Live Longer Habits

Firstly, remember that you can make your own rules. Think about what works best for you and pick the ones that fit your life. These rules can really help if you’re not sure where to start with decluttering or if making decisions feels overwhelming. They provide guidance when you’re unsure how to include minimalism in your daily life. 

While these rules are useful, not all of them will apply to everyone, so choose the ones you like and leave the rest. 

1. Use It or Lose It

A key rule is “use it or lose it.” This means you should only keep the things you currently use. If you haven’t used something in the past year and don’t think you will in the next, it’s okay to let it go. Personally, I check if I’ve used an item in the last year to decide if it’s worth keeping. 

2. One In, One Out 

If you want to buy something new, try to get rid of something else in your home. Ideally, it should be from the same category, so you don’t collect too many items. For example, if you want to buy a new winter coat, donate an old one. This helps you decide if you really need the new item. If you can’t bear to let something go, maybe you don’t want the new item as much as you thought. 

3. Declutter First, Organise Later

Many people buy storage bins thinking it will fix clutter, but it often doesn’t. If you have too many things, it’s hard to keep everything neat and tidy. Start by getting rid of what you don’t need, and then organise what’s left. Organising is great, but it’s best to do it after decluttering. 

4. Wait Before Buying Non-Essentials

If you feel like buying something unnecessary, wait at least a week. This is especially helpful for expensive or large items. Use this time to research and ask yourself questions like: How often will I use this? Where will I keep it? Do I already have something similar? If you still want it after a week, go ahead. Often, you might forget about it or change your mind. 

5. Don't Keep Items That Bring Bad Memories

One of my favourite rules is to let go of things that remind me of sad or negative times. If an item brings up unpleasant feelings, it’s best to declutter it. Sometimes we keep things for sentimental reasons, but if they cause pain, it’s okay to let them go. 

6. Declutter at the End of Each Season

To keep your space minimal, spend time at the end of each season going through your home. Take a few hours to review what you have and get rid of items you no longer want. I like doing this every three months because it helps me remember what I’ve used and lets me start fresh for the next season. 

7. Shop with a List

If you want a minimalist home, it’s important to stop bringing too many things in. Make a shopping list of what you need and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases, and just because something is on sale, it doesn’t mean you need to buy it. 

8. The 50% Rule

 With the 50% rule, aim to keep your storage spaces about half full. This prevents you from cramming your drawers and closets. When you leave space, it becomes easier to find things and put them away. It helps you realise how much stuff you actually have, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of minimalism. 

9. If It’s Not a “Hell Yes,” It’s a “No”

This rule can apply to many areas of your life. If you’re not excited about a decision, it often means you don’t really want it. For example, if a friend invites you to an event and you don’t feel thrilled, consider skipping it. When decluttering, if an item doesn’t spark joy, it’s a sign that you might not truly value it. 

10. Don’t Keep Duplicates

We often think we need many versions of the same item, but sometimes one is enough. Only keep duplicates if they serve a specific purpose. For example, I only own one versatile outfit for special occasions; I don’t feel the need for multiple options. 

11. Give Everything a Home

To keep your home tidy, make sure each item has a designated spot. When things don’t have a home, they end up lying around. If you can't find a home for certain items, it might be time to think about decluttering them. 

12. Only Keep What You Love

Sometimes we hang onto things out of habit without considering if we truly like them. While you may need some items that are just functional, try not to keep anything that brings you down. Only keep items that you genuinely love. 

13. If It Can Be Digitised, Don’t Keep the Physical Copy

#Technology can help reduce clutter. Consider scanning or taking pictures of paperwork that you don’t need to keep in physical form. This may also apply to photos and cards, making it easier to let go of items once you have a digital copy. 

14. The 20/20 Rule

The 20/20 rule suggests that if something can be replaced for less than £20 ($20) and is easy to get in under 20 minutes, you can let it go without worry. If £20 ($20)feels too high, you might lower the limit. The idea is to ensure you don’t stress about decluttering items that aren’t hard to replace. 

Sometimes, having rules can help you find direction when you’re unsure of how to start. But don’t feel like you have to follow every single one. Pick the ones that resonate with you and your life.

Source: greenwithless