What is the 20 rule minimalist?

Author: Charlene Heathcote  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

The 20/20 rule is a genius invention by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus from The Minimalists. This simple rule is if you can replace something you are decluttering in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, you can declutter it.

What is the 20 rule in minimalism?

And during our last book tour, we made sure we didn't pack anything just in case. Then we tested our hypothesis: the 20/20 Rule. Anything we get rid of that we truly need, we can replace for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from our current location.

What is the 12-12-12 rule for decluttering?

1. Take the 12-12-12 challenge. The rules are simple: locate 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to be returned to their proper home. That's it.

What is the 3 second rule in decluttering?

In this TikTok video, Kelly, who's known for her decluttering methods, like the Core 4 Method, and tips, explains that the three-second rule helps people make “quick and confident decisions when they are decluttering.” When applying her method to an item, you decide in three seconds to either “yes, you keep it” or “no, ...

What is the 20 20 rule for hoarding?

If you can replace an item for $20 or less in 20 minutes, it's time to declutter. Say goodbye to clutter and enjoy a more organized home.

10 Minimalist Rules That Changed My Life

What is the 20 rule for getting rid of clutter?

This simple rule is if you can replace something you are decluttering in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, you can declutter it.

At what age does hoarding peak?

Hoarding behaviors can begin as early as the teenage years, although the average age of a person seeking treatment for hoarding is about 50 years of age. Without effective treatment, individuals who hoard often endure a lifelong struggle with hoarding.

What is the 90 90 rule for decluttering?

What Is the 90/90 Rule? Here's the gist: When you come upon an object you're unsure about decluttering, ask yourself two questions: Did you use it in the past 90 days? If not, will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer is “no” to both questions, away it goes.

What is the 333 method of decluttering?

If you want to take the Project 333 Challenge

Choose 33 items (or less) including clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Pack up and hide everything else and then you don't have to think about shopping or what to wear for the next three months. For more details, here's a little guide.

What is the one touch rule for clutter?

Ltd., said that the one-touch rule involves handling an item only once. “Rather than picking something up and setting it down temporarily, you place it immediately in its designated spot. This habit minimises clutter, and helps maintain organisation, and prevents items from piling up,” he said.

What is the golden rule of decluttering?

Start small and simplify. Beginning the decluttering process by starting small and focusing on one area at a time can be a highly effective strategy to prevent overwhelm, maintain motivation, and achieve tangible progress in organizing your living space.

What is the sunk cost fallacy of decluttering?

It tricks us into clinging to possessions or experiences simply because we've invested time, money, or effort in them, even if they no longer bring us joy or serve a purpose. This focus on the past cost prevents us from decluttering effectively and achieving a simpler life.

What is the 90 90 rule minimalistic life?

Have you used that item in the last 90 days? If you haven't, will you use it in the next 90? If not, then it's okay to let go.

What is the 80 20 spend rule?

The 80/20 budget is a simpler version of it. Using the 80/20 budgeting method, 80% of your income goes toward monthly expenses and spending, while the other 20% goes toward savings and investments. Of course, the 80/20 budget rule won't work for everyone.

What is the 5 second rule for decluttering?

🎉 💡 How to Use the 5-Second Rule: ✔️ Pick an area to declutter (closet, kitchen, drawers—anywhere!) ✔️ Pick up one item at a time. ✔️ Decide in 5 seconds: Keep, Donate, or Trash.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for clothes?

The 333 method is essentially a bite-sized version of a capsule wardrobe. You choose three tops, three bottoms, and three shoes, and challenge yourself to create as many outfit combinations as possible with your selections.

What is the four box method decluttering?

Four Box Method

For this home decluttering method, you'll need four boxes labeled with the following categories: Trash, Storage, Put Away, and Give Away/Sell. Starting one room at a time, sort items into the appropriate boxes.

What is the core 4 method of decluttering?

Coined by pro organizer Kayleen Kelly, the “Core 4 Method” breaks the decluttering process into four simple steps: clear out, categorize, cut out, and contain. In essence, it's designed to take the stress and overwhelm out of the organizing process.

What is the 5 year rule for decluttering?

A: The 5-year rule for decluttering is simple: Look at your stuff and ask yourself, "Have I used this in the last five years?" If the answer is no, it's probably time to let it go — unless it's something with major sentimental value, of course.

Where do you declutter first?

Focus on one room or even one section within a room (e.g., kitchen cabinets), and complete that area thoroughly before moving on to the next space. Keep reading to learn helpful methods to declutter your home room by room.

What childhood trauma causes hoarding?

Some researchers believe hoarding can relate to childhood experiences of losing things, not owning things, or people not caring for you. This might include experiences like: Money worries or living in poverty in childhood. Having your belongings taken or thrown away by someone.

What is a Stage 5 hoarder?

Level 5 hoarding situations often meet the following criteria: Severe structural damage to the home. Broken or crumbling walls. Major fire hazards throughout the home such as paper accumulation around open flames. No electricity or running water due to neglect.

What should you not say to a hoarder?

People who hoard are often aware that others do not view their possessions and homes as they do. They often react strongly to words that reference their possessions negatively, like “trash,” “garbage,” and “junk.” Let your non-verbal expression say what you're thinking.

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