{"id":7753,"date":"2024-06-06T17:02:22","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T21:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/10-helpful-rules-to-own-less-stuff\/"},"modified":"2024-06-06T17:02:22","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T21:02:22","slug":"10-helpful-rules-to-own-less-stuff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/10-helpful-rules-to-own-less-stuff\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Helpful Rules to Own Less Stuff"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Owning less stuff is freeing, refreshing, and liberating.<\/p>\n

It allows us to spend more time, money, and energy on the things in life that matter most and bring us real lasting joy and meaning.<\/p>\n

But even when we want to own less, and can see through the empty promises of consumerism<\/a>, actually applying that desire to our stuff can be tricky.<\/p>\n

This is a website full of motivation and practical ideas to help you own less. If you\u2019re new, I suggest starting with my Most Popular Posts<\/a>. <\/p>\n

But for today, I want to lay out ten rules to help you own less.<\/p>\n

Will these ten rules solve all of your decluttering questions? I probably wouldn\u2019t go that far.<\/p>\n

But I do think you will find all ten helpful in your desire to own less. And the more you apply them to your home, the less you will own (both now and into the future).<\/p>\n

10 Helpful Rules to Own Less Stuff<\/h3>\n

1. The \u201cOverflowing Space\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whenever a space begins to overflow, it\u2019s a sign to declutter. Regularly assess areas like closets, drawers, shelves, and storage units.<\/p>\n

If they\u2019re filled beyond capacity, it\u2019s time to thin out. And if every<\/em> space in your home is overflowing, start with the easiest, most-lived space and get started there<\/a>. <\/p>\n

2. The \u201cPast Its Life\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Items that represent a past version of yourself or are from past seasons of life\u2014whether it\u2019s clothes that no longer fit your style, hobbies you no longer pursue, or items needed when your kids were younger\u2014can be let go.<\/p>\n

Additionally, this makes room for items that resonate with who you are now<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. The \u201cIf I Own More Than One\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anytime you notice duplicates<\/a> in your home, consider it a great opportunity to minimize. Choose the best and let go of the rest.<\/p>\n

This rule applies to everything from kitchen gadgets to clothing, towels to coffee mugs, and Tupperware to scissors. Reduce redundancy and free up space.<\/p>\n

4. The \u201cCost Doesn\u2019t Count\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t hold onto items just because they were expensive<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The money is already spent and keeping something you don\u2019t use doesn\u2019t bring that value back. Even worse, they tend to make us feel guilty every time we see them.<\/p>\n

Plus, they could bring someone else joy once you decide to remove them.<\/p>\n

5. The \u201cYearly Review\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a super-practical rule to help you determine necessity: if you haven\u2019t used something in the past year, chances are you won\u2019t need it in the future.<\/p>\n

This is especially true for clothing and gadgets.<\/p>\n

6. The \u201cBorrow Rather Than Own\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead of purchasing items you\u2019ll use only once or twice, consider borrowing or renting them.<\/p>\n

This reduces clutter and also saves money.<\/p>\n

I know this is crazy thinking nowadays, but if a neighbor or family member owns the thing you need to use, you don\u2019t need to buy your own.<\/p>\n

7. The \u201cSingle Item, Multiple Use\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opt for items that can serve multiple purposes, particularly in the kitchen. There used to be a decluttering website when I first started blogging that created a satirical list of \u201cunitaskers\u201d (things like banana slicers<\/a>). It was always hilarious the items they would find to feature. Avoid unitaskers. <\/p>\n

This not only saves space but also simplifies your setup, making cooking more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

8. The \u201cShopping Holiday\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

One month, every year, decide to buy nothing but groceries and consumables.<\/p>\n

This one month, done annually, will do wonders to help you get ahead in your budget (just imagine getting a credit card statement once\/year with $0 due).<\/p>\n

But more than than, it will help reset your spending for the rest of the year. Plus, when you call it a \u201cHoliday,\u201d that just sounds fun doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

9. The \u201cFad Filter\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Be critical of trendy items<\/a> that often promise more than they deliver. Fads come and go quickly (think: Beanie Babies, Stanley Cups, Fidget Spinners, Hard Rock Cafe T-shirts. Cold Plunge Tubs) and rarely offer any lasting benefit to our lives\u2014other than proving that we can buy whatever everyone else is buying.<\/p>\n

This rule helps you avoid accumulating items that quickly become obsolete or lose their appeal.<\/p>\n

10. The \u201cClear Counters\u201d Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maintaining clear countertops<\/a> not only enhances the look of your kitchen but also makes it more functional and enjoyable to use.<\/p>\n

This rule encourages maintaining cleanliness and order daily.<\/p>\n

These ten rules, I believe, if you apply them in your home, will bring about a brand new way of thinking about possessions. In fact, by following just a few of them, you\u2019ll find it easier to make decisions about what stays and what goes.<\/p>\n

And trust me: You\u2019ll love owning less.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Profit<\/a>
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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