Minimalist Decluttering Rules to Follow for a Clutter-Free Home

Does your home feel overwhelming, cramped, or impossible to keep clean? Clutter not only takes up physical space but also mental energy, making daily life more stressful. The right minimalist decluttering rules can transform chaos into calm by helping you let go of excess and focus on what truly matters.

In this guide, we’ll cover practical, actionable steps to simplify your space—whether you’re tackling a single drawer or an entire house. For maintaining clean floors post-decluttering, check out the best mopping solutions to keep surfaces spotless.

Key Takeaways

• Keep only what you love or use regularly—sentimental items should earn their space.
• Adopt the “one in, one out” rule to prevent future clutter buildup.
• Digitize paper clutter to free up physical space and reduce visual stress.
• Schedule mini decluttering sessions to avoid overwhelm.

7 Minimalist Decluttering Rules to Live By

1. Keep Only What You Love or Use

Hold each item and ask: “Does this spark joy?” (thank you, Marie Kondo) or “Have I used this in the past year?”. If the answer is no, let it go. Exceptions:

• Seasonal items (e.g., holiday decorations)
• Practical backups (e.g., light bulbs)

For cleaning supplies, streamline with multipurpose solutions like the best hardwood floor mop solution.

2. One In, One Out Rule

For every new item brought into your home, remove one. This applies to:

• Clothing
• Kitchen gadgets
• Decor

Example: Buy a new coffee maker? Donate the old one. This prevents accumulation and encourages mindful consumption.

3. Clear Flat Surfaces Daily

Tables, counters, and desks attract clutter. Make it a habit to:

• Put away mail immediately
• Wipe surfaces after use (try the best-smelling mop solution for freshness)

4. Digitize When Possible

Reduce paper clutter by scanning:

• Receipts
• Photos
• Manuals (most are available online)

Use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access.

5. Regular Small Purges

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event. Schedule monthly 15-minute sessions to:

• Review a single drawer
• Donate unused items

6. The 20/20 Rule

Struggling to decide? If an item can be replaced for under $20 in under 20 minutes, consider letting it go. Exceptions include heirlooms or irreplaceable items.

7. Designate a “Maybe” Box

For items you’re unsure about, store them in a box for 3–6 months. If you haven’t needed them, donate the box unopened.

Decluttering Methods Compared

Final Thoughts

Decluttering is a journey, not a destination. By following these minimalist rules, you’ll create a home that feels lighter, cleaner, and more intentional. For deeper cleaning after decluttering, explore Apartment Therapy’s guides or The Spruce’s tips.