Step 4: Make Decisions with Clarity, Not Guilt
The hardest part of decluttering is making the actual decisions. It’s easy to get bogged down by guilt (“Aunt Carol gave me this”), obligation (“I spent so much money on it”), or fear (“What if I need it someday?”). To cut through this emotional fog, you need clear, objective rules. Here are a few of the most effective decision-making frameworks for downsizing.
The 90/90 Rule: This rule, from The Minimalists, is brilliantly simple. Pick up an item and ask yourself two questions: Have I used this in the last 90 days? And, Will I use it in the next 90 days? If the answer to both is no, it’s a strong candidate for letting go. This helps you focus on your current and near-future life, not a hypothetical one.
The 20/20 Rule: For those “just in case” items, this rule is a lifesaver. Ask yourself: Could I replace this for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes? For many things—like that extra can opener or a specific type of craft supply—the answer is yes. This rule gives you permission to let go of duplicates and rarely used items, knowing they are easily replaceable if a true need ever arises.
The One-Touch Rule: This is more of a process rule, but it’s critical for efficiency. When you are sorting, aim to touch each item only once. Pick it up, make a decision using the rules above, and immediately place it in the appropriate box (Keep, Donate, etc.). Do not put it down to think about later. This prevents churning and keeps you moving forward.
When it comes to sentimental items, the rules can be gentler. You don’t have to get rid of everything that brings you joy. The question becomes, what to keep when downsizing? The key is to be selective. Instead of keeping a whole set of inherited china you never use, keep one teacup and saucer to display on a shelf. Instead of a box of your child’s artwork, take high-quality photos and create a small photo book. This honors the memory without requiring the physical storage space. The goal is to curate your most treasured memories, not to be a curator of a museum.
