01/05/2026
10 Minimalist Rules That Changed My Life
1. The House-on-Fire Rule
If my closet, attic, or storage unit disappeared tomorrow… would I be relieved?
Losing our luggage in Europe made me realize how little my stuff actually mattered.
That was freeing — and honestly kind of shocking.
2. The 20/20 Rule
If I can replace something for $20 in under 20 minutes, I let it go.
Most “just in case” items never get used. Almost none are missed.
3. The Box Rule
If I’m unsure, it goes in a box with a reminder set for 6 months.
If I never open it, the whole box gets donated.
It’s decluttering without panic.
4. The Two-Day Rule
I can miss a habit once — but never two days in a row.
This one rule kept reading, workouts, and routines consistent for years.
5. The Investor Rule
I stopped investing in stuff and started investing in experiences.
Travel, memories, and shared moments added more value than anything I ever bought.
6. The “Everything Needs a Home” Rule
If it doesn’t have a place, it doesn’t belong here.
This one rule eliminated clutter, lost keys, and mental noise.
7. The “Other People” Rule
Before buying anything, I ask:
Is this for me — or for other people’s approval?
That question alone saved me thousands.
8. The 90 Rule
If something isn’t a 9/10 or higher, I don’t buy it.
Now everything I own is my favorite — and I barely shop anymore.
9. The Two-Minute Rule
If it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
Most stress comes from tiny things we keep avoiding.
10. The Nightly Reset
Every night I reset the house and the next day.
Clothes laid out. Coffee ready. Book open.
Mornings stopped feeling chaotic.
I put 50 minimalist rules I actually use into a short ebook and left it in the comments if you want the full list.
