Minimalism isn’t just about owning less—it’s about living more. When life feels cluttered, it’s hard to focus on what really matters. Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist or just curious about simplifying your space, these minimalism hacks will help you get started. Let’s dive into ten detailed hacks to declutter your home, schedule, and even your mind—without the stress.
What Is Minimalism, Really?
Minimalism is a lifestyle focused on reducing excess and embracing the essentials. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about making space for what’s truly valuable. The goal is to eliminate distractions and unnecessary possessions, so you can focus on things that matter—whether it’s time with loved ones, hobbies, or just peace of mind.
1. The 20/20 Rule for Decluttering
One of the easiest minimalism hacks to implement is the 20/20 Rule. Here’s how it works: if an item costs less than $20 to replace and you haven’t used it in the last 20 days, get rid of it. The idea is that if you need that item in the future, you can easily replace it without guilt.
Why this works:
- It cuts down on the clutter you’ve been holding onto “just in case.”
- It’s a quick decision-making tool—no more pondering for hours whether to keep or toss something.
Use this rule to declutter your kitchen, bathroom, or closet—any area that accumulates small, inexpensive items.
2. Digital Minimalism: Declutter Your Tech
Digital clutter is just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Start with your phone. Delete apps you haven’t used in the past month, clear out your photo gallery, and unsubscribe from unnecessary emails. Create folders on your desktop for better organization, and limit the time you spend on social media by setting daily time limits.
Steps to follow:
- Apps: Delete unused apps or move them to a separate folder labeled “Rarely Used.”
- Photos: Sort through your camera roll and keep only the best memories. Use cloud storage to archive photos you don’t need daily.
- Email: Unsubscribe from mailing lists you never read. Tools like Unroll.Me can help automate this process.
Why this matters:
Cleaning up your digital space reduces mental load, making it easier to focus on real-life tasks.
3. Capsule Wardrobe: Less Clothes, More Style
A capsule wardrobe is a minimalism hack that eliminates decision fatigue. It involves curating a small collection of versatile pieces that you can mix and match. Instead of a closet stuffed with clothes you barely wear, you’ll have a handful of favorites you love.
How to create a capsule wardrobe:
- Step 1: Empty your closet and lay everything out.
- Step 2: Keep only the items you’ve worn in the last three months.
- Step 3: Stick to neutral colors for easy matching, with a few statement pieces for variety.
Pro Tip: Aim for 30-40 items, including shoes and accessories.
4. The One-In-One-Out Rule
A key to maintaining minimalism is the One-In-One-Out Rule. Every time you buy a new item, something old has to go. Whether it’s a kitchen gadget, clothing, or home decor, this simple rule keeps clutter from sneaking back into your life.
Why this works:
- It helps you be more mindful about new purchases.
- It keeps your space balanced and prevents accumulation of unnecessary stuff.
Start with something small, like your bookshelves or pantry, and work up to larger spaces like your closet.
5. Simplify Your Meal Planning
Minimalism isn’t just about your stuff—it can simplify your day-to-day life, too. Meal planning is an easy way to declutter your mind and free up time during the week.
Steps to streamline your meals:
- Pick 5 staple meals that you can rotate throughout the week.
- Make a shopping list based on these meals to avoid buying unnecessary ingredients.
- Batch cook on weekends and freeze meals to avoid the mid-week scramble.
Bonus Tip: Stick to one grocery store and one list to avoid impulse purchases.
6. The 10-Minute Tidy-Up
Clutter builds up quickly, especially when we don’t have time for a deep clean. A quick minimalism hack is the 10-Minute Tidy-Up. Spend just 10 minutes a day decluttering one area. Set a timer, choose a spot (like your living room or kitchen counter), and go!
Why it’s effective:
- It makes decluttering less overwhelming.
- Small, consistent efforts add up over time.
In a week, you’ll notice a big difference in your space without feeling drained by hours of cleaning.
7. The 90/90 Rule
Similar to the 20/20 rule, the 90/90 Rule asks if you’ve used an item in the last 90 days, or if you’ll use it in the next 90. If the answer to both is no, it’s time to say goodbye.
Apply it to:
- Seasonal items like jackets or boots.
- Kitchen gadgets that you rarely reach for.
- Random home decor that no longer fits your aesthetic.
The 90/90 rule helps cut down on the emotional attachment to items by adding a practical framework.
8. Mindful Shopping: Quality Over Quantity
Minimalism is about being intentional with your purchases. One of the best hacks is to focus on quality over quantity. Instead of buying five pairs of cheap shoes that wear out quickly, invest in one high-quality pair that lasts.
How to practice mindful shopping:
- Set a waiting period: If you see something you like, wait 30 days before purchasing.
- Research: Look into the brand’s sustainability practices to ensure you’re investing in ethical, long-lasting products.
- Budget: Use a budgeting app to track how much you’re spending on non-essentials.
9. Multi-Use Items: Less Stuff, More Function
A major minimalism hack is to invest in multi-use items. These are products that serve more than one function, reducing the need for multiple gadgets or tools.
Examples include:
- A cast iron skillet: It can be used for stovetop cooking, baking, and grilling.
- Convertible furniture: A sofa bed is a perfect example of maximizing space.
- A Swiss Army knife: Instead of owning separate tools, this one item covers all your bases for small tasks.
Why it’s effective:
- Fewer items mean less to store, clean, and maintain.
- Multi-use items save money and space in the long run.
10. Embrace Empty Spaces
Finally, don’t feel the need to fill every corner of your home. Minimalism celebrates empty spaces. When you leave areas uncluttered, you allow room for mental clarity and relaxation. Start by clearing off your coffee table or a kitchen counter and embrace the blank canvas.
Benefits of empty spaces:
- They create a sense of calm.
- They highlight the items that truly matter to you.
Embrace the idea that less really is more.
Key Takeaways
- The 20/20 Rule helps you make quick decisions about what to keep and what to toss.
- Digital minimalism is just as important as physical decluttering.
- A capsule wardrobe reduces decision fatigue and simplifies your style.
- Stick to the One-In-One-Out Rule to prevent clutter from creeping back.
- Meal planning and the 10-Minute Tidy-Up save time and reduce stress.
Minimalism isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a lifestyle shift. These hacks are designed to help you simplify gradually without overwhelming yourself. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the freedom that comes with living with less.
