The 1-in-10-Out Rule
This rule, created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, states that for every item you bring into your home, ten must leave. This method rapidly reduces belongings while also serving as a serious disincentive to shopping. It compels you to consider whether a new item is truly worth it, thereby promoting mindful consumption.
90-Day Rule
If you haven’t used an item in 90 days, then it’s time to get rid of it. While 90 days might not be the optimal number for everyone, choose a time frame that aligns with your lifestyle and stick to it. The key is to purge items that do not serve a purpose or bring joy to your life on a regular basis.
Minimalism Game
The minimalism game offers a structured schedule for decluttering. Begin at the start of the month—discard 1 item on the first day, 2 items on the second, and so on. As the month progresses, the challenge intensifies, but so does your momentum. By the end of the month, you will notice a significant decrease in clutter.
All You Need Is One
Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist emphasizes the importance of purging duplicates. Often, we hoard multiples of items thinking they’ll come in handy someday, but this only adds to the clutter. Assess your belongings and eliminate duplicates to simplify your life.
Packing Party
A packing party is an effective way to jumpstart your minimalism journey. Pack up all your belongings as if you were moving and label the boxes. Each day, retrieve items from the boxes as you need them. This approach will quickly highlight the items that are truly essential and valuable in your life.