Sometimes, figuring out what to buy—or when to let something go—feels overwhelming. I’ve found myself hesitating over decisions like whether to replace old headphones or get a new kitchen gadget. On one hand, I don’t want to clutter my home with things I don’t need. On the other, I live in a world where I do need functional items, and sometimes, buying something new is the right choice.
This is where the minimalist one-in, one-out rule comes in. For every new item you bring into your home, you let go of one you no longer need. It’s such a simple idea, but it has helped me make decisions I feel good about.
Here’s how it works for me: If I’m thinking about buying something new, I ask myself, “What will I let go of to make space for this?” Sometimes, identifying the item I’d let go of helps me make the decision. If the thing I’m replacing—like my headphones—is still functional, I pause. Are the new ones really worth it? Will they bring enough value to my life to justify the cost and space they’ll take up?
Other times, I realize it’s time to move on. Maybe the item I’m considering letting go of has already served its purpose, and the new thing would be more useful or more modern. If I can donate, sell, or responsibly discard the old item, it feels even better.
This simple rule keeps me in a minimalist mindset while staying realistic about my needs. It’s not about never buying anything new; it’s about maintaining balance. Instead of adding more and more, the one-in, one-out rule ensures that everything in my home has a place and a purpose. And maybe most importantly, it declutters my mind. I’m not left second-guessing or feeling guilty about my choices.
ACTION: If you’re considering buying something right now, pause and apply the one-in, one-out rule. Ask yourself, “What will I let go of to make space for this?” Let that question guide your decision—whether it’s to buy, wait, or skip altogether.
