Are you tired of living in a cluttered and disorganized home? The Rule of 20, also known as the 20/20 or 20-20 rule, might be what you need. This easy decluttering method, from The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, can help you get rid of unwanted items easily. You won’t need professional organizers.
Key Takeaways
- The 20/20 rule involves decluttering items that can be replaced in less than 20 minutes for under $20.
- The rule helps address “just-in-case” items, emphasizing the importance of keeping and repurchasing only items that are genuinely needed.
- The 20/20 rule is a quickfire method that speeds up the decluttering process significantly, working best in high-clutter areas.
- The rule is effective at helping to get rid of low-valued, inexpensive, and useless items, such as random shelf trinkets and old makeup.
- Applying the 20/20 rule can lead to a tidier home and a more minimalist lifestyle, with positive impacts on mental health.
What is the 20/20 or the 20-20 Rule?
The 20/20 rule is a simple way to declutter. It means keeping items only if they cost less than $20 and take less than 20 minutes to replace. This rule helps decide what to keep and what to throw away.
Understanding the 20/20 Rule
The 20/20 decluttering rule says to get rid of items if they’re cheap to replace. It’s about letting go of things that are easy to buy again. This makes your living or work space more organized.
Spaces By Emily, a professional organizer, recommends getting rid of items that cost less than $20. This makes decluttering easier, starting with small things. Then, it gets easier to let go of more valuable items later.
Introducing the 20/20/20 Rule
In 2020, Gabe Bult added a twist to the 20/20 rule. He introduced the 20/20/20 rule, which includes a 20-second test for digital items. This rule helps manage digital clutter, just like the original rule helps with physical clutter.
The 20/20 rule and its 20/20/20 version focus on letting go of items with little use. They help you live a simpler, more organized life in today’s digital world.
Decluttering Process and the 20/20/20 Rule
Starting a decluttering journey can feel overwhelming, but the 20/20/20 rule helps make it simpler. This method tells you to begin with items you don’t use or need anymore. It makes decluttering easier to handle.
Starting with Everyday Items
Begin by looking through your home for items you can easily replace. Ask yourself three questions about each item: Do I use it? Do I like it? Does it have sentimental value? If you answer no to all three, it’s time to declutter.
The 20/20/20 rule focuses on items costing less than $20 and easily found within 20 minutes. This makes deciding what to keep or discard simpler. You’re less likely to feel attached to items that are cheap and easy to replace.
The 20/20/20 Rule and Sentimental Items
The 20/20/20 rule is great for everyday items but not always for sentimental ones. These items hold deep emotional value. When decluttering sentimental items, be careful and empathetic.
For sentimental items, think more deeply. Consider the memories and stories linked to the item. Ask if keeping it makes you happy or if it’s time to let go. This thoughtful approach may take longer but can make decluttering more meaningful.
“The purpose of decluttering is not to get rid of everything, but to create a space that is meaningful and supports your lifestyle.”
– Blanca Aguirrezabal, Professional Organizer
Using the 20/20/20 rule for everyday items and a thoughtful approach for sentimental ones helps you declutter with confidence. You can create a living space that reflects your values and preferences.
The Purpose is Not to Repurchase Things
The main aim of the 20/20 or 20/20/20 rule for decluttering isn’t to buy back what you’ve let go of. It’s about making your living space more peaceful and embracing minimalist living. You might need to buy something back now and then, but this should be rare. The key is to let go of items that don’t help you and resist the urge to replace them.
A recent study found that 80% of people struggle with decluttering because of feelings of attachment, being too busy, or lacking time or energy. The 20/20 rule offers a structured way to get rid of things you don’t need without wanting to buy them again.
By using the 20/20 rule, you can stop the cycle of buying things over and over. It teaches you to think deeply about each item, asking if it’s really important to you. This helps you understand what you truly need and how it fits with your life and goals.
“The purpose of the 20/20 rule is not to replace the items you declutter, but to create a more streamlined and purposeful living space. It’s about finding contentment in what you already have, rather than constantly seeking to acquire more.”
The 20/20 rule’s main goal is to guide you towards a minimalist living where you keep only the essentials. By not buying things just to replace them, you keep your home tidy, organized, and peaceful. This supports your well-being.
“Just-in-Case” Items
The 20/20/20 rule helps you deal with “just-in-case” items. These are things you keep because you might need them, but you haven’t used them in a long time. This rule makes it easy to see and let go of items that are just taking up space.
According to the 20/20/20 rule, if an item costs less than $20 and can be easily replaced in 20 minutes, don’t keep it “just in case.” This rule can be used in every room, like the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and home office. By following this, you can make your home more organized and minimalist, fitting your lifestyle better.
Using the 20/20/20 Rule Throughout Your Home
When decluttering, the 20/20/20 rule is a good guide for different rooms. In the kitchen, look at your cookware, utensils, and gadgets. If you have duplicates or things you don’t use that are cheap to replace, it’s time to let them go. The same goes for clothes – check your wardrobe and see if you can easily replace items that are not used often.
You can also use the 20/20/20 rule for items in the garage, like tools and sports gear. If you haven’t used or don’t need them anymore, consider getting rid of them. In the living room, look at your decorative items and knick-knacks. If they can be easily replaced for little money, it might be time to let them go.
By using the 20/20/20 rule often, you can simplify your life, reduce clutter, and make your living space more mindful and functional. This not only clears out physical space but also helps your mental health and productivity.
Remember, the 20/20/20 rule might not work for everyone, especially if you’re on a tight budget or very attached to certain items. In these cases, other decluttering methods like the KonMari Method or checking how often you use things might be better. The goal is to find a method that fits your life and needs.
What is the rule of 20 for decluttering?
The rule of 20 for decluttering, also known as the 20/20 rule, is a simple way to quickly get rid of unwanted items. It says if you can buy an item for less than $20 and replace it in under 20 minutes, it’s okay to get rid of it.
This method makes decluttering easier and more focused. By using the 20/20 rule, you can quickly see what you really need and what you can do without. This helps you live in a clutter-free space.
The key benefits of the 20/20 rule for decluttering include:
- Quick decision-making: The rule gives you a clear way to decide what to declutter easily.
- Cost-effective: It helps you avoid keeping items that cost too much to replace or maintain.
- Time-saving: The 20-minute rule keeps decluttering efficient, preventing long indecision periods.
- Minimalist approach: This rule encourages keeping only the essentials, promoting a minimalist lifestyle.
To use the 20/20 rule, go through your stuff and decide if each item fits the criteria. If it can be replaced for less than $20 in under 20 minutes, consider letting it go. This simple strategy can make decluttering easier and help you live more simply.
Remember, the 20/20 rule isn’t for everyone. You might need to adjust it for your own needs and preferences. The goal is to use it to make smart choices about what to keep and what to discard. This leads to a more satisfying and clutter-free life.
The 20/20 Rule and Minimalist Living
For those looking to live more simply, the 20/20 rule is key. It’s a simple rule from Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. It helps people decide what they really need in their lives.
The rule says if an item costs less than $20 and takes under 20 minutes to replace, it’s okay to let it go. This rule makes us think more about what we own. It leads to a cleaner and more organized home.
Emily, a professional organizer, says the 20/20 rule is great for starting decluttering. It helps people decide on easy items first. This builds confidence to tackle harder items later.
Using the 20/20 rule fits well with minimalism. It’s about having fewer, but more important things. This way, you live in a space that’s meaningful and free from clutter.
Studies show that simple homes are often worth more than cluttered ones. Decluttering also makes your mind clearer, lowering stress and improving your mood.
Whether you’re new to minimalism or have been at it for a while, the 20/20 rule is useful. It helps you live more simply and intentionally. This leads to a more fulfilling life.
“The 20/20 rule is designed to encourage individuals to let go of items that may not have significant value by setting a financial threshold of $20 for replacement.”
The 20/20/20 Rule and Your Mobile Devices
The 20/20/20 rule isn’t just for cleaning your space; it works for your digital life too. Look at your apps, subscriptions, and digital stuff regularly. If you can get to it or download it in under 20 seconds, consider deleting it. This simple rule helps you clean up your digital space, making your phone use easier and less stressful.
Using the 20/20/20 rule on your phone helps free up storage space. We often collect many apps, photos, and files, filling up our devices. By cleaning out what you don’t use, you can make your phone run better.
This rule also fights digital distractions and boosts your productivity. It’s easy to waste time scrolling or switching apps. By getting rid of apps and content that don’t help you, you can stay focused on what’s important.
| Digital Decluttering Checklist | Action |
|---|---|
| Apps | Review your app list and uninstall any apps you haven’t used in the past 20 days. |
| Photos and Videos | Delete any photos or videos that you can access or re-download in less than 20 seconds. |
| Files and Documents | Organize your files into relevant folders and delete any duplicates or unnecessary items. |
| Subscriptions and Accounts | Review your subscriptions and online accounts, and cancel any that you no longer use. |
By using the 20/20/20 rule on your phone, you can have a cleaner digital life. This means more space and less stress. A tidy digital space can really improve your well-being and how productive you are.
Benefits of the 20/20 Rule
The 20/20 rule for decluttering helps simplify life and cuts down on clutter. It suggests replacing items under $20 and taking less than 20 minutes to get. This approach can deeply impact your living space and mindset.
Is the 20/20 Rule Highly Effective?
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, say the 20/20 rule works well. They’ve had a 100% success rate with it. This simple rule helps people declutter their homes and live more simply.
This rule does more than just reduce clutter. It saves time by cutting down on sorting items. It also clears your mind, letting you focus on what’s important.
Experts say the 20/20 rule is right for 99% of items and people. It suggests checking if an item can be replaced for $20 or less in 20 minutes. This helps you let go of items you’re emotionally attached to.
Using the 20/20 rule can also save money. It encourages buying mindfully and following a “one in, one out” rule. This way, you avoid buying things you don’t need and make better choices about what to keep at home.
In summary, the 20/20 rule is a great way to declutter and simplify your life. It helps you manage your stuff better, saves time and money, and creates a peaceful home. By following this rule, you can live more efficiently and happily.
“Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, have been featured in TIME, GQ, ABC, CBS, NBC, BBC, NPR, and have spoken at Harvard, Apple, and Google.”
Conclusion
The Rule of 20 is a simple way to declutter your home. It suggests replacing items for less than $20 and in under 20 minutes. Or, accessing digital content in under 20 seconds. This method helps you quickly decide what to keep and what to let go of.
By using the Rule of 20, you can make your living space more organized and peaceful. It’s great for anyone starting or deepening their decluttering journey. This rule helps you focus on what you really need, making room for what truly matters.
Start decluttering your home with the 20/20 rule today. Enjoy the freedom and clarity of a clutter-free life. Discover the benefits of a more organized and intentional living space.