Methods and Rules for Decluttering Physical Clutter

Introduction

Physical clutter is not just a visual nuisance, but also a mental burden. Research shows that cluttered environments contribute to stress, anxiety, and cognitive overload. Visual clutter sends signals to the brain that the work is never finished, triggering a constant low-level stress response.

The minimalist approach offers concrete rules and strategies that systematize the decluttering process. This section will help you categorize your belongings and make clear decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

Core Concept: The Three Categories System

Everything owned can be divided into three categories: Essentials, Nonessentials (those that add value), and Junk.

Essentials are basic items necessary for daily life. You cannot live without them. Nonessentials are items that, though not essential, add value to your life, bring you joy, or offer meaningful experiences. Junk is neither functional nor brings you happiness - they just take up space.

Apply this categorization to every area of your home. When you pick up each item, ask yourself: "Which category does this fall into?" This simple classification reduces decision fatigue and provides clarity on what to keep.

Strategies for Getting Rid of Excess

The hardest part of decluttering is often making decisions. Minimalists have developed various games and strategies to ease this process.

The 30-Day Minimalism Game is a simple game you can play with a friend, family member, or coworker to become minimalist. On day one, you get rid of 1 item, on day two, 2, on day three, 3 - and so on. By the end of the month, you will have gotten rid of 465 items. This gradual approach builds momentum without creating a feeling of overwhelm.

A Photo Scanning Party is an effective method for reducing digital clutter. By digitizing old photos, documents, and memories, you clear physical space while preserving memories. Invite friends or family members, prepare light snacks, and work together.

The Four Box Method is also very practical: Create one box each for giving away, throwing away, keeping, and putting into storage. Then categorize your items according to these boxes. This method allows you to set a clear goal for each item.

Conditional Keeping Rules: 90/90 and 20/20

The most popular minimalist rules are numerical systems that make it easier to decide whether to keep an item or not.

The 90/90 Rule (Seasonality Rule)

Developed by minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, this rule is based on two simple questions: Have you used this item in the last 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90 days?

If your answer to both questions is "no," it's time to let go of the item. This rule helps identify countless items we keep "just in case." Of course, for seasonal items, you can extend this period to 120 days, 6 months, or a year - the important thing is to be honest with yourself.

The rule objectifies decision-making. It reduces emotional attachment and focuses on functionality. It can be applied in your wardrobe, kitchen, garage - everywhere.

The 20/20 Rule ("Just In Case" Rule)

This rule addresses the thought, "What if I need it?" The rule is: If you can replace an item in less than 20 minutes for less than 20 dollars (or its equivalent in your currency), you can let go of that item.

This rule does not encourage waste. The goal is to get rid of "just in case" items, assuming that an item you get rid of can be easily replaced if truly needed. The truth is, most of the time we don't even think about the items we let go of again.

Practical Applications

To get started, follow these steps:

Set a 15-minute timer. Spend only 15 minutes each day decluttering. This amount of time is short enough not to cause overwhelm, but it makes a significant difference over time. Start with a single drawer, shelf, or small area.

For every new item, let go of an old item. Apply the "1 In, 1 Out" rule (or for a more aggressive approach, "1 In, 10 Out"). This prevents clutter from accumulating again.

Clean the corners. Corners and tops of cabinets are often areas where clutter gathers. Cleaning these areas creates an immediate visual impact.

Apply the Mold Rule. If an item had molded in your garage or storage area, would you miss it? Would you buy it again? If your answer is no, you can easily let go of that item.

Key Points

1. Decluttering is a sprint, not a marathon. Small, consistent steps create big changes. 15 minutes a day means over 91 hours of cleaning a year.

2. Rules can be arbitrary, but they are often useful when you want to create change. Choose the rules that suit your situation and adapt them as needed.

3. Minimalism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Determine what is important to you and act accordingly. Rules are guides, not dictators.

Conclusion

Getting rid of physical clutter is one of the cornerstones of the minimalist lifestyle. Rules like 90/90 and 20/20 simplify the decision-making process and allow us to get rid of unnecessary items we keep "just in case." Methods like the 30-Day Minimalism Game and Photo Scanning Party make the process fun and social.

Remember, the goal is not a perfect home, but a functional and peaceful space. The purpose of decluttering is not just to create a clean space, but also to achieve mental clarity, reduced stress, and greater freedom. Every item you let go of opens up more space in your life for what truly matters.