7 minimalist rules that *super* simplify my life & make room for more JOY

These minimalism rules I've learned over the years have helped me radically declutter, unlock the power of simplicity, and ultimately make more room for peace & joy as I pursue more slow living. I hope these rules help you do the same.

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00:00 intro
01:00 5 min rule
02:50 the "mug" question
04:05 1 in 1 out
04:38 no single use items
05:03 if it's not for your season, there isn't a reason
06:10 90/90 rule
06:45 stop being other people's storage facility

If you're new here, hi! I'm Jess, a former over-achieving restless soul that is passionate about helping women cultivate contentment exactly where they are, especially amidst motherhood. I post about slow living, minimalism, my faith, and honest motherhood. If you're into that, join me and a tribe of women looking to reject restlessness and step into joyful fullness by subscribing and joining the community. I'm glad you're here:)
#decluttering #minimalism #slowliving

[jessicarothley]

Which of these are you planning on trying out?

[ashlynlynard]

1. 5 minute rule (if you can’t clean a room in 5 minutes there’s too much stuff in that room)
2. If this wasn’t mine how much would I pay to purchase it?
3. One in one out rule
4. No single use items (ex: apple slicer, a dress you can only wear to one kind of event with one kind of bra)
5. If it’s not for your season then there isn’t a reason (ex: fantasy self)
6. 90/90 rule (if you haven’t used it in last 90 days and won’t in next 90 it’s gotta go)
7. Stop being a storage facility for other people

[della]

Another tip I got from someone else - if the item doesn't evoke happy memories (only guilt, sadness, etc), get rid of it out of your life. Keep the things that give you joy.

[citytrees]

There's a video going around the internet with a lady's voice repeatedly saying, "Don't put it down, put it away." I love this motto and it's much easier if there is less stuff around.

[cynthiacruz]

My mom, now 97, taught us "A place for everything and everything in its place."

[sarahaugustine]

Thank you for calling out decluttering our mental space by deleting social media! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[jengenx]

When I’m decluttering my wardrobe and I’m undecided on a piece, I ask myself- if I can live without it (yes -it goes) and is it my favourite (no-it goes) and this has helped me so much more than ‘do I like it’. I only want to wear my favourites…

[daisycatm]

I watched this video and thought, ok, this isn't too different from what all the other organization people say. Then I started looking around my house and asked "Can I live without this?" and it brought an entirely new perspective on my stuff. It's such a small change in what we ask ourselves, but is life-changing in the results. There are lots of items in the kitchen alone I would have thought I "needed" but I am really OK living without them! Wow. This is brilliant. And actually it's easier for me to make a decision on whether to keep something or not.

[breepearce]

‘I am not a storage facility for other people’ l. This is so true and so well said.

[hp-csmx]

I got more sorted when i realised I had no “ place” for things. I began with pens and pencils - whenever I found them, I put them all in one place ( a drawer). Ditto craft stuff, ditto mugs in kitchen cupboards. I had hoarded gift bags, so I use them as donation bags and tried to take one with me every car trip, small amounts at a time. I just yesterday gathered all the baskets I have collected, I like three, the rest I am going to sew liners for ( using my fabric stash!), and donate to the church fundraising stall coming up pre. Xmas. I can do it!

[janetmckenzie]

My mom hangs everything backwards on her closet rail and flips the hanger when she wears something. I find clothing really hard, but this method makes it easier.

[scruffidogg]

The storage space for other people really hit me. The loss of my Grams hit me sooo hard I collected everything from her house that no one else wanted and I moved that stuff 2x before I finally let my husband have a yardsale and I went away for 2 days. But I photo'd everything to keep the memories and not the stuff. I'm downsizing from 2k soft hs to now 600 and the rule about single use things is going to help me sooo much in the kitchen.
I am also watching this video 2-3 times a day to hammer it in. TY

[SMonica]

What has been helpful to me is the advice to let the store, store it for me!

[juliepearl]

Youre thinking and the way you explain things are very wise. Youre a great speaker and very likable. You should expand your wisdom. Especially about the last rule. Making your home and family what you want. I just see big things for you.

[lornaoyarce]

TEN ITEM WARDROBE!!!! Oh my gosh!! I had to go back several times and make sure I was hearing that right! You are a goddess! I can't even imagine paring down to just 10. I am going away for 3 days and I have more than that going with me. Obviously, I had to find you. Such an inspiration!

[samanthap.]

BEST decluttering video I’ve come across yet after hours and years of listening.

[kaylacruvinel]

“If it’s not for your season, then there isn’t a reason” - hearing this finally allowed me to let go of some sentimental items I’ve been wanting to release for a long time but haven’t. Thanks for creating these videos you have a beautiful channel! ❤️

[jjbnvfd]

I have hoarded for so long “for my children” because I was a new mum with nothing. 20yrs later and I’m very much at breaking point. I’ve watched a lot of videos on this subject trying to find an answer and you have hit the nail on the head. Thanks :-)

[sharrond]

I declutterred my attic, I moved in to this house in 2006 and filled the attic at that time. In 2018 I decided to sort through it. I took 2 loads to the tip and filled a charity van, all I had left in the attic was 2 boxes and some important papers. I then decided to do the same with the garage, time to do the same with the rest of the house now

[bettykroll]

I recently moved states and went back to clean out my storage unit. I threw out and gave away a lot of stuff that my sister (she passed away in 2021) gave me. I told myself not to feel guilty about it. I knew I wouldn’t use it so there was no reason to keep it.