The 80/20 Rule Can Simplify Your Life

What if I told you that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts?

It’s true—and it’s called the 80/20 Rule, or the Pareto Principle, named after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. He noticed that 80% of Italy’s wealth was owned by 20% of the population, and that same pattern shows up everywhere—from business to time management to (yes!) home organization.

And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Let me explain how this principle can help you declutter smarter, not harder—and get more peace and productivity in the process.

1. 20% of Your Stuff Gets 80% of the Use

Look around your home:

•  You probably wear the same handful of clothes every week.
•  Cook with the same few pans.
•  Use the same towels, dishes, and tech gadgets.
•  Sit in the same chair in the same room

The rest? Seldom used and taking up space.  Use this insight to declutter with clarity. Ask yourself: Do I really use this, or do I just store it?

Start with:

•  Clothing you haven’t worn in a long while
•  Kitchen tools you forgot you even owned
•  Toiletries “you might use someday,” but never do
•  Holiday Décor that never makes it out of the storage box
•  Sets of sheets, tablecloths,   and towels at the bottom of the pile

Let the 80/20 Rule guide you to keep only what actually supports your current life, not your fantasy self or past self.

2. 20% of the Spaces in Your Home Cause 80% of the Stress

There are always a few spots that cause daily chaos—maybe it’s the junk drawer, the entryway, the desk, or the kitchen counter.

You don’t have to organize your entire house this week. Start with these small-but-mighty areas. Focus on:

•  The spaces you use daily
•  The areas where clutter piles up fastest
•  The places that make you say "ugh" every time you see them

Tackle these first, and you’ll notice a major shift in how your home feels, without overhauling everything.

3. Use the 80/20 Rule to Set Boundaries with Your Time

Your time and energy are limited—so use them wisely. According to the 80/20 Rule, just 20% of your commitments, routines, or relationships likely bring you 80% of your joy, progress, or peace.

That means there’s a lot you can let go of—guilt-free.  Start by asking:

•  Which people or plans truly energize you? Maybe it’s weekly walks with a friend who listens without judgment. Or time spent with your kids when you're not also trying to multitask.
•  Which habits or routines actually improve your day? Think morning journaling, prepping lunches ahead, or 10 minutes of tidying that keeps the chaos at bay.
•  Now consider what’s draining you—what can go?

Here are some examples to try clearing:

•  Attending every volunteer meeting “just because you always have”
•  Constantly checking work email after hours
•  Going to social events that leave you more depleted than uplifted
•  Following people online who make you feel “less than”
•  Overcommitting to errands, groups, or extended family obligations

You’re not saying “no” to be unkind—you’re saying “yes” to the things that matter most. Try pausing or stepping back from just one thing this week and see how much more time and energy opens up.

The 80/20 Rule isn’t about perfection—it’s about permission. Permission to let go of the excess. Permission to focus on what works. Permission to simplify and get results with less effort.

So next time you're facing a pile of clutter, a long to-do list, or a schedule that feels like a runaway train, pause and ask:

What’s the 20% that really matters here?

Start there—and feel the shift.