Why I Don’t Use the $20 Decluttering Rule (and You Shouldn’t Either)

Inside: Learn what the $20 decluttering rule is and why I don’t use it and perhaps you shouldn’t either.

Decluttering your home can feel like both a liberating and a daunting process.

With numerous methods, rules, and advice available for clearing your space, it can be challenging to know what is helpful and what isn’t.

The $20 rule is a popular decluttering tactic that some people love. But it’s not for everyone.

Today we’re going to dive into why this particular decluttering rule may not be the most effective approach and we’ll share some alternative strategies for simplifying your space.

Read on to learn what the $20 decluttering rule is, why I don’t use it, and why maybe you shouldn’t either.

What is the $20 decluttering rule?

The $20 decluttering rule is also called the 20/20 rule and was created by The Minimalists. Here’s their explanation of how it works:

“Anything we get rid of that we truly need, we can replace for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from our current location.” 

The $20 decluttering rule suggests that if you are unsure about discarding an item, ask yourself if it could be replaced for $20 or less. If the answer is yes, then it’s deemed dispensable.

The goal of the rule is to help people let go of someday items that they were keeping just in case.

And while this rule seems practical on the surface, it has several shortcomings that could undermine your decluttering efforts and prevent progress.

5 Reasons Why I Don’t Use the $20 Decluttering Rule

Not all decluttering advice works for everyone so it’s important to carefully consider your needs and priorities as you consider various approaches. Here are five reasons why I don’t use the $20 decluttering rule:

1. Potentially Costly

The $20 rule can often create a false sense of economy. Just because an item can be replaced for $20 doesn’t mean that discarding it and potentially repurchasing later is a financially wise decision.

Small amounts add up over time. Regularly rebuying items, even if they’re inexpensive, can lead to unnecessary costs and contribute to the cycle of consumption, which is exactly the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve.

The theory with the rule is that you’d be unlikely to need to replace the items you let go of. However, when you get on a roll with decluttering and have a guideline that gives you license to get rid of more it’s easy to go overboard with decluttering and later regret some things you let go of.

And if that happens, you spend more money replacing the items you mistakenly decluttered.

2. Emotional Value

Not all items can be assessed by their monetary value. Some possessions have sentimental worth that can’t be measured in dollars.

The $20 decluttering rule doesn’t address the potential emotional attachment someone may have to an inexpensive item. Whether it is a memento from a memorable trip or an item given by a loved one, these items have an emotional value that can’t simply be replaced or priced.

When you’re overly focused on the monetary value of an item, you may overlook the meaning it holds for you.

3. Environmental Impact

One of the core values of simplifying and minimalism is being thoughtful of our environmental impact. Decluttering using the $20 rule can encourage a disposable mindset, leading to more consumer waste.

This cycle is not sustainable and creates additional waste. It’s important to consider how our decisions impact the environment and to prioritize sustainability over convenience.

Discarding cheap items and potentially having to replace them isn’t a great solution.

4. Doesn’t Encourage Mindfulness

Decluttering is about being thoughtful about what we own and why. Letting go should help us foster a deeper understanding of our relationship with our possessions.

The $20 decluttering rule is often too simplistic and transaction-based, missing the opportunity for reflection and intentional decision-making.

By focusing solely on an item’s monetary replacement value, we don’t gain clarity on what we own and why. To be more intentional with shopping we need to consider our past purchasing decisions and use them to inform the choices we make going forward.

The goal of simplifying it is to end the cycle of clutter in the home. Reducing impulse purchases and being more thoughtful about what you bring into a space helps to achieve that. Haphazardly getting rid of items that are in theory easily replaced does not.

5. The Hidden Costs

Replacing an item isn’t just about the money it costs you. Consider the time and effort required to find and repurchase the same or similar item.

This can lead to added stress and inconvenience, detracting from the simplicity you’re trying to achieve. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll find an identical replacement, which can result in frustration.

You’d be better off taking a slow approach to the decluttering process rather than getting rid of items simply because they were inexpensive.

4 Alternatives to the $20 Decluttering Rule

Instead of relying on the $20 rule, here are some alternative minimalist rules that can guide you through a more thoughtful decluttering journey.

The 80/20 Rule

This concept, often referred to as Pareto’s Principle, highlights how a small percentage of causes typically lead to a large percentage of outcomes.

The 80/20 rule has been applied in various contexts.

With time management, this principle suggests that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. This means that a small fraction of your clients may generate the majority of your sales and most decisions during meetings are made in a short portion of the time.

When it comes to our wardrobes, we often find that we wear only 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. This insight can be a helpful guideline as you declutter your closet.

By applying this principle to other areas of your home, you will gain clarity in seeing which items you truly love and use (and which are extra unnecessary stuff).

The 90/90 Rule

When evaluating what has turned into clutter in your home, the 90/90 rule can be a valuable guideline.

This rule involves two key questions for each item you own:

1. Have you used it in the last 90 days?
2. If not, do you plan to use it in the next 90 days?

While there are certainly exceptions—such as seasonal clothing if you live in an area with distinct seasons—this rule can help you identify which items aren’t being used and aren’t likely to be used.

As you identify what clutter is, it becomes easier to let it go.

The One-In-One-Out Rule

Thinking about bringing something new into your home? That’s perfectly fine, but it comes with a catch: you need to let go of something else.

Planning to get a new pair of jeans? Find at least one old pair to donate.

Excited about a new piece of artwork? Find a decor item or two in your home that you’re ready to part with.

This approach helps you avoid unnecessary purchases, especially if you truly appreciate what you already own and hesitate to part with anything.

When you decide to make a purchase, the “one in, one out” rule keeps you from accumulating more items.

By committing to removing an item (or two) for every new item you bring in, you encourage yourself to be more intentional about your decisions.

The 2-Minute Rule

The 2-minute rule is a simple yet effective strategy for keeping your space tidy after decluttering.

Many of us tend to procrastinate, tossing the mail on the kitchen counter to deal with later or leaving dirty dishes in the sink instead of rinsing and loading them into the dishwasher. Small tasks, like wiping down counters or folding laundry, can pile up and create an overwhelming workload.

By adopting the 2-minute rule, you commit to tackling any task that will take two minutes or less immediately—no putting it off. This habit helps keep your home clean and organized with minimal effort.

Whether it’s paying a bill or clearing clutter from your countertop, taking care of these quick tasks right away keeps your to-do list manageable.

It may seem minor, but this approach can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities or the clutter in your physical space. By cultivating these decluttering habits, you can maintain a clutter-free home with ease.

Final Thoughts on the $20 Decluttering Rule

While the $20 rule may seem like a convenient guideline for decluttering, it has several limitations that should be considered as it could hinder your journey to a simpler life.

Keep in mind that decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of items. It’s about making conscious choices that enhance your quality of life.

Instead of focusing solely on an item’s monetary replacement value, consider its overall impact on your happiness, finances, and the environment. By doing so you’ll find greater satisfaction in your decluttering efforts and cultivate a living space that you love.

What do you think about the $20 decluttering rule? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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