’t need to hold onto it just because you might use it one day. For instance, if you have 10 coffee mugs and only use two, it’s easy to let go of the extra ones.
Following the 20/20 rule, you’ll realize that it’s easy to replace these items later if needed.
Sentimental Items
When it comes to sentimental items, the 20/20 rule doesn’t always apply. These objects often carry emotional value, making it harder to let go of them.
While it’s important to keep sentimental things that truly matter, the rule can still help you make better decisions.
If an item has sentimental value but can be replaced for a small cost, you might want to reconsider keeping it.
For example, if you have a small collection of old toys or clothes that you’re emotionally attached to but can easily find again for less than $20, it might be time to part with them.
However, truly irreplaceable items like family heirlooms or childhood mementoes don’t fall under the 20/20 rule.
“Just-In-Case” Items
We all have items in our homes that we keep “just in case” — things we might use one day but haven’t touched in years.
These are the perfect candidates for the 20/20 rule. If you haven’t used something in over a year and it could easily be replaced for less than $20, it’s time to let it go.
For example, think about kitchen items like a sushi rolling mat or an ice cream maker that you bought on a whim.
If they’re taking up valuable space and you haven’t used them in ages, let them go! You’ll likely find that you don’t miss them, and if you need them again, they’re easily replaceable for a low cost.
Digital Decluttering
Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. With apps, emails, photos, and files piling up on your devices, it can feel like a never-ending task to organize them. The 20/20 rule is perfect for managing digital clutter.
Start by going through your phone or computer. Do you have apps you haven’t used in months?
If you can delete them in under 20 seconds and reinstall them later if needed, there’s no reason to keep them on your device.
The same goes for old files or emails that you no longer need. By applying the 20/20/20 rule to your digital space, you’ll be able to reduce stress and free up storage space.
Specific Areas in Your Home
You can use the 20/20 rule in almost every room of your home. Here are a few examples:
Living Room: Check for unused electronics or apps on your TV that haven’t been used in a while. If you can reinstall them quickly, it’s time to delete them.
Bathroom: Go through your bathroom vanity and toss expired products that you’re not using. If you need something in the future, you can easily buy it again.
Bedroom: Look at your nightstand or wardrobe. Are there books, clothes, or accessories you no longer need? If they can be replaced for less than $20, it’s time to declutter.
Closet: Take stock of duplicate items like shoes or clothing. If you have more than one of the same item, consider donating or selling the extras.
Home Office: Sort through old cables, chargers, or office supplies you don’t use. If you can replace them easily, it’s best to declutter them.
By applying the 20/20/20 rule to these areas, you can create a more organized, functional living space.
The Benefits of Decluttering with the 20/20 Rule
Decluttering your home using the 20/20 rule offers several benefits:
Reduced Stress: A clutter-free home leads to a calmer, more peaceful environment. By letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose, you’ll feel more at ease.
More Space: By eliminating unnecessary items, you’ll create more room in your home for the things that truly matter.
Improved Mental Clarity: Physical clutter often leads to mental clutter. When you simplify your space, it’s easier to focus and be productive.
Saves Time and Money: The 20/20 rule helps you avoid holding onto things “just in case.” If you need something later, it’s usually easy and inexpensive to replace.
Conclusion
The 20/20 rule is a simple yet powerful tool for decluttering your home and simplifying your life.
By applying this rule to everyday items, sentimental objects, and digital clutter, you can create a cleaner, more organized living space. Remember, the goal isn’t to get rid of everything but to keep only the things that truly serve a purpose in your life.
By following the 20/20 rule, you can make decluttering an easy and stress-free process, leading to a more minimalist lifestyle.
FAQs
Can the 20/20 rule help with digital subscriptions?
Yes! If you’re subscribed to services or apps you no longer use, the 20/20 rule can apply. If you can cancel a subscription in under 20 seconds and easily resubscribe later if needed, consider letting it go. This is a great way to clear up unnecessary digital clutter and save money.
What is the 20/20 rule in minimalism?
The 20/20 rule in minimalism is a simple guideline to help you declutter your home and life. According to the rule, if you can replace an item for less than $20 within 20 minutes, you should consider letting it go. This rule helps you get rid of unnecessary items without guilt, knowing that you can easily replace them if needed.
How does the 20/20 rule help with decluttering?
The 20/20 rule helps you make quick decisions about what to keep and what to discard. It encourages you to let go of items that take up space in your home but can be replaced quickly and cheaply. By applying this rule, you can simplify your space and reduce the clutter in your life.
How can the 20/20 rule benefit my home and lifestyle?
By using the 20/20 rule, you can reduce stress, create more space in your home, and focus on what truly matters. The rule helps you stop holding onto “just-in-case” items, leading to a more organized, functional, and peaceful living environment. It also helps you break free from unnecessary purchases and reduces decision fatigue when decluttering.
How do I get started with the 20/20 rule?
Start by picking an area of your home—such as a drawer, closet, or shelf—and evaluate each item using the 20/20 rule. If an item doesn’t serve a purpose and can be replaced for less than $20 within 20 minutes, it’s time to let it go. Continue applying this rule to other areas of your home until you’ve decluttered your space.
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