If you have tried or do try any of these I would love to read what worked for you. Feel free to add your own below too.
10 Minimalist Rules That Changed My Life
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
The Two-Minute Rule
If it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
Most stress comes from tiny things we keep avoiding. -
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.
The "10 Minimalist Rules That Changed My Life" post was written by Gabe Bult and originally shared on his social media, specifically found as a Facebook post by Gabe Bult from Jan 1, 2026