10 Minimalist Rules That ACTUALLY Work (even if you're not a minimalist 🤫)

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on her experience with minimalism, highlighting its benefits for simplifying life and spending habits. She shares 10 minimalist rules that she still follows, such as 'buy nice or buy twice' and 'if it's not a hell yes, it's a no,' which encourage intentional living and mindful consumption. The speaker emphasizes that these principles can be applied by anyone, regardless of whether they identify as minimalists, to create a more organized and clutter-free life.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Minimalism can be beneficial for changing spending habits and simplifying life, but it's also easy to take it too far.
• 👗 The speaker doesn't identify as a minimalist anymore but still follows some minimalist rules for intentional living.
• 💰 'Buy nice or buy twice' is a motto to ensure quality purchases that will last and to slow down the buying process.
• ✅ The 'hell yes' rule by Derek Sivers helps in decluttering life by only keeping things that bring absolute enthusiasm.
• 🧹 The habit of decluttering before organizing is essential to avoid unnecessary accumulation of items.
• 🏡 'If you don't use it, you lose it' is a rule to evaluate the necessity of items in maintaining a minimal and organized space.
• 🛍️ A wish list is a tool to delay gratification and to ensure purchases are intentional rather than impulsive.
• 📍 'A place for everything, everything in its place' helps in maintaining a tidy and organized living space.
• 🛒 'Don't buy a problem' advises against purchases that create more issues than they solve, such as items that don't fit with existing possessions.
• 💸 Having a 'why' before making a purchase is crucial for intentional buying and to avoid unnecessary spending.
• 🌟 The 'spark joy' rule by Marie Kondo is used to assess whether to keep or discard items, focusing on honest emotional responses.
• 💳 If an item can't be paid for in full at the time of purchase, it's a sign that it's not affordable and should be reconsidered.

Q & A

What is the speaker's personal experience with minimalism?

The speaker dabbled in minimalism for about 2 and a half years and found it beneficial for changing spending habits and simplifying life, but also noted that it can be taken too far.

What are some common reasons people turn to minimalism?

People turn to minimalism to change their spending habits, improve their relationship with possessions, and streamline their lives and living spaces.

Why do some people believe minimalism is dead or difficult to sustain long-term?

Minimalism can be seen as dead or difficult to sustain because it can be taken too far, leading to an overly restrictive lifestyle that may not work for everyone in the long run.

What is the key to minimalism according to the speaker?

The key to minimalism, according to the speaker, is living with intentionality and thinking before making purchases.

What is the first minimalist rule the speaker suggests and why is it important?

The first rule is 'Buy nice or buy twice,' which encourages buying higher quality items that last longer, thus avoiding the need to replace them frequently and saving money in the long run.

What does the quote 'If it's not a hell yes, then it's a no' mean in the context of minimalism?

This quote means that one should only allow things into their life that they are truly excited about or absolutely sure about, as this helps to reduce clutter and maintain a more intentional lifestyle.

Why is decluttering suggested before organizing?

Decluttering before organizing is suggested because it addresses the root of disorganization, which is often excessive possessions. By removing unnecessary items first, the organizing process becomes more effective and less cluttered.

What is the 'use it, lose it' rule and how does it apply to minimalism?

The 'use it, lose it' rule implies that if an item is not used, it should be removed from one's space to maintain a minimalist and organized lifestyle. It encourages evaluating the utility and value of possessions regularly.

What is the purpose of keeping a wish list according to the speaker?

The purpose of keeping a wish list is to separate the initial impulse to want something from the actual decision to purchase it, which helps in delaying gratification and making more intentional buying decisions.

Why is it recommended not to buy a problem according to the minimalist rules?

It is recommended not to buy a problem because acquiring something to solve an issue may lead to additional problems or expenses, such as needing to buy more items to match or fit with the new purchase.

What does the speaker mean by 'Have a why before you buy'?

The speaker means that one should have a clear and intentional reason for making a purchase, which stems from a need or genuine desire, rather than acting on impulse or external influences.

How does the 'spark joy' rule help in maintaining a minimalist lifestyle?

The 'spark joy' rule helps in maintaining a minimalist lifestyle by encouraging individuals to keep only those items that bring them genuine happiness and joy, and to let go of or avoid purchasing items that do not evoke such positive feelings.

What is the final minimalist rule mentioned by the speaker and why is it significant?

The final rule is 'If I can't pay for it in full today, then I can't afford it.' It is significant because it promotes financial responsibility and intentional spending, discouraging reliance on credit and impulsive purchases.