10 Easy Rules to Own Less Stuff

When decluttering, it can be hard to figure out what stays and what goes. Here are my 10 fool-proof rules for decluttering and owning less.

---
Recent videos:

7 New Laws of Success

10 Scientific Studies that Will Encourage You to Own Less

---
Most popular videos:

3 Things to Buy to be Happier, According to Science

Top 10 Things to Declutter Right Now

---
You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

---

[kamloopscruiser]

Love these!
1: if I own more than one- choose the best, let go the rest
2: overflowing space rule - if it’s bursting- time to declutter
3: past life rule - if it fit your past but not your present life- let it go
4: the cost doesn’t count - it’s already been spent, now it’s costing you more by keeping it
5: yearly review rule - if you didn’t use it last year maybe it’s time to let go
6: borrow or rent rather than own
7: single item multiple uses especially with kitchen items
8: shopping holiday- 1 month a year buy only groceries and consumables
9: fad filter- be extra critical of trendy items
10: clear your counters

[stein]

God has used you to introduce me to a new way of living, I will never go bad to the way used to live. I cannot give up the new spiritual and mental renewal. God bless you Joshua.

[vienicestyles]

My clear kitchen countertops bring me joy! 🥹🤓🥳 👩🏽

[pinarimsi]

I believe this video should be watched times and times again

[lidijazivanovic]

I kept my credit card, just in case, when I travel. For everything - groceries, bills, and other expenses - I only use cash . So I am debt- free and so proud of it!

[markrunyon]

I really needed this video, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear".I love the sign you have in the background.I"m 65 and partially disabled.I hang onto so much stuff because, I think it"s part of my "identity", as to when my life was better, it really is just expensive clutter now and I"m ready to let it go.

[virginiakoffke]

Still a work in progress. Many years ago someone said to me that just because I had space didn't mean I should fill it up.

[ShatteredRippleBooks]

I'm a shopaholic and I'm having to declutter now because there's no space in my flat. Recently my boyfriend passed away and I have had to sort out his stuff. It really made me think, why am I collecting all of this stuff when I can't take it with me when I die? So I'm doing a low buy month I'll just buy groceries and necessities. I'm hoping to extend this month too. I'm just doing a month first because it feels more manageable. It's hard because I do get withdrawals from not shopping its really like a drug. But I want to change.

[heatherclay]

I'm newly minimizing my apartment, and it's actually fun and it brings out the creative side of me. My apartment is small, so I'm finding different ways to "store" my kitchen items. My drawers have been overflowing a little, but it's manageable. I'm in the process of finding multiple uses for certain items. I like how Joshua has his cabinets also. My food pantry is less desirable, but it's a small cabinet, so I'm finding unique ways to store things in my cabinet. It's a journey and a process, but it really is liberating to find that you have more time. Everything has it's own space, and your not tearing the house apart trying to find that certain item, because it's right where it's supposed to be. Laundry doesn't take much time either, because your not doing load after load. It's all simplified. Thank you so much for your help Joshua and family, and God Bless to you all! ❤

[KarronAngel]

You have helped me so much. I have reached just over 3 thousand items i have decluttered in 4 years. Thankyou and bless you and your family. xxxx

[sfos]

An especially good one, practical and to the point. Thank you!

[Khatoon]

Mr Joshua. Thank you for your wonderful cultural channel. As I told before I am Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American YouTube channels. We are as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level and improve our English as well . I just read key points about minimalism it’s started in mid 20 th century art movement, characterised by use of simple form . Minimalism is known in visual arts, music . Began in New York City in late 1960s . Characterized by extreme simplicity of form, literal, objective approach. Minimalism is important because can lead to more organized and clutter free life . Started by Russian painter Kasimir Malevich of black square on white ground . We can practice minimalism by de cluttering as we go . As I read there easy rules to own less stuff useful ideas such as make rule for every item . Limited storage . Clear floor and flat surface . Designate home for everything. Regular de cluttering sessions. Reduce your desire for more . Change your habits .

[harty]

I just decluttered more today, feels so good. Crazy how easy it is for everything to build back up again. I own so little and yet it's still more than I'd like. But, I want the ease of owning the amount I do. I'd love to try ultra minimalism even just for a month though. It'd feel soooo freeing.

[jnhosier]

My journey to becoming minimalist started 7 years ago and my current struggle is clear counters. I can clear them but then the stuff comes back in no time! Still a work in progress.

[carriemainquist]

So common sense. In process of a kitchen clean - declutter and it FEELS so good!

[amonralice]

Thanks, Joshua. I know about those rules, and I follow them. Been a minimalist for 5yrs now.

[MendeMaria-ejbf]

Thank you for summarising to bottom lines. ❤

[barbaramatarazzo]

I love your videos I have been on the decluttering train for a couple years and now there is actual space in my lovely home thank you for letting me know it's ok to be done with certain things in my life and enjoy the simpleness of living😊😊

[Smallworld]

İ am a minimalist for 9 months and my life changed already ❤ my finans has never been beter! Ty 🌸 love you

[VARLI]

Thank you Joshua for everything that you do.... Because of you, my life has slowly but surely changing for the better!