http://www.getorganizedwithmaria.com/

Get Organized With Maria, Forked River, NJ (2026)

03/08/2026

03/02/2026

Good list

10 Minimalist Rules That Changed My Life

1. The “House On Fire” Rule

When our luggage got lost on a trip, I had this weird realization…

I didn’t really care.

If I never saw most of those clothes again, it wouldn’t have changed my happiness at all.

Now I ask myself:
If this disappeared tomorrow… would it really matter?

Most of the time, the answer is no.

The stuff we own ends up owning us.
The less I have, the calmer I feel.

2. The 20/20 Rule

If I can replace it for under $20 in under 20 minutes… I let it go.

We keep so much “just in case” stuff.

I’ve almost never had to rebuy anything I’ve decluttered using this rule.

3. The Box Rule

Not sure about something?
Put it in a box. Set a reminder for 6 months.

If you never open the box… you didn’t need it.

Donate the whole thing.

4. The 2-Day Rule

Never miss a habit two days in a row.

Miss one workout? Fine.
Miss one morning reading session? Fine.

But never two.

That rule alone has kept me consistent for years.

5. Invest in Experiences (Not Stuff)

New stuff is exciting for about… a week.

Experiences change you.

Trips. Time with family. Learning something new.

That’s where the real return is.

6. If It Doesn’t Have a Home, It Doesn’t Belong

Every single thing in my house has a place.

If it doesn’t… it becomes clutter.

This rule alone stopped the random piles.

7. Stop Buying for Other People

A lot of purchases are about validation.

New phone. Nicer car. Trendy clothes.

Now I ask:
Do I actually need this?
Or do I just want people to think I do?

That question has saved me thousands.

8. The 90% Rule

If it’s not a 9/10, it’s a no.

Clothes. Opportunities. Commitments.

If it’s not a “heck yes,” I pass.

Now everything I own is my favorite.
And my calendar isn’t overloaded.

9. The 2-Minute Rule

If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately.

Put the dish away.
Send the email.
Hang up the jacket.

Small actions prevent big messes.

10. The Nightly Reset

Before bed, I reset the house.

Dishwasher loaded.
Coffee ready.
Clothes laid out.

Mornings feel calm instead of chaotic.

⸻

None of these are extreme.

But together? They completely changed how my home feels… and how my mind feels.

40+ minimalist tips in the comments

03/02/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVYi-0fDxTc/?igsh=MTduZmswZHkzcTJzaA==

02/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dHbmG59ZT/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/16/2026

Simply the best! They make it happen every time. Don’t know where I would be without them in our back pocket ❤️https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14Ln1WjpzG3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/01/2026

https://www.napogetorganized.com/2026/01/01/why-we-keep-too-much-stuff-and-how-small-steps-toward-organization-can-transform-daily-life/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

By Nicole Ramer, CPO®, SMM-C®, Senior Home Coach™ Most of us never intend for clutter to take over our homes. Yet slowly—overstuffed drawers, “just for now” piles, boxes we plan to …